What are Custom Domains?

Custom domains allow you to use your own domain name for file transfers instead of the default Transfer-PCM domain. This gives your transfers a more professional appearance and helps with branding. You can use multiple domains and even create custom subdomains for different purposes.

How to Access Domain Management

• Main Navigation: Click "Domains" in the top navigation menu
• Dashboard: Access domains from the dashboard sidebar
• Direct URL: Navigate to /domains in your browser
• Transfer Creation: Select domains when creating transfers

How to Use Custom Domains

Adding a New Domain

To add a custom domain to your account:

1. Go to the "Domains" page
2. Click "Add Domain" or "Create Domain"
3. Enter your domain information:
   • Domain Name: Your custom domain (e.g., files.yourcompany.com)
   • Type: Choose between main domain or additional domain
   • Status: Set as active or inactive
4. Click "Create Domain" to save

Domain Configuration

After adding a domain, you need to configure it:

DNS Configuration

• CNAME Record: Point your domain to Transfer-PCM's servers
• A Record: Alternative method for domain pointing
• SSL Certificate: Automatic SSL certificate generation
• Propagation Time: DNS changes may take up to 48 hours

Domain Settings

• Domain Name: The custom domain you want to use
• Status: Active (in use) or inactive (disabled)
• Type: Main domain or additional domain
• SSL Status: Whether SSL certificate is active

Managing Domains

Once configured, you can manage your domains:

Domain Actions

• Edit: Modify domain settings and configuration
• Enable/Disable: Activate or deactivate domains
• Delete: Remove domains from your account
• SSL Status: Check and manage SSL certificates

Domain Statistics

• Usage Count: How many transfers use this domain
• Traffic Stats: Pageviews and downloads through this domain
• Performance: Domain response times and uptime

Using Domains with Transfers

When creating transfers, you can select which domain to use:

Domain Selection

• Default Domain: Use the main Transfer-PCM domain
• Custom Domain: Choose from your configured domains
• Domain Priority: Set preferred domains for transfers

Transfer URLs

• Custom URLs: Transfers use your domain instead of default
• Professional Appearance: Branded URLs for better credibility
• Consistent Branding: Maintain your brand across all transfers

Domain Features

Domain Types

Transfer-PCM supports different types of domains:

Main Domain

• Primary Domain: Your main custom domain
• Default Selection: Automatically selected for new transfers
• Branding Focus: Represents your main brand

Additional Domains

• Multiple Domains: Use several domains for different purposes
• Project-specific: Different domains for different projects
• Client-specific: Custom domains for different clients

Subdomains

• Subdomain Support: Use subdomains of your main domain
• Organization: Organize transfers by subdomain
• Examples: files.company.com, docs.company.com

SSL and Security

SSL Certificates

• Automatic SSL: SSL certificates are automatically generated
• HTTPS Support: All custom domains support HTTPS
• Security: Encrypted connections for all transfers
• Certificate Management: Automatic renewal and management

Security Features

• HTTPS Enforcement: All transfers use secure connections
• SSL Monitoring: Automatic SSL certificate monitoring
• Security Headers: Proper security headers for all domains

Custom URL Features

Custom URL Creation

Create memorable, branded URLs for your transfers:

URL Structure

• Format: https://yourdomain.com/transfer-name
• Custom Slugs: Create memorable URL endings
• Branding: Include your brand in the URL

URL Customization

• Custom Slugs: Choose the URL ending for transfers
• Branded URLs: Include your company name in URLs
• SEO-friendly: Create URLs that are search-engine friendly

URL Management

URL Settings

• URL Format: Choose how URLs are generated
• Custom Slugs: Set custom URL endings
• URL Preview: Preview how URLs will look

URL Analytics

• URL Performance: Track how custom URLs perform
• Click Tracking: Monitor clicks on custom URLs
• Conversion Rates: Track download rates from custom URLs

What to Expect

Domain Setup

• Domains are added immediately to your account
• DNS configuration may take up to 48 hours to propagate
• SSL certificates are automatically generated
• You can start using domains once DNS is configured

Domain Performance

• Custom domains perform as fast as the main domain
• SSL certificates ensure secure connections
• Automatic failover to main domain if custom domain fails
• Real-time monitoring of domain health

URL Generation

• Custom URLs are generated instantly
• URLs are SEO-friendly and memorable
• Custom slugs can be changed at any time
• URLs work across all devices and browsers

Domain Configuration Guide

DNS Setup Instructions

To configure your custom domain:

Step 1: Add Domain in Transfer-PCM

1. Go to Domains page
2. Click "Add Domain"
3. Enter your domain name
4. Save the domain

Step 2: Configure DNS Records

1. Log into your domain registrar or DNS provider
2. Add a CNAME record:
   • Name: Your subdomain (e.g., "files")
   • Value: The Transfer-PCM domain provided
   • TTL: 3600 (or default)
3. Save the DNS record

Step 3: Wait for Propagation

• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours
• Check domain status in Transfer-PCM
• SSL certificate will be generated automatically

Common DNS Configurations

Subdomain Setup

• Example: files.yourcompany.com
• CNAME Record: files → transfer.pixelcloudmedia.com
• Use Case: File sharing for your company

Root Domain Setup

• Example: yourcompany.com
• A Record: @ → Transfer-PCM IP address
• Use Case: Main company domain for transfers

Common Issues and Tips

Domain Setup Issues

• DNS Not Propagated: Wait up to 48 hours for DNS changes
• SSL Certificate Pending: SSL takes time to generate
• Wrong DNS Record: Double-check CNAME or A record
• Domain Not Active: Ensure domain is enabled in Transfer-PCM

Domain Management Tips

• Use descriptive domain names for different purposes
• Set up SSL certificates for all domains
• Monitor domain performance regularly
• Keep DNS records updated
• Test domains before using them for important transfers

URL Best Practices

• Use short, memorable custom slugs
• Include relevant keywords in URLs
• Keep URLs consistent with your branding
• Avoid special characters in custom slugs
• Test URLs before sharing with clients

Domain Analytics

Domain Performance Tracking

Monitor how your custom domains perform:

Domain Metrics

• Usage Statistics: How many transfers use each domain
• Traffic Analysis: Pageviews and downloads per domain
• Performance Data: Response times and uptime
• Geographic Distribution: Where domain traffic comes from

Domain Comparison

• Performance Comparison: Compare domains side by side
• Traffic Patterns: Analyze traffic patterns across domains
• Conversion Rates: Track download rates by domain

URL Analytics

• URL Performance: Track how custom URLs perform
• Click Tracking: Monitor clicks on custom URLs
• Conversion Analysis: Analyze download rates from custom URLs
• URL Optimization: Use data to improve URL strategies

Advanced Domain Features

Domain Automation

• Auto-assignment: Automatically assign domains to transfers
• Domain Rules: Set conditions for domain selection
• Smart Routing: Route transfers to appropriate domains

Domain Integration

• API Access: Manage domains programmatically
• Webhook Support: Get notifications for domain events
• Third-party Integration: Integrate with external domain services

Domain Security

• SSL Monitoring: Automatic SSL certificate monitoring
• Security Headers: Proper security headers for all domains
• DDoS Protection: Protection against distributed attacks
• Domain Verification: Verify domain ownership

Domain Limits and Plans

Plan Features

• Free Plans: Limited to main domain only
• Premium Plans: Multiple custom domains allowed
• Enterprise Plans: Unlimited domains and advanced features

Domain Limits

• Domain Count: Number of domains you can add
• SSL Certificates: Automatic SSL for all domains
• Traffic Limits: Monthly traffic limits per domain
• Storage Limits: Storage allocation per domain