# Domain forwarding

Source: https://docs.fortrabbit.com/platform/domains/domain-forwarding-service
Published: 2024-12-05
Updated: 2026-10-21
Reviewed: 2026-10-21

> The fortrabbit forwarding service sends a domain to another with a 301, works over HTTPS and keeps deep links — mostly apex to www.


## Features

- Redirects with '301 Moved Permanently'
- Works over HTTPS
- Keeps deep links like `https://example.com/page`
- Works for `www.` and other subdomains

## General usage

[Domains](/platform/objects/domain) registered with the dashboard have a target setting. Route the domain directly to the root path of an environment, or forward it to another domain.

### Limitations

- The target of a forwarded domain needs to be routed directly
- It is not possible to forward a domain to a forwarded domain
- Deleting a domain will delete domains forwarded to this domain as well

## Forwarded apex domains

Adding a www domain in the dashboard also adds its apex domain. The www domain gets a CNAME record (host name), the apex domain an A record (IP address) that points to the forwarding service. Set both records with the [domain provider](/integrations/dns/intro).

### Recommendations

- Use `www.domain.tld` instead of just `domain.tld` in all links
- Send your external traffic (e.g. advertisement clicks) to the `www.` domain
- Configure your uptime checks with a URL to the `www.` domain

## Alternatives

The forwarding service is optional. Other options:

- [ALIAS / ANAME routing](/integrations/dns/aname-alias-records)
- Forwarding, using your domain provider
- Use `.htaccess` for fine-tuned control, see [htaccess redirects](/dev/htaccess/redirects)

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- [Domain](/platform/objects/domain)
- [Apex domains](/platform/domains/apex-domains)