{"id":2070,"date":"2021-11-08T11:49:05","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T11:49:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.kdmarc.com\/blog\/?p=2070"},"modified":"2025-06-10T14:31:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T09:01:50","slug":"spf-flattening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/","title":{"rendered":"SPF Flattening Explained: Why It Matters for Email Deliverability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">If you&#8217;ve ever sent marketing emails, newsletters, or transactional messages from your domain and noticed that they end up in spam folders, <a href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-authentication\/\">SPF (Sender Policy Framework)<\/a> is one term you should get familiar with. Even more specifically, SPF flattening.<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #414141;color:#414141\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #414141;color:#414141\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#What_is_SPF\" >What is SPF?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Why_SPF_Isnt_Always_Enough\" >Why SPF Isn\u2019t Always Enough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#What_is_SPF_Flattening\" >What is SPF Flattening?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Why_Does_SPF_Flattening_Matter\" >Why Does SPF Flattening Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Practical_Steps_to_Flatten_Your_SPF_Record\" >Practical Steps to Flatten Your SPF Record<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Automation_Use_an_SPF_Flattener_Tool\" >Automation: Use an SPF Flattener Tool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#What_Could_Happen_If_You_Dont_Flatten_Your_SPF_Records\" >What Could Happen If You Don\u2019t Flatten Your SPF Records?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Best_Practices_for_SPF_Flattening\" >Best Practices for SPF Flattening<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Avoid_These_Common_Mistakes\" >Avoid These Common Mistakes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-flattening\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">In this blog, we\u2019ll get an overall understanding of SPF flattening. We\u2019ll share what it is, why it is critical for email delivery, and how to use it to ensure your domain remains credible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_SPF\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>What is SPF?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">The Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is an email authentication method that allows domain owners to specify the IP addresses which are allowed to send email from the domain in question on behalf of an account. This specification is done by creating an SPF record that is placed in the domain&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/dns-security\/\">DNS<\/a> settings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">An SPF record shields your domain against spammers phishing actors that send fraudulent emails through your domain. It also has an important role to play in your ability to have emails received in inboxes rather than being labeled as spam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_SPF_Isnt_Always_Enough\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Why SPF Isn\u2019t Always Enough?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">To determine whether the sending server has the authorization to send email, SPF works by looking up DNS records. SPF has a fairly finite limit: there are only 10 DNS lookups allowed per verification. In other words, if your SPF record references too many external domains that include statements, you are likely to reach the limit fairly quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you go over this limit, even legitimate emails can <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-errors\/\">fail SPF checks<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, leading to deliverability problems.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where <\/span>SPF flattening<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> becomes important.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\r\n<html lang=\"en\">\r\n\r\n<head>\r\n    <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\r\n    <meta http-equiv=\"X-UA-Compatible\" content=\"IE=edge\">\r\n    <meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\r\n    <title>Document<\/title>\r\n<\/head>\r\n\r\n<style>\r\n    .interestedBtn {\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n        box-sizing: border-box !important;\r\n        display: inline-block !important;\r\n        padding: 11px !important;\r\n        border: 1px !important;\r\n        border-color: #ddd !important;\r\n        margin-top: 10px !important;\r\n        background-color: #183e8b !important;\r\n        background-image: none !important;\r\n        text-shadow: none !important;\r\n        color: #fff !important;\r\n        font-size: 14px !important;\r\n        line-height: 20px !important;\r\n        border-radius: 5px !important;\r\n        margin: 0 !important;\r\n        cursor: pointer !important;\r\n        box-shadow: 0px 4.66px 22.99px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.10);;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n\r\n        .formSec .formSecTwo{\r\n            padding-top: 15px !important;\r\n            margin-bottom: 30px !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n    .tnp-email {\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n        box-sizing: border-box;\r\n        padding: 8px 10px;\r\n        display: inline-block;\r\n        border: 1px solid #ced4da;\r\n        background: #fff;\r\n        color: #000 !important;\r\n        font-size: 13px;\r\n        line-height: 20px;\r\n        border-radius: 2px;\r\n        padding-right: 30px;\r\n        margin-bottom: 0px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formSec {\r\n        border: 1px solid #ced4da;\r\n        float: left !important;\r\n        width: 55% !