This article explains how to use advanced features in the DNS Zone Editor available in the Client Area for domains using WHC parking nameservers. These features include Text mode, zone file export, and version history.
This article does not explain how to add, edit, or delete DNS records. For regular DNS record management, refer to our article on how to manage DNS records in the Client Area.
Note: The DNS Zone Editor in the Client Area is different from the DNS Zone Editor available in cPanel. The Client Area DNS Zone Editor is used for domains that use WHC parking nameservers.
Before you begin
We recommend using these features only if you are comfortable working with DNS settings. DNS changes can affect your website, email, and other services connected to your domain.
If you are unsure which records to update, export, or restore, contact our support team before publishing changes.
Access the DNS Zone Editor
The advanced features covered in this article are available from the DNS Zone Editor in the Client Area.
Log in to the Client Area.
Go to Domains > My Domains.
Click on Manage for the domain you want to manage.
Click the gear icon.
Click DNS Zone Editor.
Note: This feature is only available for domains using WHC parking nameservers. If your domain uses different nameservers, you may see a message indicating that the DNS Zone Editor is not available for the domain.
Use Text mode
Text mode lets you view and edit the full zone file as plain text. This is useful when you want to review the full DNS zone in one view or make several changes directly in the zone file.
You can use Text mode to:
Review the full zone file in one place.
Make multiple DNS changes at once.
Copy your zone file information for use with another DNS provider or service.
How to use Text mode
Open the DNS Zone Editor for your domain (see steps above).
Click the Text mode tab at the top of the editor.
Make your edits directly in the text area.
Click Publish changes to save.
Note: Text mode changes are validated before they are published. If the zone file contains invalid syntax, the changes will be rejected and an error message will be displayed.
Export your zone file
The Export feature lets you download your current DNS zone file.
This can be useful when you want to:
Keep a backup of your current DNS zone.
Move your DNS configuration to another provider.
Share your DNS zone configuration with a developer, administrator, or technical contact.
The exported zone file follows the standard BIND zone file format and can be imported into most DNS providers that support zone file imports.
How to export your zone file
Open the DNS Zone Editor for your domain.
Click Export in the top-right corner of the page.
Save the downloaded zone file to your device.
Tip: You can also copy the zone manually from Text mode, but using Export is recommended when you need a downloadable backup file.
View and restore previous versions
The DNS Zone Editor creates a new version whenever you save changes to your DNS zone. Version history lets you review previous versions and restore one of them if needed.
This can be useful if:
A DNS change caused an issue.
You need to compare your current zone with a previous version.
You want to restore a previous DNS configuration.
How to view version history
Open the DNS Zone Editor for your domain (see steps above).
Click History.
How to restore a previous version
Go to History from the DNS Zone Editor (see steps above).
Select the version you want to restore.
Click Restore this version.
Confirm the action when prompted.
The selected version becomes the active DNS zone. A new entry is also added to the version history.
Important: Restoring a previous version replaces your current active DNS zone. This may affect your website, email, or other services if newer records are removed. Consider exporting your current zone before restoring an older version.
Important information about advanced DNS features
Validation runs on save: Text mode changes are validated before they are published. Invalid syntax will be rejected.
SOA serial numbers are automatic: You do not need to manually update the SOA serial number. The Zone Editor updates it automatically when changes are saved.
Version history has a retention period: Older versions are kept for a limited time before being removed. Export any zone file you want to keep long-term.
Restores can be reversed: If you restore a version and change your mind, you can restore the version that was active before. Each restore creates a new entry in the version history.
DNS changes may take time to apply: DNS changes propagate according to the TTL settings of your records.