Current cPanel groups website hostnames in the Domains interface. Older instructions that refer to separate Addon Domains, Aliases or Subdomains icons may not match your account. The important choice is which folder each hostname should serve.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Information to have ready
Decide whether the new name should show the primary website, host a separate website, or send visitors to another URL. Domain registration, DNS, website hosting and redirection are separate operations. Adding a name in cPanel does not register it.
01 Choose and create the correct domain type
- Open Domains and review the existing names and their Document Root paths. Record the path for the website you are changing.
- Select Create a New Domain and enter the full hostname. For a subdomain, enter a name such as
blog.example.com. - To serve the same files as the primary website, retain the shared document root option when offered. To host an independent site, clear that option and choose a distinct folder.
- Submit the form, then create the required DNS records at the authoritative DNS provider. Arrange SSL and upload content to the displayed document root.
- If the goal is a visitor redirect, configure Redirects rather than assuming shared files automatically create an HTTP redirect.
02 Example: choose the right behavior for each hostname
| Hostname | Intended behavior | Choice to review |
|---|---|---|
| example.net | Show the same website as example.com | A shared document root, followed by the required DNS and certificate setup. |
| shop.example.com | Run an independent shop | A separate document root containing the shop files. |
| old.example.com | Send visitors to a new public address | An HTTP redirect to the intended destination. |
These names are examples. Confirm the actual document-root path in your Domains screen before uploading or removing files. Sharing a folder and redirecting a visitor produce different results.
Confirm the expected result
Return to Domains and confirm both the hostname and folder. Test the site and any www variant only after DNS and SSL are ready.
Why are domain controls missing or two domains showing the same files?
A missing domain control or exhausted quota reflects the service’s features or limits. Ask support before trying to bypass it. If two sites display the same files unexpectedly, compare their document roots before deleting either domain.