Custom Domain
Configure a CNAME so Hardal serves tracker and collection requests through a first-party subdomain you control.
Default URL vs. custom first-party URL
You can start with the default URL without changing DNS and add a custom domain later. Setup → Active Installation shows the collection URL used by the selected source.
| Default URL | Custom first-party URL | |
|---|---|---|
| Address | analytics.usehardal.com | collect.yourdomain.com |
| DNS setup | none | one CNAME record |
| Whose domain it runs on | Hardal's | yours |
| When to use | quick start and testing | recommended for production |
We recommend collect as the subdomain name, for example collect.yourdomain.com.
Why a custom domain
Hardal collects events through a first-party URL, such as collect.yourdomain.com. You control this subdomain, so tracker and collection requests stay under your site.
If you choose a custom domain, configure it before installing the script so the generated snippet uses the right URL.
Add the CNAME record
Open the setup in the Dashboard
Go to Setup and choose your source. Check Active Installation, then open Custom domain for its DNS record.
Add the record at your DNS provider
Create a CNAME record:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | CNAME |
| Name / Host | collect (or the subdomain shown in the Dashboard) |
| Value / Target | analytics.usehardal.com |
Use the exact target shown in the Dashboard. Don't type it from memory.
Verify in the Dashboard
Back in the Dashboard, click Check hostname. Hardal checks DNS and TLS readiness. Wait for Ready before using the custom URL. If DNS or TLS is pending, check the record values and allow time for propagation before trying again.
Install the script
Once the hostname shows Ready, copy the generated web script. It already points at your first-party URL.
Set up the custom domain first. If you install the script and add the CNAME later, you'll need to update the snippet and redeploy it.
Web Setup
Install the tracker script after your domain verifies.