DNS record specifications for sending emails via Creatio

This article covers the required DNS records for domain validation as well as potential issues that might arise. Learn more about how to find required record values: Validate a sender domain for marketing emails.

The DNS administrator must add the following DNS records to make your sender domain valid for use in Creatio:

• SPF record
• DKIM record
• CNAME record
• MX record (only for the Sendgrid provider)

note

Domain validation after making these changes can take up to 24 hours.

Add SPF record

SPF (Sender policy framework) is required to validate domains. SPF helps verify that emails are sent from authorized servers. It makes them less likely to go to spam and helps protect the domain from misuse. If no SPF record exists yet, create a TXT record that contains the following:

Parameter	Value
Host name	Look it up in the target Creatio instance.
TTL	1 hour
Value	Look it up in the target Creatio instance.

If the SPF record already exists, edit the TXT record and merge existing values. For example, your domain already has the record:

v=spfl a mx include:_spf.google.com ~all

In this case, you need to add this value:

include:_spf.elasticemail.com

The record must look like this:

v=spfl a mx include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.elasticemail.com ~all

Possible issues and fixes

• Missing provider include: add the required include, for example, include:_spf.sendgrid.net.
• Incorrect merge with existing SPF: append new values before ~all, do not overwrite.
• Syntax errors: ensure the record starts with v=spf1 and has correct format.
• Too many DNS lookups: reduce includes or use SPF flattening.
• DNS propagation delay: wait up to 24 hours and check again.

Add DKIM record

DKIM (Domain keys identified mail) is required to validate domain. DKIM helps show that emails are real and belong to the company. It makes them less likely to go to spam and helps protect against fake emails. To add DKIM, create a TXT record in DNS:

Parameter	Value
Host name	Look it up in the target Creatio instance.
TTL	1 hour
Value	Look it up in the target Creatio instance.

Possible issues and fixes

• Incorrect selector/host: copy the exact value provided.
• Invalid public key: copy the value without spaces or missing characters.
• Wrong record type: use TXT record.
• Formatting issues: ensure full value is preserved.
• DKIM not enabled: enable it in provider settings.
• DNS propagation delay: wait up to 24 hours and check again.

Add CNAME record

CNAME (Canonical name) helps verify domain ownership and improve email deliverability. CNAME is not required to validate domain. Without it, domain will still work, but some email providers might not trust sent messages fully. If needed, add the following CNAME record:

Parameter	Value
Host name	tracking
Value	Look it up in the target Creatio instance. Learn more: Validate a sender domain for marketing emails.

Possible issues and fixes

• Incorrect host: use the exact hostname.
• Existing CNAME conflict: remove duplicates.
• Incorrect target: match the provider value exactly.
• Proxy/CDN issues: disable proxy (DNS only).
• Not configured: add the CNAME record for better deliverability.
• DNS propagation delay: wait up to 24 hours and check again.

Add MX record (only for the Sendgrid provider)

MX is required to validate domain. MX defines the mail servers for a domain and is required for sender validation. Mail servers check it against the sender’s IP address. If the address is missing or mismatched, emails might be denied. MX records also use priorities (0 = highest) and can have multiple entries.

Parameter	Value
Name	subdomain.yourdomain.com
Priority	0
Type	mx
Value	Look it up in the target Creatio instance. Learn more: Validate a sender domain for marketing emails.

Possible issues and fixes

• Missing MX: add the required MX record.
• Incorrect priority: set correct priority, lower is higher.
• Conflicts with existing MX: ensure the records have no conflicts.
• Incorrect value: copy the value exactly as provided.
• Wrong domain level: configure correct domain/subdomain.
• DNS propagation delay: wait up to 24 hours and check again.

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See also

Validate a sender domain for marketing emails