FAQ: Domain and custom domains
Common questions about custom domains, DNS, apex vs www, and when your site goes live on ArtInStack.
Frequently asked questions about custom domains. For the full setup walkthrough, see Connect a custom domain.
Why is my custom domain showing a “403 Forbidden” or “Not Authorized” error?
Usually DNS is not pointing at ArtInStack yet, or the domain in the dashboard does not exactly match what you configured at your registrar.
| Check | Action |
|---|---|
| Domain spelling | Settings → General → Custom Domain must match the host at your registrar (www.example.com and example.com are different) |
| DNS records | Copy the CNAME or A values from the dashboard into your registrar with no typos |
| Propagation | Allow up to 48 hours after DNS changes |
| Plan | Custom domain must appear under Included Features on Subscription |
A 403 or browser security warning often clears once DNS resolves and HTTPS finishes provisioning—refresh status in General after propagation. If it persists past 48 hours, use Report a bug with your domain and a screenshot of your DNS panel.
Can I use an apex domain, or do I have to use a www subdomain?
You can use either. Enter the hostname you want visitors to use in Settings → General, then add the exact DNS records the dashboard shows for that hostname.
| Host style | Notes |
|---|---|
www.example.com | Common CNAME-style setup |
example.com (apex) | Often A records or registrar ALIAS/ANAME as shown in the dashboard |
After your custom domain is verified, visitors who use your yoursub.artinstack.com URL are typically redirected to your custom domain.
How long does it take for a newly mapped domain to go live?
| Address | Typical timing |
|---|---|
Platform subdomain (yoursub.artinstack.com) | Available soon after signup when pages are published |
| Custom domain | Minutes to 48 hours for DNS; SSL often follows once General shows verification success |
Publishing pages is separate from DNS—a domain can resolve while individual pages are still draft.
My subdomain works but my custom domain does not—what should I check?
- Confirm verification succeeded in Settings → General.
- Open your domain in a private/incognito window.
- Compare registrar DNS with the dashboard—especially www vs apex.
- Follow Connect a custom domain.