Custom domains and SSL

Whenever you create a new project with Ycode, we’ll attach a subdomain that’s served safe and sound over SSL. This is fine for internal or client projects, but if you publicly want to share your web app, it’s nicer to have your own custom domain name.

In this manual section, you’ll learn how to set up your custom domain and SSL.

Setting up a domain

An easy way to connect a custom domain to your Ycode project is by registering the domain name and pointing it to Ycode.

First, buy a domain name (if you haven’t already done so). You can pick any registrar service like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Bluehost, Domain.com, etc.

Then you’ll need to complete two steps:

  1. Add the domain name in Ycode.

  2. Set up the DNS records in your registrar service’s account.

Step 1. Ycode settings

Go to your dashboard where you can see an overview of all your created projects. Choose the project you want to change the domain name and click on the three horizontal dots, and click on Settings.

In the left sidebar, click on Domain. Then select the Add domain button and add your domain name in the popup window. You can leave out the HTTP/HTTPS and www parts (so: myweb.com).

Click on Manage DNS to open your DNS records, which you’ll need for the A-type record.

Step 2. Registrar settings

Now head over to the registrar service where you’ve bought your domain. The navigation is different for each service, but you’ll want to log in and find the DNS section (or DNS zone file).

A Google search for “[Registrar name] + DNS settings” can help you find it faster.

In the DNS section you have to delete the existing A records with the names '' or @ (meaning, empty) and www.

Then add a new A-record with the type, name and value you generated in Ycode.

Below you see how you can do this using Google Domains.

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Once you’ve completed this step, it’s time to make yourself a coffee and patiently wait. It can take up to 24 hours for your custom domain to work, though you should normally see results within 2-4 hours.

Once configured, all requests to the Ycode subdomain will automatically be redirected to your custom domain.

If you want to double-check the status, click Check status in the domain settings popup.

Setting up a subdomain

Subdomains are part of your main domain.

For example:

You can also add a subdomain as a custom domain. To set this up, you can follow the exact same steps as described above. The only difference is that when you enter the domain name in Ycode, you enter the subdomain URL.

You also leave out the HTTP/HTTPS and www parts (so: app.myweb.com).

Changing and removing a domain

To make changes, you first need to delete your current custom domain.

Navigate to the Domain settings, click on the three horizontal dots and select Remove.

Deleting a domain within Ycode doesn’t affect the settings in your domain registrar service. You will also need to log in there and remove the DNS records you added in step 2 above.

When a domain is deleted and the DNS records are still there, visitors will see a Ycode page displaying a message that says there is no web app linked to this domain.

Once this is done, you can add your new custom domain using the steps above.

Tip: Did you remove a domain because you want to use the original Ycode domain? Clear your cache after removing the custom domain to see the changes.

SSL

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption means that your web app runs over HTTPS and that there’s an encrypted channel between the client and server. Aka, no one can eavesdrop when you submit information.

We won’t bore you with the technical details. All you need to remember is that Ycode automatically issues SSL certificates for all apps you create.