View source for Help:Custom domains

{{Help center|cd|header=Custom domains|description=All WikiForge plans include custom domain support. Learn how to set yours up on WikiForge.}}
{{#seo:|title=Custom domains - WikiForge}}
<center>[[Special:RequestSSL|<span class="mw-ui-button mw-ui-progressive mw-ui-big">File custom domain request</span>]]</center>
All WikiForge plans include '''free custom domain support'''. Instead of having to use ''mywiki''.your.wf (a [[mw:Special:MyLanguage/Subdomain|subdomain]] of ''your.wf''), you can use your own domain (e.g., ''mywiki.com'', ''wiki.domain.com'', etc.).

== Steps == 
Setting up a custom domain is as easy as following '''3''' steps:

# '''Buy a domain'''. 
#:To set up a custom domain, you first need to buy one. There are many reputable registrars such as [https://www.namecheap.com Namecheap] where you can purchase a domain. '''Don't want to pay money for a domain?''' Click [[#free|here]] for free domain services.
#'''Point it to WikiForge (<u>mw-lb.your.wf</u>)'''. 
#:Once you have a domain, you'll need to point it to WikiForge. Please create a CNAME record for the subdomain you want your wiki on (e.g., "wiki.") pointing to <u>'''mw-lb.your.wf'''</u>. '''''Do not point it to your wiki's subdomain'''''.
#:{{Note}} If you are using Cloudflare as your DNS provider, you'll need to make sure some settings aren't set or the subdomain won't work. Click [[#CloudFlare|here]] to learn more.
# '''Make the request!''' 
#: Once you've done the steps above, click the "File custom domain request" button. 

Need help with any of the steps or have a question? Please [[Help:Contact us|contact us]]!

== Note for CloudFlare users {{Anchor|CloudFlare}}==
CloudFlare users '''must turn off''' CloudFlare's DDoS/Origin IP protection system/workers. This is '''not negotiable'''. With it enabled, we cannot process SSL certificate requests, and it creates problems with our internal systems, including security issues. 

Follow the steps to find out how to disable CloudFlare DDoS/Origin IP protection system (assuming you're using the [https://dash.cloudflare.com dash.cloudflare.com] dashboard).

# Go to dash.cloudflare.com
# Click your domain in the dashboard.
# Go to "DNS".
# Add <code>CNAME</code> entry to <code>mw-lb.your.wf</code>. '''The cloud with an arrow must be grey'''. If it is yellow, click it to make it grey. 

# <li value="5">Click "Add Record". The result has to look like the last image.

If you are done with this, continue back on the steps above.

{{note}} Not following the rules above will result in your custom domain being removed immediately and further action being taken if necessary. In case of any doubt, feel free to contact us at sre{{@}}wikiforge.net or ask on the Phorge task you create.

== FAQ ==
=== What services can I use to get a free domain?{{Anchor|free}} ===

If you don't wish to pay for a domain of your own, there are services that offer free domains and subdomains that you can use instead. Remember that all WikiForge wikis automatically get a free subdomain on your.wf.

; Free (sub)domain providers:
* [https://freedns.afraid.org FreeDNS] (provides free subdomains)
* [https://www.freenom.com/en/freeandpaiddomains.html Freenom] (provides free domains ending in .cf, .gq, .ml, and .tk)

=== Can I change the URL structure? ===
Yes! You can omit the <code>/wiki/</code> part of your wiki's URLs by visiting [[Special:ManageWiki]] (on your wiki) and changing the value of the {{int:wikiforge-label-managewiki-article-path}} field. You can do this with or without a custom domain.

[[Category:Documentation]]