Creating Email Aliases

Overview

An email alias is an additional address that delivers mail to an existing mailbox. For example, you could create an alias support@yourdomain.com that delivers to john@yourdomain.com. The recipient receives all messages at both addresses in a single inbox, without needing a separate account.

Aliases vs. Forwarding vs. Separate Mailboxes

Use aliases when you want multiple addresses to reach the same person. Use separate mailboxes when different people need independent access.

Creating an Alias in cPanel

1. Log in to cPanel and navigate to Email > Email Accounts.
2. Select the mailbox that should receive the alias mail.
3. Go to Email > Forwarders (cPanel handles aliases as forwarders to local addresses).
4. Click Add Forwarder.
5. Enter the alias address (e.g., info) and set the destination to the existing mailbox address (e.g., john@yourdomain.com).
6. Click Add Forwarder to save.

Creating an Alias in Google Workspace

1. Sign in to the Google Admin console (admin.google.com).
2. Go to Directory > Users and select the user.
3. Click User information > Alternate email addresses (email aliases).
4. Click Add alternate email and enter the alias.
5. Click Save. The user can now receive emails at the alias address and choose to send from it in Gmail settings.

Creating an Alias in Microsoft 365

1. Sign in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (admin.microsoft.com).
2. Go to Users > Active users and select the user.
3. Click Manage email aliases.
4. Enter the new alias and click Add > Save changes.
5. The user receives mail at both their primary address and the alias.

Sending Email from an Alias

Depending on your email provider and client, you may be able to select which address appears in the “From” field when composing a message:

• Gmail (Google Workspace): Go to Settings > Accounts > Send mail as > Add another email address.
• Outlook (Microsoft 365): The alias can be selected as the “From” address directly in Outlook.
• Other clients: Configure a sending identity using the alias address and the same SMTP credentials.

Common Use Cases

• Department addresses — sales@, support@, billing@ all route to specific team members.
• Role-based addresses — admin@, postmaster@, abuse@ (recommended by best practices and some compliance requirements).
• Name variations — firstname.lastname@ and firstname@ both delivering to the same person.
• Temporary project addresses — project-name@ that routes to a team lead’s inbox.

Tips

• There is usually a limit on how many aliases a single mailbox can have. Check your plan’s documentation.
• Aliases share the primary mailbox’s storage quota.
• Be consistent with which aliases you publish to avoid confusion.