Resellers: How to Edit DNS Zone Templates in WHM

As a reseller managing multiple client domains, having control over default DNS configurations is crucial. WHM (Web Host Manager) allows you to modify DNS zone templates when creating new accounts. This article discusses how to edit DNS Zone Templates in WHM, why it's important, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

• What Is a DNS Zone Template?
• When Should Resellers Edit DNS Zone Templates?
• DNS Zone Template Example
• How to Edit DNS Zone Templates in WHM
• Summary

What Is a DNS Zone Template?

A DNS zone defines a portion of the domain namespace. It contains DNS records directing traffic to your website, mail servers, and more. In WHM, these records are generated automatically using predefined DNS zone templates.

As a reseller, modifying these templates lets you apply custom DNS configurations to every new account you create, saving time and maintaining consistency.

When Should Resellers Edit DNS Zone Templates?

You may want to customize a DNS zone template if:

• You’re using custom nameservers.
• You want to add default MX or TXT records (for email delivery or SPF/DKIM/DMARC).
• You require consistent subdomain or FTP setups for every account.

DNS Zone Template Example

Here’s a sample DNS zone template. You can edit variables like %nameserver%, %ip%, and %domain% as needed. Refer to cPanel's Edit Zone Templates documentation for a full list of available variables.

; cPanel %cpversion%
; Zone file for %domain%
$TTL %ttl%
@      %nsttl%	IN      SOA     %nameserver%. %rpemail%. (
		%serial%	; serial, todays date+todays
		86400		; refresh, seconds
		7200		; retry, seconds
		3600000		; expire, seconds
		86400 )		; minimum, seconds

%domain%. %nsttl% IN NS %nameserver%.
%domain%. %nsttl% IN NS %nameserver2%.
%domain%. %nsttl% IN NS %nameserver3%.
%domain%. %nsttl% IN NS %nameserver4%.

%nameserverentry%. IN A %nameservera%
%nameserverentry2%. IN A %nameservera2%
%nameserverentry3%. IN A %nameservera3%
%nameserverentry4%. IN A %nameservera4%

%domain%. IN A %ip%

localhost.%domain%. IN A 127.0.0.1

%domain%. IN MX 0 %domain%.

mail IN CNAME %domain%.
www IN CNAME %domain%.
ftp IN A %ftpip%

Edit DNS Zone Templates in WHM

Follow these steps to manage DNS zone templates in WHM safely:

1. Log in to your reseller account.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, go to DNS Functions.
3. Click on Edit Zone Templates.
4. You'll see three templates:
   • standard
   • standardvirtualftp (default for new accounts)
   • standardipv6
5. Select and edit standardvirtualftp to apply custom DNS settings.

Make the necessary edits and save your changes. Your customized DNS configuration will be used for all new accounts created afterward.

Summary

For resellers, the ability to edit DNS zone templates in WHM offers efficiency and control when setting up new accounts. Customizing these templates allows you to streamline domain configurations and ensure consistency across all client sites. However, proceed with caution—incorrect settings can disrupt DNS functionality.