In the Domain Name System (DNS) hierarchy, a subdomain is a domain that is part of a larger domain. For example, sub.mt-example.com, store.mt-example.com , blog.mt-example.com are subdomains of the mt-example.com domain.  We use these for our 1-Click installers on the (gs) platform.

• On the (gs) Grid-service a domain will have its own directory at /domains/sub.mt-example.com/html/
• On the (ss) Shared-Server a domain will have a directory at /var/www/html/sub.mt-example.com/
  

How can I add a subdomain?

1. Login to your AccountCenter.
2. Select Add New from the Domains drop-down menu.
   
3. Type in your subdomain name in the blank field, e.g. sub.mt-example.com.
   
   
   
4. Check the Add Domain to a new or existing service box.
    
   
5. Next you will be prompted with the following warning regarding subdomains:
   
   
6. Check the box to say Yes, I want to add the subdomain. The subdomain will once again appear in the Domain Name box.
    
   
7. Click Next to proceed to the Select Server page.
   
8. Check the button next to the service you wish to add your subdomain to.
    
   
9. Click Next to Finish.
   
   

FAQs

How can I view statistics for my subdomain?

• Access to statistics (Urchin web stats) for the primary domain and all subdomains are compiled into one log file which may distort the clarity of web reports. If you wish to have unique Urchin reporting for a subdomain you will need to open a new (gs) Grid-Service for just that subdomain.

How can I preview my subdomain without DNS pointing to my (gs) Grid-Service?

• You can preview a subdomain via your access domain, simply replace ##### with your site number.
  
  http://sub.mt-example.com.s#####.gridserver.com

I want my subdomain to just point to my main site. How do I do this?

• If you are using our name servers for your website this will automatically work as long as the subdomain has not already been created in our system.  The wildcard entry *.mt-example.com in your zone file automatically takes care of this. 

How many subdomains am I allowed to create?

• There is no limit to the number of subdomains allowed on the (gs) Grid-Service. However, due to our current system architecture you may only add a total of 100 alternate domains and/or subdomain via the AccountCenter as shown above. If you hit this limit you may add additional subdomains only (no alternate domains) simply by creating the folder structure for it within your domain's directory. Example:
  
  /home/#####/domains/sub.mt-example.com/html/
  
  Next you must simply place your website's files in the html folder just like any of the domains you may have added via the AccountCenter.
  

Notes/Supplemental Resources:

• How to create an alternate domain
  
• subdomain on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subdomain
  
• (mt) Media Temple's DNS/Nameserver information 
• DNS Explained
  

Revisions:

08-05-2009: Updated FAQ regarding subdomain limits
08-07-2008: Article Creation
01-13-2009: Major revisions to reflect new AccountCenter changes