Upload CSV Files

Select up to 10 CSV files to import (or) Drag & Drop CSV files here

Uploaded CSV Files

Re-upload

Map Column

Email Address
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
The uploaded file format is unsupported. Please ensure the file is a valid CSV and try again.

Uploaded-file-details

This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Re-upload
Import up to 10 records at a time, use a .csv file

99% Accurate Verification

Get Validated List
100%
Score
Your list is undeliverable and risky
Valid
0%
Valid
0%
Valid
0%
Valid
0%
Valid
0%
Valid
0%

Instant DKIM Record Generation for Better Email Deliverability

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) helps email providers verify that emails sent from your domain are legitimate, preventing spoofing and phishing attacks. Smartlead’s DKIM Generator lets you generate your DKIM record with just a few clicks.

SPF Record Generator

Ensure you send emails only through your authorized servers and reduce spoofing risks while improving deliverability. 

Generate SPF Record Now

DMARC Record Checker

Check if DMARC records are set up correctly for your domain. Ensure your email authentication policies protect your domain. 

Verify DMARC Set up

4 Simple Steps to Generate a DKIM Record

A Spam Checker scans your email copy and identifies the words and phrases that trigger spam filters. Once the spam word checker identifies these red flags, you can edit them and ensure your emails land in your recipient's inboxes. The email spam detector lets you optimize emails for better deliverability and higher engagement. Below is the step-by-step process of how to use the Email Spam Checker.

Step 1

Enter Your Domain

Input your domain name in the field.
Step 2

Select a DKIM Selector

Choose or generate a unique DKIM selector.
Step 3

Choose Key Size

Select the key size for your DKIM record. Most providers recommend 1024-bit or 2048-bit for enhanced security.
Step 4

Copy & Add to DNS

Copy the generated DKIM TXT record and add it to your domain’s DNS settings.

What is DKIM and Why Is It Important?

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is an email authentication protocol that verifies email legitimacy by attaching a digital signature to outgoing messages. Email providers use DKIM signatures to ensure emails are not altered during transmission.

  • Reduces the risk of spoofing and phishing
  • Improves sender reputation and email deliverability
  • Prevents emails from being flagged as spam
consistent-land-img

Use cases: When to run a spam test

A spam checker works as an essential tool for any business or marketer looking to maintain the sender's reputation. Here are the common use case scenarios for using a spam checker,

When Should You Use a DKIM Generator?

Without DKIM, your emails may be flagged as spam or fail authentication checks. Scammers can spoof your domain, ISPs can block your messages, and your email campaigns can fail before they start.

Your Marketing Emails Are Going to Spam

You created a full-proof email campaign. It’s engaging, it adds value to the users—but as you send it out, the emails land in the spam folder. The reason can be missing DKIM authentication. Without DKIM records, mailbox providers can’t verify that the email is really from you. So, if you are sending marketing emails, generate a DKIM record and authenticate your messages to land in inboxes, not spam.

Someone Is Spoofing Your Business Emails

You receive complaints from customers about emails they supposedly got from your company—except you never sent them. Email spoofing can destroy brand trust. DKIM prevents this by ensuring that only emails signed with your domain’s unique key are recognized as legitimate.

Your Transactional Emails Aren’t Reaching Users

Customers rely on you for order confirmations, password resets, and important notifications. If these emails aren’t authenticated with DKIM, they may be flagged as suspicious or even rejected by the recipient’s email provider or land in the spam box. Implement DKIM to ensure your emails reach inboxes.

You’re Running a Cold Email Outreach Campaign

B2B cold outreach can be tricky. If your emails aren’t authenticated, they’re more likely to be blocked. DKIM helps establish credibility, giving your emails a higher chance of being opened and read by prospects.

You Want Better Email Analytics and Trust from ISPs

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) track your sender's reputation. Emails without authentication can lower your sender score, reducing deliverability over time. DKIM helps you maintain a positive sender reputation and provides better tracking for email analytics tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What are DKIM Selectors?

Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

DKIM selectors are used to distinguish multiple DKIM keys that might exist for a domain. It allows email recipients to know which key to use when verifying the signature in the email header. A DKIM selector is typically added to the record as part of the DNS entry and helps identify which public key to use for email verification.

How to get a public key for DKIM?

Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

The public key for DKIM is generated as part of your DKIM record. Smartlead DKIM generator tool creates both the private and public keys. You can copy the public key and paste it as a TXT record to your DNS settings. It allows email receivers to verify the DKIM signature.

 Is DKIM free?

Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

Yes, DKIM itself is free to implement. You can generate the DKIM record on Smartlead’s DKIM Generator without any cost. However, if you’re using a premium DNS service, there might be some costs associated with the DNS hosting.

    Who provides the DKIM key?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    The DKIM key is typically generated by the sender’s email server or a third-party service. Many email providers (like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) offer DKIM generation as part of their email setup, but you can also generate DKIM keys using specialized tools like Smartlead’s DKIM Generator.

    Can I have two DKIM records?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    Yes, it’s possible to have two DKIM records for a domain. This is useful if you have multiple email servers or third-party services sending emails on behalf of your domain. Each service can use a different DKIM key and selector.

     How do I publish a DKIM record?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    To publish a DKIM record, you need to add it as a TXT record in your domain’s DNS settings. Log into your DNS hosting provider’s control panel (such as GoDaddy, Cloudflare, etc.), and paste the DKIM record provided by your DKIM generator tool. After the record is saved, it will be available for email servers to verify the authenticity of your emails.

    Can I use DKIM without SPF?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    Yes, DKIM can be used independently of SPF (Sender Policy Framework). However, both DKIM and SPF should be used together for stronger email authentication. DKIM verifies the sender’s identity using cryptographic signatures, while SPF ensures that the sender’s IP address is authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain.

    How is DKIM verified?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    DKIM is verified by email receivers (such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook). When an email is sent, the email provider checks the DKIM signature in the email header against the public key in the DNS record of the sender’s domain. If the signature matches the key, the email is verified as legitimate. If not, it may be flagged as suspicious or marked as spam.

    Powerful Automated Email Marketing that Drives Sales.

    • All Features Included
    • No Credit Card Required
    • Free warmup included
    powerful_automate_bgimg

    What is a DKIM Record?

    A DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) record is a critical email authentication and security measure for your outbound emails. By adding a unique identifier to each email, DKIM ensures that your messages are verified and trusted by email servers. 

    This verification process checks the DKIM signature and determines whether the email passes or fails the DKIM check. Authorized senders with a valid DKIM record can securely send emails using your domain, while unauthorized senders are blocked from bypassing your email security.

    Create a DKIM record with Smartlead's free DKIM Generator to protect your domain and enhance your email deliverability. Improve your email security and make sure your messages land where they should.

    5 Easy Steps To Set Up DKIM Using Smartlead’s DKIM Generator

    Record

    Type

    Value

    Time to live (TTL)

    WWW

    CNAME

    abc.com

    3600

    Follow these steps to set up your DKIM record with Smartlead's DKIM Generator: 

    1. Enter the domain name. Remember to generate a DKIM record for each domain in use, even if it doesn't handle outbound mail.

    2. A DKIM selector is a unique string that helps your email server identify the correct DKIM keys. Enter an arbitrary string of characters to create the selector. Each DKIM record you generate should have a different selector to ensure accurate key identification.

    3. Select the level of encryption for your DKIM key. Larger key sizes offer more security, but check your domain host's documentation for supported file sizes. For more sophisticated encryption, consult your host for additional options.

    4. Our DKIM generator will create your public and private keys. Follow your provider's documentation to add these keys to your email hosting software. If you need assistance, contact your email provider for guidance on implementing DKIM.

    5. Finally, use the provided selector and policy records to publish the corresponding keys. To complete the setup, add these as CNAME records within your DNS settings.

    What does It Mean to Generate a DKIM Key and Why is It Important?

    Generating a DKIM key involves creating a pair of cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is published in your DKIM DNS records, while the private key is used by your mail server to sign outgoing emails. Generating a DKIM key is crucial for email security as it allows recipients to verify the authenticity and integrity of your emails.

    DKIM Record Generator Result Tags Explained

    When you generate DKIM records using a tool like Smartlead's DKIM Generator, you'll typically receive the following information:
    - Selector: The unique string you chose to identify the DKIM key.
    - Public Key: The part of the DKIM key pair that is published in DNS for verification purposes.
    - Private Key: The part of the DKIM key pair used to sign outbound emails (kept confidential).
    - Policy Records: Optionally, DKIM generators might provide policy records (like DMARC and SPF) which complement DKIM for comprehensive email authentication.

