App Deployment and Custom Domains
Once you have built your app using Abacus AI Deep Agent, the next step is to deploy it so that your users can access it through a public URL. Whether you are sharing an early version with your team or launching a fully developed application for wider use, this guide will walk you through each part of the deployment process.
This document includes:
- Introduction to Deployments
- Deployment on Abacus.AI
- Deployment on Custom Domains
- Deployment on custom Subdomain
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Introduction to Deployments
Abacus.AI offers three ways to deploy your application. Use the table below to decide which option works best for your needs:
| Option | Abacus.AI domain | Custom Domain | Custom SubDomain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example URL | yoursite.abacusai.app | yoursite.com | app.yoursite.com |
| Best for | Quick demos, testing, or sharing your work without setup | When you want to host your app on a custom domain / personalized web address | When you already have a website and want to host the app on a subdomain |
| Domain Ownership | No domain purchase required | You must own the domain and verify it with Abacus.AI | You must own the subdomain and verify the subdomain with Abacus.AI |
| Set up requirements | No setup needed | You need to update NS / Cname records for the domain | You need to update NS / Cname records for the subdomain |
2. Deployment on Abacus.AI
Follow these steps to deploy your application on the default Abacus.AI domain.
Step 1: Start the Deployment
Click the Deploy button located in the top right corner of your app interface.
Step 2: Choose Domain Type
A pop-up window will appear with domain options. Select Abacus.AI as your deployment type.
Step 3: Enter Your Subdomain
In the input box, type your desired subdomain.
For example: myapp.abacusai.app, Then click Deploy to publish your application.
Step 4: Test Your Deployed App
Once deployed, a public URL will be generated and displayed in the Deployed URL field. Open this link in your browser to test and share your app. It may take a few minutes (~5 minutes) for your URL to be active.
3. Deployment on custom Domains
Deployment Guide
Step 1: Add a Custom Domain
- Click on Deploy button on your apps conversation
- Select the custom domains tab and click on Manage Domains button.
- Click on the Add New button and enter your domain name
Step 2: Update DNS Records and Verify Ownership
You can verify your domain by choosing one of the two options based on your domain providers. While most providers work with either flow, some have restrictions:
A. Automatic Configuration
We have partnered with Entri to offer seamless domain DNS configuration. You just need to single sign-on (SSO) to your domain provider using Entri, and your DNS records will be automatically added.
B. Manual Configuration
Based on your domain provider, you may use one of two methods to verify your domain:
-
Nameservers / NS records ( Recommended for GoDaddy, Squarespace, Porkbun, Hostinger, etc. ) : Point your domain to Abacus.AI nameservers for full DNS management directly from the Abacus.AI dashboard.
-
CNAME records (Recommended for Cloudflare, Namecheap, etc.) : Keep DNS management with your provider. Add CNAME records to connect your domain to Abacus.AI.
Note:
For subdomains corresponding to domains purchased through Abacus.AI or domains verified using Nameservers - Your subdomains will be automatically configured without any actions from your side
Step 3: Deploy Your App
- After successful verification, your domain will appear in the Verified Domains list.
- Select the desired domain and click Deploy.
- Your application will now be live and accessible via your chosen URL.
4. Deployment on custom Subdomain
Deployment Guide
Step 1: Add a Custom Subdomain
- Click on Deploy button on your apps conversation
- Select the custom domains tab and click on Manage Domains button.
- Click on the Add New button and enter your domain name
Step 2: Update DNS Records and Verify Ownership
You can verify your subdomain by choosing one of the two options:
A. Automatic Configuration
We have partnered with Entri to offer seamless domain DNS configuration. You just need to single sign-on (SSO) to your domain provider using Entri, and your DNS records will be automatically added.
B. Manual Configuration
Add CNAME records to connect your subdomain to Abacus.AI.
Note:
For subdomains corresponding to domains purchased through Abacus.AI or domains verified using Nameservers - Your subdomains will be automatically configured without any actions from your side
Step 3: Deploy Your App
After successful verification, your domain or subdomain will appear in the Verified Domains list. Select the desired domain from the list and click Deploy
Your application will now be live and accessible via your chosen URL.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a domain through Abacus?
Yes, you can search for and purchase domains directly on Abacus and use them to publish your apps. Learn more about purchasing domains here.
What is the pricing for hosting my website on my own domain ?
There is no extra cost, it’s included in your monthly subscription.
How long does it take for the domain/subdomain to get verified?
It usually takes between 5 minutes to 48 hours from the time you update the DNS records for a domain / subdomain to get verified and be available for you to deploy.
What Does Verification Status Mean?
The verification status tells you whether your domain or subdomain has been successfully verified with Abacus.AI. This status must be "Verified" before you can deploy your app.
Here is what each status means:
- Verified: Your domain or subdomain has been successfully verified and is ready for deployment.
- Pending: Your domain registration was not completed successfully. Please re-try the domain registration process.
- In Progress: Ensure your DNS records are updated. If they're already set, verification is underway and should complete within 24 hours.
- Failed: The verification attempt was unsuccessful. You may need to double-check your DNS settings and try the verification again.
Managing and Updating Other DNS Records for subdomains
Updating A records, MX records, AAAA records, or any other DNS records
Case 1 - Domain Verification using Nameservers
If your domain was verified using nameserver records, you can update other DNS records on Abacus.AI:
- Open Manage domains
- Click on the settings button next to the desired domain
- Select the desired type in the "type" dropdown and update the required values
Case 2 - Domain Verification using CNAME
If your domain was verified using CNAME records, you can update A records, MX records, AAAA records, or any other DNS records directly through your domain registrar or domain provider's website.
How to verify my domain if my domain provider does not provide CNames records for my domain?
There are two options:
Option 1: Utilize Our Nameservers
This approach involves using our nameservers.
To proceed with this option, please follow these instructions:
- Delete your previously added domain (if you had added) from Abacus.AI and clear any DNS records that may have been added during the configuration process at your domain provider.
- Re-add your domain in Abacus.AI. After entering the domain name, you will be provided with two nameservers.
- Add the two provided nameservers to your domain provider and allow time for your domain to be verified.
- (Optional) Once verified, if you need to add any other records (e.g., email-related DNS records), click on the gear icon within the "Manage Domains" pop-up in Abacus.AI.
Option 2: Configure a Subdomain
This option allows you to configure a subdomain of yourdomain.com (e.g., app.yourdomain.com) using CNAME records and deploy your application on that subdomain.
To proceed with this option, please follow these instructions:
- Delete your previously added yourdomain.com domain from Abacus.AI and clear any DNS records that may have been added during the configuration process.
- Add your new subdomain. Enter the subdomain of your choice (e.g., app.yourdomain.com) and continue with the setup steps.
Do you support domain verification using A records?
No, we don't support domain verification using A-records.
We currently support two methods to verify custom domains. You can verify your domain/subdomain using CNames or Nameservers(NS) records based on your domain provider.
How to unlink a domain/ Subdomain?
To unlink domain / subdomain:
- Open the Manage domains
- Click on the "Unlink" button in the Actions column