DMARC Basics

Learn how DMARC works, what the record means, and how it fits with SPF and DKIM.

DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM to give domain owners control over what happens when email authentication fails. These articles explain the authentication flow, record syntax, alignment requirements, and how DMARC relates to the other email authentication standards. Start here if you are new to DMARC or need a refresher on the fundamentals.

How to Create a DMARC Record

Learn how to create a DMARC record for your domain. Understand every tag, build your record step by step, and publish it in DNS.

DKIM vs DMARC: What's the Difference?

Understand the difference between DKIM and DMARC, how they work together, and why you need both for email authentication.

DMARC Alignment Explained: Why SPF and DKIM Aren't Enough

Learn what DMARC alignment is, why it matters, and how to fix alignment failures that cause DMARC to fail even when SPF and DKIM pass.

DMARC Compliance: Requirements, Standards, and How to Get There

Understand DMARC compliance requirements from Google, Yahoo, and industry standards. Learn what you need to do to meet email authentication requirements.

DMARC Fail: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Learn why DMARC fails, understand SPF and DKIM alignment issues, and follow step-by-step instructions to diagnose and fix DMARC failures.

DMARC Policy Explained: None, Quarantine, and Reject

Understand the three DMARC policies, what each one does to failing emails, and when to use none, quarantine, or reject for your domain.

DMARC Record Explained: Syntax, Tags, and Examples

Learn how to read and create DMARC records. Understand every tag, see real examples, and learn what each setting does for your email security.

Understanding DMARC Reports: How to Read and Use Them

Learn what DMARC reports are, how to receive them, and how to interpret aggregate and forensic reports to improve your email authentication.

DMARC RUA and RUF Explained: Understanding DMARC Reports

Learn what DMARC RUA and RUF tags do, how aggregate and forensic reports differ, and how to set up DMARC reporting for your domain.

How DMARC Works: The Complete Authentication Flow

Understand how DMARC authenticates email step by step, including how it uses SPF and DKIM results, alignment checks, and policy enforcement.

No DMARC Record Found: What It Means and How to Fix It

Getting a 'No DMARC record found' error? Learn why this matters, what risks it creates, and how to add a DMARC record to your domain.

How to Set Up DMARC for Gmail

Learn how to set up DMARC when using Gmail or Google Workspace. Covers both free Gmail accounts and custom domains with step-by-step instructions.

How to Set Up DMARC for Proton Mail

Complete guide to configuring DMARC for Proton Mail custom domains. Set up SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for full email authentication.

SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: The Complete Email Authentication Guide

Learn how SPF, DKIM, and DMARC work together to protect your domain from email spoofing and improve deliverability.

What is DMARC? A Plain-English Guide to Email Authentication

Learn what DMARC is, why it matters for your email security, and how it works with SPF and DKIM to protect your domain from spoofing.