Creating DNS Zones: Best Practices for Domain Registration and Transfers

What is a DNS Zone?

A DNS zone is a part of the Domain Name System (DNS) that contains the DNS records for a specific domain. These records define how the domain works, such as which server hosts the website, where emails should be delivered, or which subdomains exist.

For example:

• The DNS zone for example.com may contain an A record pointing example.com to the IP address 192.0.2.1
• It can include an MX record that routes emails to mail.example.com
• A subdomain like shop.example.com can also have its own records inside the same zone

In short, a DNS zone is the configuration area where all DNS settings for a domain are managed.

To actively use a domain after a registration or transfer, a DNS zone must exist. Without a zone, the domain cannot properly resolve websites, emails, or other services.

In this article you will learn how to create DNS Zones and how to handle domain registrations and transfers securely.

Creating a DNS Zone

Create a DNS zone to manage DNS records for a domain. You can create a zone even if the domain isn't registered at OpusDNS.

Where to Find It

Path: Left sidebar → DNS Zones → Create DNS Zone

Direct URL: /dns/create

You can also create a zone from:

• The Quick Actions bar on the Dashboard ("Add DNS Zone")
• During domain registration checkout ("Create DNS zone automatically" checkbox)

What You'll See

A simple form with:

• A text input labeled "Name" with placeholder "example.com" and description "Enter the name for your DNS zone"
• A "Create DNS Zone" button
• A "Cancel" button

Step-by-Step

1. Navigate to DNS Zones in the left sidebar.
2. Click "Create DNS Zone" (button in the top area of the zones list page) or navigate directly to the create page.
3. Enter the zone name — this should be your domain name (e.g., example.com). Do not include a subdomain or protocol.

4. Add DNS record: Here you can already define DNS records while creating the zone.

5. DNSSEC status: A toggle switch to enable DNSSEC for the zone to improve security.

6. Click "Create DNS Zone".

7. On success, you'll be taken to the zone's detail page where you can immediately add DNS records.

Validation Rules

• Required — The zone name field cannot be empty.
• Valid format — Must be a valid domain name format (no spaces, special characters beyond hyphens).
• Not too long — Zone names have a length limit.
• Unique — You cannot create a zone that already exists in your account ("Zone name already exists").

After Creation

If you created an empty Zone, you'll land on the DNS Zone detail page showing:

• The zone name as the page title
• An empty records table (no records yet)
• An "Add Record" button to start adding DNS records
• A DNSSEC status toggle (disabled by default)
  
  

DNS Zone Setup for Domain Registrations and Transfers

For new domain registrations, you can optionally create an empty DNS zone during checkout and directly use the OpusDNS Nameservers. The DNS records can then be configured later as needed.

For domain transfers, it is recommended to create the DNS zone at OpusDNS in advance and copy the records from the existing DNS setup from your previous provider. This helps avoid downtime once the transfer is completed. Alternatively, you can keep using the nameservers of your current provider during the transfer process, create and update the zone with your DNS records and switch the Nameservers to OpusDNS afterwards.