> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developers.aptranet.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloud DNS quickstart

> Create a zone and record set, verify Aptranet's answer, and delegate the domain safely.

## Prerequisites

* An active Cloud DNS plan.
* A selected project.
* Permission to create zones and record sets.
* Registrar or parent-zone access if you will delegate a real domain.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Inventory existing DNS">
    If the domain is live, export or list every existing record. Preserve mail, verification, CAA, DS, subdomain delegation, and service-discovery records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the zone">
    Open **Cloud DNS → Zones → Create zone**. Enter the fully qualified zone name without a URL scheme.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a record set">
    Add a record set such as an A record for `www`. Choose a TTL and add at least one enabled resource record.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Query Aptranet directly">
    Copy the primary or secondary nameserver shown by the console and query it before changing delegation.

    ```bash theme={null}
    dig @APTRANET_NAMESERVER www.example.com A
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Recreate the remaining records">
    Compare record names, types, TTLs, and values with the current provider. Validate TXT quoting, MX priorities, SRV fields, and apex names.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Change delegation">
    Update nameservers at the registrar or parent zone. Keep the old provider active until the previous delegation TTL has expired and multiple public resolvers return Aptranet authority.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Do not delegate an incomplete zone. Missing MX, TXT, CAA, or verification records can break systems even when the website still resolves.
</Warning>


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