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Guide · Open source

How to use is-a.dev: get a free .is-a.dev subdomain

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

is-a.dev is a free service that gives developers a personal subdomain ending in .is-a.dev for a website such as a portfolio or project page. This guide walks through the registration process, which runs through a GitHub fork and pull request rather than a sign-up form. By the end you will know what to prepare, what happens during review, and what to do once your DNS records are published.

is-a.devis-a-dev/register · ★ 11.7k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Fork the repository. Create your own fork of is-a-dev/register on GitHub. This is where you will add your request.
  2. 2Read the documentation. Follow the instructions at docs.is-a.dev to write your request. Do not use AI to generate it.
  3. 3Open a pull request. Submit your request as a pull request from your fork to the main repository.
  4. 4Respond to review. Watch your pull request and make any requested changes, or it will be rejected.
  5. 5Wait for merge. Once merged, your DNS records should be published within a few minutes.
  6. 6Use your subdomain. Point your personal website at your new .is-a.dev subdomain.

What you need before you start

You need a GitHub account, since the request is made by forking the register repository and opening a pull request. The README does not list any other prerequisites.

Plan the subdomain you want before you begin. The service gives you a subdomain of is-a.dev, not a top-level domain you fully own.

  • A GitHub account
  • A subdomain name you want to request
  • A personal website that the subdomain will point to

Fork the repository and clone it

Start by forking the is-a-dev/register repository on GitHub. A fork is your own copy, where you add your request file. If you want to work on the files locally, you can clone the repository with the command below.

Follow the instructions in the official documentation at docs.is-a.dev for the exact format of the request. The README points there for details.

  • Fork the repository from the is-a-dev/register page on GitHub.
  • Clone it to your machine if you prefer to edit locally.
git clone https://github.com/is-a-dev/register

Write your request and avoid AI-generated drafts

Write your request by following the instructions in the documentation. The README is explicit that you should not use AI to generate your request, because it will always get it wrong and delay you getting a domain.

Write the request yourself so the details match the documented format.

  • Follow the documentation at docs.is-a.dev.
  • Do not use AI tools to generate the request.

Open a pull request and respond to review

Once you open your pull request, it will be reviewed. Keep an eye on it in case changes are needed. If changes are requested, make them as specified, otherwise the README says your request will be rejected.

Approval is a manual review through the pull request, so there is no instant signup.

  • Open a pull request with your request.
  • Watch the pull request for review comments.
  • Make every requested change.

Wait for DNS records to publish

After your pull request is merged, the README says your DNS records should be published within a few minutes. DNS management is supported by Cloudflare's Project Alexandria program, according to the README.

When the subdomain is live, you can point your website at it. The README says to enjoy your new .is-a.dev subdomain.

  • Confirm the pull request is merged.
  • Allow a few minutes for DNS records to publish.
  • Use your new .is-a.dev subdomain for your site.

Report abuse if you see it

If you find subdomains being abused or breaking the Terms of Service, the README asks you to report them by creating an issue with relevant evidence. The issue link uses the report-abuse label in the repository.

  • Read the Terms of Service at is-a.dev/terms.
  • Open an issue in the is-a-dev/register repository with evidence.

What people use it for

  • A developer portfolio at a short personal .is-a.dev address
  • A project or demo site hosted under a free subdomain
  • A personal website for someone who does not want to pay for a domain

Frequently asked questions

Is is-a.dev free?

The README describes is-a.dev as a free service that gives developers a personal subdomain ending in .is-a.dev. It also links to a donation page, which is optional support rather than a fee for registration as far as the README states.

What do I need to install or use is-a.dev?

The README lists no prerequisites. The registration process uses GitHub: you fork the repository, clone it if you want, and open a pull request with your request. The one command given in the README is git clone https://github.com/is-a-dev/register.

How long does approval take?

The README does not give a fixed approval time. Your pull request is reviewed manually, and once it is merged your DNS records should be published within a few minutes.

Can I use an AI tool to write my request?

No. The README explicitly says not to use AI to generate your request, because it will always get it wrong and will delay you getting a domain.

Can I get a custom domain I fully own with is-a.dev?

No. The service gives you a subdomain of is-a.dev, so it is not a top-level domain you fully own. The README does not describe a way to transfer or fully own the name.

Are there alternatives to is-a.dev?

The README mentions is-a.bot, which is a separate free subdomain service with its own claim process at github.com/free-domains/is-a.bot. Other comparable options listed for this project are Freenom and GitHub Pages custom subdomains.

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Our verdict

is-a.dev suits developers who want a free, short personal subdomain for a portfolio or project site and are comfortable with a GitHub pull request and review comments. It is a poor fit if you need a custom top-level domain you fully own, want instant self-service signup, or plan to draft your request with AI, which the README discourages.

Install options & downloads