# How to use DNS templates

## Question

What are Openprovider DNS templates and how to apply them to zones in one's reseller account?

## Answer

A DNS template is a pre-defined format of a DNS zone. One can define multiple DNS templates, for example when managing multiple servers. When creating a new zone, one can choose which template should serve as the basis.

**VERY IMPORTANT:** *a template is only used during the creation of a zone and can not be used to update all zones that were created using the specific template. Summarizing:*  
  
*- If the domain has already any DNS zone created in Openprovider: template CAN NOT be updated.*  
*- If the domain doesn't have any DNS zone created in Openprovider: template can be add when updating the nameservers.*  
  
*If the domain has already any DNS zone created in Openprovider, we recommend you to delete the DNS zone before updating the nameservers with the template.*

### Creating a template

To create a DNS Template [click here](https://cp.openprovider.eu/dns/template-overview.php) and click on **Add DNS template** button.

The contents of a template are exactly the same as the contents of any DNS zone. The only difference is, that one can use placeholder variables and wildcards to substitute a domain name.

For instance, to refer all subdomains to the top level domain, the record for a regular DNS zone will look as follows:

```
*.example.tld CNAME example.tld
```

In a template, a specific domain name can be references by a %domain% variable:

```
*.%domain% CNAME %domain%
```

**NB:** *%domain% variable already includes domain's extension.*

Define the records on **Add DNS template** page:

![embedded-image-ac1qcu26.png](https://openprovider.help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/embedded-image-ac1qcu26.png)

### Using a template

Select the desired template from the drop-down menu in the **Nameserver settings** section when registering a domain:

![embedded-image-6yhcw8bw.png](https://openprovider.help/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/embedded-image-6yhcw8bw.png)

 **Note:** DNS templates created via RCP (Reseller Control Panel) or API are meant for DNS zones created in Openprovider. If you are using external/custom nameservers, you should check with your DNS provider on creating DNS templates in their platform.