DirectAdmin admin settings, Evolution skin branding and server hostname

After installing DirectAdmin, a few admin-level settings make the server professional and safe: a proper hostname with SSL, sensible defaults for new accounts and branding that matches your company. This guide covers the essentials in the Evolution skin.

Before you start

• Admin-level access to DirectAdmin and root SSH.
• A hostname such as server1.example.com with an A record pointing to the server.
• Your logo as a PNG or SVG.

Set the hostname

1. Go to Server Manager → Administrator Settings (or Admin Settings).
2. Find Server Hostname and enter the full name.
3. Save. DirectAdmin updates its configuration and the system hostname.

Secure the panel with SSL

Issue a Let's Encrypt certificate for the hostname so the panel on port 2222 and mail services use a valid certificate. As root run:

/usr/local/directadmin/scripts/letsencrypt.sh request_single server1.example.com 4096

Recent DirectAdmin versions can do this automatically when the hostname resolves; check Administrator Settings → SSL. Then enable Force SSL redirect for the panel.

Important administrator settings

• Default nameservers: ns1.example.com and ns2.example.com used in new DNS zones. Create matching glue records at the registrar.
• Session timeout and IP-locked sessions: protect against stolen sessions.
• Brute force settings: see Brute Force Monitor.
• Max email sends per day per user: limits damage from compromised accounts.
• Backup notifications and temp paths: where backups are built.
• Default skin and language for new accounts.

Brand the Evolution skin

1. Go to Server Manager → Customize Evolution Skin (or Skin Customization).
2. Upload your logo for light and dark themes and a favicon.
3. Choose the primary colour and default theme (light or dark).
4. Optionally change menu items, links in the help menu and the login page text.
5. Save. The changes apply for all users who use the Evolution skin.

Resellers can apply their own branding for their customers if you allow it, which supports white-label reselling; see create reseller accounts.

Service monitoring

Server Manager → Service Monitor shows the status of web, mail, FTP, DNS and database services, with buttons to restart. DirectAdmin can restart crashed services automatically and email you – enable notifications for the admin account under Administrator Settings.

Troubleshooting

• Certificate request fails: the hostname does not resolve to the server, or port 80 is blocked.
• Panel unreachable on port 2222: firewall rule missing; allow it in CSF or the DirectAdmin firewall.
• Logo not shown: clear the browser cache; check the file format and size.
• New domains use wrong nameservers: update the default nameservers and the DNS template.

Next steps

• Update software with CustomBuild.
• Manage IP addresses.
• Install DirectAdmin.