How It Works
What Is SPF Flattening?
SPF flattening is a technique that is used to simplify and optimize an SPF record. It is used to reduce the number of DNS lookups required to check an SPF record.
SPF Flattening Defined
The process of turning multiple nested domains within SPF records into a flat list of IP addresses.
This is done by replacing all of the included statements in the original record with the actual IP addresses and domains that are in the included domains’ records.
How SPF Records Work
Sender Policy Framework (SPF) record is a type of DNS record that helps prevent email fraud. It specifies which mail servers and domains are authorized to send emails from a particular address.
- The recipient email server checks the SPF record to see if the IP address of the server that sent the email is on the list of authorized IP addresses.
- If so, the email can enter the inbox. If not, the email may be flagged as spam or rejected.
Having an SPF record with fewer than 10 lookups is important because it helps to reduce the load on DNS servers.
If the SPF record has more than 10 lookups, it can take longer for the server to process the email, leading to delays, rejections, and domain spoofing.
Common Problems Caused by SPF Records
Many software services (Mailchimp, CRM, HR, etc.) maintain their own servers to send emails.
These companies typically use a pool of IP addresses to send emails, and these IP addresses may change over time as the company grows or makes other changes to its infrastructure. These are considered third-party includes.
Using an SPF include allows these companies to add or change IP addresses without needing to specifically notify their customers. This can result in a broken SPF record that negatively affects your email deliverability.
Broken SPF records may lead to…
The process of turning multiple nested domains within SPF records into a flat list of IP addresses...
This is done by replacing all of the included statements in the original record with the actual IP addresses and domains that are in the included domains’ records.
The Solution – AutoSPF Flattening
SPF flattening simplifies and optimizes SPF records by –
Services
AutoSPF Solves the
DNS Lookup Problem
Implementation
In less than 5 minutes with a single
DNS change.
Overcome
Limits to the number of authorized
email providers.
Add
New domains, networks, and
authenticate new senders with
the click of a button.
Automate
SPF flattening in real-time
Enable
DMARC alignment and compliance
Secure
Multiple domains against
spoofing.
The Workaround to DNS Lookup Limits
There’s a limit of 10 other includes within an SPF record in addition to its associated domain. Once you reach the limit, your SPF record is “broken.”
AutoSPF fixes your SPF records by turning a list of includes into a single flat record.
Avoid the Headaches of SPF Errors
Once you exceed the DNS lookup limit –
Flattening and compressing your records helps you avoid these headaches, even when adding new users and domains.
Compatible with Every Email Platform & Tool
Deploy AutoSPF, and you’ll never worry about exceeding the limit.
Fix Your SPF Record, Free
Give us a test drive for 30 days at no cost. Fix your broken SPF in less than 60 seconds!