How can I create a DMARC record in DNS with Palisade?

Creating a DMARC record protects your brand by ensuring only authenticated emails are delivered. Below is a quick‑fire Q&A that walks you through the entire process, from understanding DMARC basics to publishing the record in your DNS.

What does a DMARC record do?

It tells receiving mail servers how to handle messages that fail authentication checks. By publishing a TXT record, you can instruct servers to reject, quarantine, or simply monitor suspicious mail. This reduces phishing, spoofing, and improves your sender reputation.

Which DNS entry type is used for DMARC?

DMARC is stored as a TXT record under the sub‑domain _dmarc.yourdomain.com. The record contains tag‑value pairs that define version, policy, reporting addresses, and alignment settings.

What are the key tags in a DMARC record?

The most common tags are v=DMARC1 (version), p= (policy – none, quarantine, reject), rua= (aggregate report address) and ruf= (forensic report address). Optional tags control alignment (aspf, adkim) and percentage of mail to which the policy applies (pct).

How can I generate a DMARC record without writing code?

Use Palisade’s free DMARC record generator. Select a policy, add reporting emails, choose alignment modes, and the tool builds the exact TXT string for you.

What steps do I follow to publish the record?

1. Log in to your DNS provider’s console (e.g., Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Route 53).
2. Create a new TXT record.
3. Set the host/name to _dmarc (the provider will append your domain automatically).
4. Paste the TXT value generated by Palisade.
5. Save the change and allow up to 48 hours for propagation.

How do I verify that the record is live?

Run Palisade’s DMARC lookup tool. It queries your DNS and shows the exact record that receivers see.

What DMARC policy should I start with?

Begin with p=none (monitoring mode). This collects reports without affecting delivery, letting you fine‑tune alignment and identify legitimate sources before moving to quarantine or reject.

How do SPF and DKIM relate to DMARC?

DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM. Both must be correctly configured for DMARC to pass. Use Palisade’s SPF checker and DKIM validator to confirm they are working.

Can I add a BIMI logo to improve brand visibility?

Yes. After DMARC is enforced, you can publish a BIMI record that points to your brand’s SVG logo. Palisade’s BIMI tool helps you create and test the record.

What if I see a “No DMARC record found” error?

Double‑check the host name (_dmarc.yourdomain.com) and ensure the TXT value is correctly quoted. Use Palisade’s lookup tool to see exactly what is published.

How can I monitor DMARC reports?

Configure the rua tag with an email address you control. Palisade can parse incoming XML reports and display them on a dashboard, highlighting sources that fail authentication.

What are the next steps after monitoring?

Review the reports, tighten SPF/DKIM alignment (switch from relaxed to strict), and gradually move the policy from none → quarantine → reject. This phased approach prevents legitimate mail from being blocked.

How does a DMARC record improve email deliverability?

By proving to inbox providers that you actively protect your domain, they are more likely to trust your mail, reducing spam folder placement and boosting sender reputation.

Where can I get help if I get stuck?

Palisade offers live chat support and a knowledge base. Sign in to your dashboard, open a ticket, or schedule a quick call with a deliverability specialist.

Quick Takeaways

• DMARC is a TXT DNS record that governs how unauthenticated mail is handled.
• Start with p=none to collect reports without affecting delivery.
• Use Palisade’s free generator to avoid manual syntax errors.
• Publish the record under _dmarc.yourdomain.com and verify with the lookup tool.
• Enable SPF and DKIM first; DMARC builds on them.
• Monitor reports via the rua tag and Palisade’s dashboard.
• Progress to quarantine then reject once you’re confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to pay for Palisade’s DMARC generator? No – the generator is free for any domain.
2. How long does DNS propagation take? Typically a few minutes, but up to 48 hours on some providers.
3. Can I use multiple reporting emails? Yes – separate addresses with commas in the rua tag.
4. What if I have sub‑domains? Add a sp= tag to define a sub‑domain policy, or create separate DMARC records for each sub‑domain.
5. Is BIMI required for DMARC? No, but once DMARC is enforced, BIMI can boost brand visibility in inboxes.

Ready to secure your email? Check your DMARC security score now and let Palisade guide you through the setup.