    Why Do You Need to Create a DKIM Record For Your Domain?

    Creating a DKIM (Domain Keys Identified Mail) record for your domain is crucial for several reasons related to email security, authenticity, and deliverability:

    1. DKIM allows email recipients to verify that an email claiming to have come from your domain was indeed authorized by your domain's administrators. This helps in reducing spoofing and phishing attacks where malicious actors forge the sender's address.

    2. Many email service providers and recipient servers use DKIM as a factor in determining whether to deliver an email to the recipient's inbox, mark it as spam, or reject it outright. Emails with valid DKIM signatures are more likely to be trusted and delivered properly.

    3. By implementing DKIM, you protect your domain's reputation as a sender of legitimate and secure emails. This is important for maintaining trust with your recipients and ensuring that your legitimate emails aren't mistakenly flagged as spam.

    4. DKIM is a widely accepted standard for email authentication supported by major email providers and systems. Implementing DKIM aligns your email practices with industry best practices and helps ensure compatibility with modern email security protocols.

    5. DKIM is often used in conjunction with DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) and SPF (Sender Policy Framework) to provide a layered approach to email authentication and security. DMARC relies on DKIM signatures to verify sender authenticity and define how emails that fail authentication should be handled.

    How to Add A DKIM Record to Your DNS Settings?

    ‍Adding a DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) record to your DNS settings involves several steps to generate the DKIM keys and then publish them in your domain's DNS records. Steps to add a DKIM record to your DNS settings:

    1. Generate DKIM Keys: Use Smartlead DKIM key generator tool (also known as a DKIM selector generator or DKIM record creator) provided by your email service provider or a third-party service. This tool will help you create a DKIM key pair consisting of a public key and a private key.

    2. Access DKIM Key Pair: After generating the DKIM key pair, you will typically receive:
    - Selector: A unique identifier (e.g., "selector1") that helps email servers locate the correct DKIM public key.
    - Public Key: This is the part of the DKIM key pair that needs to be published in your DNS as a TXT record.

    3. Publish DKIM Public Key in DNS: Log in to your domain registrar or DNS hosting provider's website where your domain's DNS settings are managed.
    - Navigate to the DNS management section (often found under 'DNS settings' or 'Advanced DNS').
    - Add a new DNS record of type 'TXT'.
    - In the 'Name' or 'Host' field, enter the DKIM selector followed by ._domainkey.yourdomain.com. (replace yourdomain.com with your actual domain name).
    For example, if your selector is "selector1" and your domain is "example.com", the record name would be selector1._domainkey.example.com..In the 'Value' or 'Text' field, paste the DKIM public key generated earlier. Ensure it is formatted correctly according to your DNS provider's requirements (usually enclosed in double quotes).

    4. Save and Publish: Save the changes to publish the DKIM record in your DNS settings.DNS changes may take some time (up to 48 hours) to propagate across the internet, but usually, they become effective sooner.

    5. Verify DKIM Record: Once the DKIM record is published, you can verify its existence using a DKIM lookup tool. This tool will confirm whether the DKIM record is correctly configured and accessible.

    Best Practices for DKIM Selector Naming and Key Rotation:
    - Each DKIM record should have a unique selector to differentiate between multiple DKIM keys used for different purposes or servers.
    - Periodically rotate DKIM keys and update the DKIM selector and corresponding DNS records to maintain security and compliance with best practices.

    • www is the subdomain and is an identifier of the record.

    • CNAME is the DNS record type.

    • com is the value of the record. That means www will resolve to the IP address of the domain abc.com.

    • 3600 is TTL (time to live) is the expiry time of the CNAME record. It's expressed in seconds. Here 3600 means that the records will be updated after each hour.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    General Questions

    What is a DKIM Generator?

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    A DKIM Generator is a tool that helps you create a unique DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) record for your email domain. This record adds an extra layer of security to your email communications by generating public and private keys that authenticate your emails and protect your domain from unauthorized use.

    Can a Domain Have 2 DKIM Records? 

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    Yes, a domain can have multiple DKIM records, each identified by a unique DKIM selector. This allows different email services or servers within the domain to sign outgoing emails independently, enhancing flexibility and managing security requirements effectively.

