---
title: "Adding an A Record"
description: "Understanding the use and addition of an A record requires a brief explanation of DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It converts human-readable domain names like example.com into IP addresses..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/domain-names/dns-nameserver-changes/a-record-change/
date: 2011-09-20
modified: 2022-07-13
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["DNS and Nameserver Changes"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Adding an A Record

Understanding the use and addition of an **A record** requires a brief explanation of DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It converts human-readable domain names like *example.com* into IP addresses like *86.75.30.9* which computers can then read. DNS zone files reside on your server and tie domain names with IP addresses.

Most users do not need to modify their DNS settings. The most common reason for DNS changes are to route a certain part of your domain name to a third party (not our servers).

**NOTE:** cPanel’s Zone Editor functionality will only work if your domain is pointed to [InMotion Hosting’s name servers](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/domain-names/dns-nameserver-changes/what-is-a-name-server/).

## Using the Zone Editor in cPanel

cPanel provides the ability to maintain your DNS records via the **Zone Editor**. The following instructions provide the steps to create an **A record**.

**NOTE:** In order to maintain DNS for a domain from within cPanel, the domain must be added to cPanel. You can refer to our guide on [adding domains to cPanel](/support/domain-names/add-another-domain-name-account/#domain-set), to learn how to do that.

1. [Log into your cPanel.](/support/edu/cpanel/how-to-log-into-cpanel/) Be sure to log in with the cPanel user that owns the domain you are creating an A record for. ![Type username and password then click Log in to log into cPanel](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cpanel_v66_log-into-cpanel.png)
2. Locate the *Domains* section of cPanel and click on the **Zone Editor** icon. ![Click Zone Editor icon from domains section](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cpanel_v66_click-zone-editor-icon.png)
3. Find your domain in the list under the *Domain* heading. Under the *Actions* heading, click on the **+A Record** link that corresponds with the domain you want to add the A record for. ![Click +A Record next to domain](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cpanel_v66_click-a-record-next-to-domain.png)
4. A pop-up dialog box will display for you to fill in the data fields for your A Record. Type the **Name** and **Address** of your A record into the fields accordingly. ![Fill in data fields for Name and Address](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cpanel_v66_type-name-and-address.png) **NOTE**: You may refer to the descriptions in the table below to determine what information you will enter for your A record. However, the values indicated are simply provided as sample data and should *not* be used as the actual values in your record. A RecordFieldDescriptionValueNameEnter the domain name that you are creating the A record for followed by a period.example.com.AddressEnter the IP address that you are pointing the A record to.86.75.30.9
5. Click the **Add an A Record** button to save your changes. ![Click Add an A Record to save changes](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cpanel_v66_successful-a-record-message.png)

**NOTE:** DNS changes can take 4-24 hours to take effect.

## Using the DNS Editor in WHM

VPS and Dedicated plans include a feature in WHM for [editing DNS Zones](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/edu/cpanel/edit-zone/) for all cPanel accounts on the server. This editor provides greater control over DNS records than the Zone Editor in cPanel.