Two ways to use a domain
In the modern cPanel interface, all domains are created in the same menu. However, technically it makes a big difference whether you check a certain box or not. Here is how to know what you need.
Addon Domain
(Separate Website)
What it is: A completely independent website with its own content, its own email accounts, and its own folder on the server.
When to use? When you want to start a second, completely different project (e.g., my-new-company.com) under your hosting plan.
In cPanel: The "Share document root" field remains unchecked/disabled.
Alias Domain
(Mirroring)
What it is: A domain that displays exactly the same content as your primary domain. It does not have its own folder.
When to use? When you want to catch typo domains (e.g., curia-web.ch pointing to curiaweb.ch) or reserve the .com version of your site.
In cPanel: The checkbox "Share document root with the main domain" is enabled.
info@addon-domain.com) for both variants, as long as the domain is correctly added to cPanel.Summary: Which directory?
Pay attention to this when uploading via FTP:
- Addon Domains: Usually have a subfolder in
public_html/yourdomain.com. - Alias Domains: Use the main
public_html/folder.
