Custom Domain and Cloudflare DNS

Add the custom domain to the hosting provider before changing Cloudflare DNS. The host will provide the target hostname.

Subdomain Example

For a subdomain such as www.examplelaw.com, create a CNAME record:

Type: CNAME
Name: www
Target: your-site.netlify.app
Proxy: DNS only during certificate provisioning

Use generic hostnames until the hosting provider gives the exact value.

SSL Mode

After the hosting certificate is active, Cloudflare SSL should generally be set to Full (Strict) when the origin has a valid certificate.

Apex Domains

Do not replace an apex A record already used by another website unless you intend to move that website. If the main domain is already used, deploy the theme on a subdomain or follow the host’s apex-domain instructions carefully.

Propagation

DNS and SSL changes can take minutes or hours. During that window, visitors may see certificate warnings, old content, or inconsistent results.