Add a Domain via ISPConfig
Adding a new domain or website to your IllusionCloud web hosting account using the ISPConfig control panel is straightforward. ISPConfig is a powerful, open‑source hosting control panel that lets you manage websites, DNS zones, mailboxes and more from a single interface. The steps below guide you through adding a domain and enabling SSL with Let’s Encrypt on ISPConfig.
### Steps
1. **Log in to ISPConfig**: In your browser, go to your server’s ISPConfig URL and log in with the credentials provided by IllusionCloud. If you manage multiple clients or subscriptions, make sure you select the correct client/account before adding a site.
3. **Fill in the Website Settings**:
- **Domain**: Enter your fully qualified domain name (e.g., `example.com`). ISPConfig will automatically create the directory structure for this domain.
- **IPv4 address**: Choose `*` to create a name-based virtual host. Using `*` allows multiple domains to share the same IP address. Don’t mix `*` and an actual IP address if multiple sites use the same IP.
- **Suexec**: Leave this option enabled to run PHP scripts under the website’s own user account. This improves security by isolating sites from each other.
- **Auto subdomain**: Select `www` if you want ISPConfig to automatically create the `www` subdomain (e.g., `www.example.com`). Choose `None` if you do not need the `www` alias.
- **SSL**: Check this box to enable HTTPS support. This option must be enabled to use Let’s Encrypt certificates.
- **Let’s Encrypt SSL**: Enable this to automatically issue a free Let’s Encrypt certificate for your domain. ISPConfig will request and renew certificates automatically.
- **PHP Mode & Version**: Choose `PHP-FPM` for better performance and security. Select the highest PHP version supported by your CMS or application.
- **Active**: Make sure this checkbox is selected to activate the site once saved.
. **Save the Website**: After filling in the settings, click **Save**. ISPConfig will create the virtual host configuration and directories. The new site will appear in your list of websites.
5. **Update DNS Records**: Point your domain’s DNS records to IllusionCloud’s nameservers or update the A/AAAA records at your registrar to point to your server’s IP address. If you use IllusionCloud nameservers, manage your DNS zone in the IllusionCloud client area.
6. **Wait for DNS Propagation**: DNS changes can take a few hours to propagate globally. Once propagation is complete, your new domain should resolve to your ISPConfig server, and the website will display the default page or content you upload.
### Tips
- **Multiple Domains**: You can repeat these steps for additional domains or subdomains. Each site gets its own document root and configuration.
- **SSL Renewal**: Let’s Encrypt certificates renew automatically, but ensure your site remains accessible and the DNS points correctly so renewal doesn’t fail.
- **Managing Databases and Email**: Use the **Sites** and **Email** sections of ISPConfig to create databases and mailboxes for your new domain. ISPConfig centralizes management of web, mail and DNS services.
By following these steps, you can add a new domain on ISPConfig and benefit from secure, modern hosting with IllusionCloud.