# Setting Up a Custom Domain

Serve your docs from a domain you own — like `help.yoursite.com` — instead of the default `yourproject.clayo.app`. You point your DNS at Clayo, and we issue and renew the SSL certificate automatically. The whole setup takes just a few minutes.

## Add your domain

In the Clayo web app, go to **Settings** and find the **Custom domain** section. Enter your domain (for example, `docs.yoursite.com`) and save.

You'll need to be a project **owner** or **admin** to manage custom domains.

:::callout{type="info"}
We recommend using a subdomain like `help.` or `docs.` rather than your root domain — your main site stays where it is, and subdomains are simpler to set up.
:::

## Add the DNS records

After you save, Clayo shows the exact records to add at your DNS provider. Copy the values from your settings page — they look like this:

::::tabs

:::tab{label="Subdomain"}
Add a **CNAME** record pointing your subdomain at Clayo, plus a **TXT** record that proves you own the domain:

| Type  | Host                 | Value                        |
| ----- | -------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| CNAME | `docs.yoursite.com`  | shown in your settings       |
| TXT   | `_clayo.docs.yoursite.com` | `clayo-domain-verify=...` |
:::

:::tab{label="Root domain"}
Root domains (like `yoursite.com` with no subdomain) can't use a CNAME, so Clayo gives you **A** record values instead, plus the same **TXT** record:

| Type | Host                  | Value                        |
| ---- | --------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| A    | `yoursite.com`        | shown in your settings       |
| TXT  | `_clayo.yoursite.com` | `clayo-domain-verify=...`    |
:::

::::

The TXT record's value is unique to your project — it's how Clayo confirms the domain is really yours before connecting it.

:::callout{type="warning"}
DNS changes usually take effect within a few minutes, but can take up to a few hours depending on your provider.
:::

## Verify and go live

Once the records are in place, click **Recheck** in your settings. Your domain moves through these statuses:

- **Pending DNS** — Clayo is waiting for your DNS records to resolve
- **Needs verification** — extra ownership records are required (Clayo shows them when this applies)
- **Active** — your docs are live on your domain, with SSL

There's nothing else to configure. As soon as the status turns **Active**, your docs site, search, and AI answers are all served from your domain.

## Your clayo.app URL keeps working

Adding a custom domain doesn't remove your default `yourproject.clayo.app` address — both continue to work, so any links you've already shared stay valid.

## Removing a custom domain

You can remove your custom domain at any time from the same settings section. Your docs immediately fall back to your `clayo.app` address.

:::callout{type="warning"}
After removing a domain from Clayo, also delete the DNS records at your provider. A dangling record pointed at a host you no longer use could be claimed by someone else.
:::