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.

Fix Your SPF Record Now

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.

Data

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…

  • Customers missing important emails
  • Missed sales opportunities
  • Late payments
  • Domain spoofing
  • Eroded company image

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 –

  • Reducing the number of DNS lookups
  • Eliminating the need for manual monitoring
  • Improving your email deliverability rate

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.

Adaptive

Add

New domains, networks, and
authenticate new senders with
the click of a button.

Speed

Automate

SPF flattening in real-time

Security Version

Enable

DMARC alignment and compliance

Security Version

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 –

  • Domain authentication or validation may break
  • Your domain is vulnerable to spoofing
  • Emails are undeliverable without warning
  • Your email deliverability rate declines

Flattening and compressing your records helps you avoid these headaches, even when adding new users and domains.

Compatible with Every Email Platform & Tool

  • Gmail: 4/10 records
  • Salesforce: 8/10 records
  • Office 365: 2/10 records
  • Additional third-party tools and platforms add even more records.

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!

Fix My SPF Record!