    Do I Need To Generate a DKIM Record if I’m Using a Third-Party ESP? 

    Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

    Yes, even if you use a third-party Email Service Provider (ESP), you should generate a DKIM record. This ensures emails sent on your behalf are authenticated, improving deliverability and preventing spoofing, irrespective of the service provider used.

      What Is A DKIM Key Pair And How Do I Generate One? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      A DKIM key pair consists of a public key (published in DNS for verification) and a private key (used by the sending server to sign emails). Generate it using a DKIM key generator provided by your email service or using online tools. The public key is added to DNS as a TXT record to authenticate your domain's emails.

      Is DKIM Better Than SPF? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      DKIM and SPF serve different purposes but complement each other. DKIM verifies email authenticity through cryptographic signatures, while SPF validates sender IP addresses. Combining both provides robust email authentication and improves overall email security.

      What Is The Difference Between DKIM, DMARC, and SPF?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      DKIM: Signs emails with a cryptographic key to verify sender authenticity.

      DMARC: Policy framework that uses SPF and/or DKIM to specify how email from a domain should be handled (e.g., reject, quarantine, or allow).

      SPF: Specifies which IP addresses are allowed to send emails on behalf of a domain.

      What Is A DKIM Key Selector? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      A DKIM key selector is a unique identifier added to DKIM records in DNS. It helps email servers locate the correct DKIM public key for verifying email signatures, allowing for multiple DKIM keys to be managed under a single domain.

      What Is a DKIM Key Generator And How Can It Help Me?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      A DKIM key generator is a tool used to create DKIM key pairs for email authentication. It simplifies the process by generating both the public and private DKIM keys. The public key is published in your DNS records, while the private key is used to sign your emails. Using a DKIM key generator ensures that your emails are properly authenticated and reduces the risk of them being marked as spam.

      How Do I Use a DKIM Creator To Set Up Email Authentication?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      A DKIM creator is a tool that helps you generate DKIM keys and create DKIM records for email authentication. To use a DKIM creator, enter your domain name and select a key length. The tool will generate the DKIM public key and provide you with the DKIM record format to add to your DNS settings. This ensures that your emails are signed and can be verified by recipients.

      How Does a DKIM Record Creator Assist in Setting Up DKIM For My Domain?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      A DKIM record creator is a tool that helps you generate the necessary DKIM records for your domain. It provides the DKIM public key and the correct format for your DNS records. By using a DKIM record creator, you can ensure that your DKIM DNS records are accurately configured, which is essential for successful email authentication.

       What Are The Steps For Generating A DKIM Record For My Domain?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      To generate a DKIM record for your domain, follow these steps:

      1. Use a DKIM key generator to create your DKIM key pair.
      2. Use a DKIM selector generator to generate a unique selector string.
      3. Obtain the DKIM public key from the DKIM key generator.
      4. Create a DKIM record using the information provided by your DKIM record creator.
      5. Add the DKIM record to your domain’s DNS settings to enable DKIM authentication.

      How Can I Perform A DKIM Lookup To Verify My DKIM Records?

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      To perform a DKIM lookup, use Smartlead DKIM lookup tool or service that queries your domain’s DNS records. This tool will retrieve and display the DKIM public key and verify if it is correctly configured. Performing a DKIM lookup ensures that your DKIM records are properly published and that your email authentication is functioning correctly.

      How Often Should DKIM Keys Be Rotated For Optimal Security? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      DKIM keys should be rotated periodically, typically every 6 to 12 months, to maintain security. Immediate rotation is advisable if keys are compromised or if best practices recommend more frequent changes.

      What Happens If A DKIM Signature Verification Fails? Are There Different Reasons For Failure? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      If DKIM signature verification fails, emails might be flagged as suspicious or rejected by receiving servers. Failures can occur due to incorrect key configuration, DNS issues, key expiration, or modifications made to the email content after signing.

      Can DKIM Be Used To Prevent Phishing Attacks Entirely? 

      Email automation FAQs- Smartlead

      While DKIM significantly reduces the risk of phishing by verifying sender authenticity, it alone cannot prevent all phishing attacks. Combining DKIM with SPF, DMARC, and user awareness training offers a more comprehensive defense against phishing attempts.