Previewing your Website with SkipDNS

Knowledgebase Article

Previewing your Website with SkipDNS

When migrating to Kualo or setting up a new website, you may wish to preview the site before you repoint your domain name.

SkipDNS offers a straightforward solution for this, allowing you to view your website without the need to alter DNS settings or modify the hosts file. This guide will explain how to use SkipDNS effectively, including how to find your website's IP address and understand the nuances of using a proxy service like SkipDNS.

Understanding SkipDNS

SkipDNS is a proxy service that allows you to preview your website through their servers. It’s an excellent tool for developers, designers, and troubleshooting, but note that browsing speeds might be slower due to traffic routing via SkipDNS servers. For testing actual connection speed and performance, consider using the hosts file method.

Finding Your Website's IP Address

Before using SkipDNS, you need to know your website's IP address. This can be found through cPanel, typically in the 'General Information' section.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using SkipDNS

Visit the SkipDNS Website: Open your browser and go to SkipDNS.
Select the regular website from the dropdown.
Enter the IP address you obtained from cPanel in the IP Address field.
Enter your domain name in the domain name field. You don't need to include www.
Select over regular ports from the next field.
Click 'Go' to get a unique URL for previewing your site.
Preview Your Website: Use the generated URL to see how your website appears, hosted on the specified IP address.
Testing and Reviewing: Explore your site through this link to check functionality and design.

Important Considerations When Using SkipDNS

Accurate IP address: Ensure the IP address you use is correct.
Proxy limitations: Remember, SkipDNS is a proxy, so expect slower speeds. It’s great for visual and functional checks but not for speed testing.
Testing scope: Use SkipDNS for comprehensive testing across different browsers and devices.

Conclusion

SkipDNS is a valuable tool for anyone needing to preview a website before making it live. It offers a convenient way to check updates without DNS changes. For speed and performance testing, consider using the hosts file method, providing a more accurate reflection of the live site's capabilities.