Docs/Deployments/Custom Domains

Custom Domains

Connect your own domain to your Nexlayer deployment. SSL certificates are automatically provisioned and renewed.

Preview vs Production

Preview Deployments

Temporary URLs for testing. No custom domain needed — great for development and sharing with teammates.

application:
  name: my-app
  # No url field = preview mode

pods:
  - name: web
    ...

You'll get a URL like: my-app-abc123.nexlayer.dev

Production Deployments

Permanent deployments with your custom domain. Auto-scaling, SSL, and zero-downtime updates included.

application:
  name: my-app
  url: www.mysite.com

pods:
  - name: web
    ...

Your app will be live at: www.mysite.com

Adding a Custom Domain

Just Tell Your AI Assistant

"Deploy this app to www.mysite.com" — your assistant will update the YAML and guide you through DNS setup.

1

Add the url field

Add your domain to the nexlayer.yaml:

application:
  name: my-app
  url: www.mysite.com
2

Configure DNS

Add a CNAME record pointing to Nexlayer:

TypeNameValue
CNAMEwwwcname.nexlayer.dev
3

Deploy

Your AI assistant will deploy the app. SSL certificates are automatically provisioned via Let's Encrypt.

Apex Domains (Root Domain)

For root domains (like mysite.com without www), you'll need to use A records instead of CNAME:

TypeNameValue
A@76.76.21.21
CNAMEwwwcname.nexlayer.dev

The second CNAME record redirects www.mysite.com to mysite.com.

Automatic SSL Certificates

Nexlayer automatically provisions and renews SSL certificates for all custom domains using Let's Encrypt. Your site will always be served over HTTPS with no configuration required.

Multiple Domains

Need to serve your app from multiple domains? Tell your AI assistant and it will help you configure aliases or set up redirects.

"I want mysite.com, www.mysite.com, and app.mysite.com to all point to this deployment"

Next Steps