DNS Record Lookup

Summary

The DNS Record Lookup reference covers every major DNS record type — A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT, NS, SOA, PTR, SRV, and CAA — explaining what each field means and when to use it. Each record card shows a realistic example, a breakdown of every field, and a ready-to-copy dig or nslookup command. Use it to decode an unfamiliar record or to build a query from scratch.

How it works

1. Select a DNS record type from the list or use the search box to filter by type or keyword.
2. Read the "What it does" summary to understand the record's purpose.
3. Review the example record and the field-by-field breakdown below it.
4. Copy the dig or nslookup command and run it in your terminal.
5. Paste a raw record line into the parser tab to decode an unfamiliar record.

Use cases

• Learn what each field in an MX or SRV record means before editing DNS.
• Copy a working dig command without memorizing the syntax.
• Decode a raw DNS record returned by your registrar or DNS provider.
• Verify correct record formatting when configuring email (SPF, DKIM, DMARC).
• Understand PTR records when investigating reverse-DNS failures.
• Reference CAA records when setting up a certificate authority policy.
• Onboard junior engineers to DNS fundamentals with real examples.
• Troubleshoot DNS propagation by knowing exactly what to query.

Frequently Asked Questions