Addon and Parked Domains
Three Ways to Attach Extra Domains to One Account
An addon domain vs parked domain choice comes down to one question: does the extra domain need its own content? An addon domain is a second website in the same hosting account, with its own folder. A parked domain is an alias that shows the same content as the main domain.
A subdomain is a third option. It is a prefix under a domain you already own, such as shop.example.com, and it can have its own folder. Each option solves a different problem:
- Addon domain: a separate website with its own files, served from the same account.
- Parked domain: an extra name for the same website, so the content is identical.
- Subdomain: a section of an existing domain, such as shop.example.com.
Extra names on the same account also raise DNS questions, covered in the DNS zone editor.
How Folders, DNS and Plan Limits Fit Together
A panel can attach a domain to a folder, but it cannot make the internet find that domain. That depends on DNS, the system that translates domain names into server addresses. The domain's nameservers, or its records, must point to the hosting server before a visitor can reach any of these sites.
Parked domains carry one trade-off. Every parked name shows the primary site, so a problem with that site affects all of them. Addon domains keep unrelated content separate, which is why they suit independent projects. Limits on how many addon domains and subdomains an account can hold are part of the account structure described in admin, reseller and user levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an addon domain and a subdomain?
An addon domain is a full, separate domain name, such as example-shop.net, with its own folder. A subdomain is a prefix under a domain you already have, such as shop.example.com. Both can hold their own files and both are managed in the same account. Use an addon domain for an independent brand and a subdomain for a section of an existing site.
Will a parked domain show my main website?
Yes. A parked domain is an alias, so it serves the same files as the primary domain and displays the same pages. The browser keeps showing the parked name, but the content is identical. If you need different pages on the second name, use an addon domain or a subdomain instead.