Alias or Addon Domain? Choosing the right domain type

The Domains function in cPanel may look simple at first: you enter a domain name, enable or disable one checkbox, and save the change. Technically, however, this decision has an important effect. It determines whether cPanel creates a separate directory for the new domain or whether the domain uses the same directory as your main domain.

This article explains in detail when to use an addon domain, when an alias domain is the better choice, what the document root means, and what you should consider regarding email, SSL, DNS and redirects.

What Is the Document Root?

The document root is the directory on your hosting account from which a domain’s website files are served. When a visitor opens your website, the web server looks inside this directory for the relevant files, such as index.php, index.html or the files of a content management system such as WordPress.

On many cPanel accounts, the main domain usually uses the public_html/ directory. Additional domains can either point to the same directory or use their own subdirectory, for example public_html/my-second-domain.ch/. This decision determines whether you are creating an alias domain or an addon domain.

Addon Domain: A Separate Website Within the Same Hosting Account

An addon domain is an additional domain in your cPanel account that can display its own independent website. It is the right choice when you want to run several separate projects within the same hosting package.

Example: Your main domain is mycompany.ch. You also want to run a separate website for a new project under myproject.ch. This second website should have its own content, its own WordPress installation, its own files and possibly its own email addresses. In this case, you should use an addon domain.

When creating an addon domain in cPanel, disable the option “Share document root with the main domain”. You can then define a separate directory for this domain. In many cases, cPanel automatically suggests a suitable folder name, for example public_html/myproject.ch/. This is where you upload the website files or install your CMS.

Alias Domain: A Second Domain for the Same Website

An alias domain displays the same content as your main domain. It does not have its own website directory. Instead, it uses the same document root as the main domain. In the past, this type of domain was often called a “parked domain”.

Alias domains are useful when several domain names should lead to the same website. This can be helpful for marketing, brand protection or customer convenience.

Example: Your main domain is curiaweb.ch. You also own an alternative spelling, such as curia-web.ch, or an additional domain extension such as curiaweb.com. These domains should not show separate websites; they should lead to the same website. In this case, an alias domain is the correct choice.

Addon Domain and Alias Domain Compared

Step by Step: Creating an Addon Domain in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. In the Domains section, open the Domains function.
3. Click Create A New Domain.
4. Enter the desired domain, for example myproject.ch.
5. Disable the option “Share document root with the main domain”.
6. Check the suggested folder or enter your own directory.
7. Save the domain.
8. Upload your website files to the new directory or install your website application there.

Step by Step: Creating an Alias Domain in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Open Domains > Domains.
3. Select Create A New Domain.
4. Enter the additional domain, for example mycompany.com.
5. Leave the option “Share document root with the main domain” enabled.
6. Save the domain.
7. Check whether the domain displays the same content correctly.
8. If necessary, configure a redirect to your preferred main domain.

Important Notes About DNS, SSL and Email

For an additional domain to work, it is not enough to add it in cPanel. The domain must also be registered and point to the correct server. This is done via nameservers or DNS records such as A records. If the DNS configuration is incorrect, cPanel may still be able to manage the domain, but visitors may not be able to reach your website.

SSL certificates are also important. After adding a domain, check whether a valid SSL certificate is available for that domain. Only then should you enable automatic HTTPS redirection. If HTTPS redirection is activated before a valid certificate is available, visitors may see browser security warnings.

For email addresses, the general principle is: once the domain exists correctly in your cPanel account and your hosting package includes email functionality, addresses such as info@your-additional-domain.ch can usually be created. However, MX records must be configured correctly if email should be handled by CURIAWEB or by an external mail provider.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Creating an addon domain as an alias by mistake

A common mistake is leaving the shared document root option enabled when creating the domain. The domain will then show the same content as the main domain, even though a separate website was intended. Always check the document root path before saving.

2. Uploading files to the wrong directory

For an addon domain, the website files must be uploaded to that domain’s own directory. If you accidentally upload files to public_html/, you may change the main website instead of the new domain.

3. The domain is not registered or does not point to the server

A domain must be registered and must point to the correct hosting server through DNS. After DNS changes, it may take some time until the update is visible worldwide, depending on DNS caches and providers.

4. Several domains show the same content without an SEO concept

If several domains display the same content, you should define which domain is the preferred main domain. From an SEO perspective, a permanent redirect to the main domain is often advisable so that search engines do not evaluate duplicate content inconsistently.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose an addon domain if you want to run an additional, independent website. This is the right choice for new projects, separate business areas, independent brands, landing pages with their own structure or additional WordPress installations.

Choose an alias domain if an additional domain should show the same website as your main domain. This is useful for alternative spellings, additional domain extensions, brand protection or domains that should lead visitors to your existing website.

If you are unsure, ask the most important question first: Should this domain have its own website? If yes, use an addon domain. If no, use an alias domain or configure a redirect to your main domain.