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .mainBox {\r\n       \/* border: 1px solid #183e8b;*\/\r\n         background: white;\r\n        max-width: 600px !important;\r\n        margin: 0 auto !important;\r\n        padding: 20px !important;\r\n        font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .boxDiv {\r\n        display: flex !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .boxConsult {\r\n        float: left !important;\r\n        width: 45% !important;\r\n        padding: 10px !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formSecTwo {\r\n        text-align:center !important;\r\n        width: 100% !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .formHeading {\r\n        font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\r\n        margin-top: 0px;\r\n        font-weight: 700;\r\n        line-height: 25px;\r\n        font-size: 18px !important;\r\n        \r\n       margin-bottom: 60px !important;\r\n       color: #000!important;\r\n          margin-top: 5px !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .fieldHeading {\r\n        margin: 0 !important;\r\n        font-size: 13px !important;\r\n        text-align: left !important;\r\n        margin: 0px 39px 2px 93px !important;\r\n        font-weight: 500 !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .image {\r\n        max-width:90% !important;\r\n        height: auto !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n     .email-icon {\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            right: 50px;\r\n             top: 20px;\r\n            transform: translateY(-50%);\r\n            pointer-events: none; \r\n        }\r\n\r\n          .email-container{\r\n             position: relative;\r\n         \r\n        }\r\n       \r\n\r\n        .email-icon img{\r\n                 width: 15px;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n         input::placeholder {\r\n            color:#495057;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n     ::placeholder {\r\n        color: #495057;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n        ::-ms-input-placeholder { \r\n          color:#495057;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n        input:-webkit-autofill {\r\n            background-color: transparent !important;\r\n            -webkit-box-shadow: 0 0 0px 1000px white inset !important; \r\n            box-shadow: 0 0 0px 1000px white inset !important;\r\n            color: #495057 !important; \r\n        }\r\n\r\n        \r\n        input {\r\n            color:#495057 !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n\r\n    @media screen and (max-width: 480px) {\r\n        .boxDiv {\r\n            display: block !important;\r\n            padding: 15px !important;\r\n         \r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .image{\r\n        width: 80% !important;\r\n         margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n        }\r\n        .fieldHeading {\r\n            text-align: left !important;\r\n            margin: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .boxConsult {\r\n            width: unset !important;\r\n            float: none !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .mainBox {\r\n            border: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formSec {\r\n            float: unset !important;\r\n            width: 100% !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formSecTwo {\r\n            text-align: center !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .tnp-email {\r\n            width: 90% !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n        .formHeading {\r\n            margin-bottom: unset !important;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n         .email-icon {\r\n            position: absolute;\r\n            right: 25px;\r\n            top: 58%;\r\n            transform: translateY(-50%);\r\n            pointer-events: none; \/* Make sure the icon doesn't block clicking on the input *\/\r\n        }\r\n       \r\n        .email-container{\r\n             position: relative;\r\n        }\r\n\r\n    }\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<body>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"mainBox\" box-sizing:=\"\" border-box;=\"\">\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"boxDiv\">\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"boxConsult\">\r\n                <div>\r\n                    <h3 class=\"formHeading\" style=\" font-size: 16px !important;\">\r\n                        Book a Free Demo Call with Our People Security Expert<\/h3>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/form.svg\" class=\"image\">\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n            <div class=\"formSec\">\r\n                <div class=\" formSecTwo\">\r\n                    <h4 style=\"margin-top: 0; font-size: 16px !important;\">Enter your details<\/h4>\r\n                    <div class=\"tnp tnp-subscription-minimal\">\r\n                        <form action=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/thankyou-blog\" method=\"get\" target=\"_blank\">\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n\r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"text\" required=\"\" name=\"FullName\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Full Name\">\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon01.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"email\" required=\"\" name=\"email\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Corporate Email Id\">\r\n                                     <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon02.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\" style=\"margin-bottom:20px;\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"text\" required=\"\" name=\"CompanyName\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Company Name\">\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon03.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n\r\n                            <div class=\"email-container\">\r\n                               \r\n                                <input class=\"tnp-email\" type=\"number\" required=\"\" name=\"Phone\" value=\"\"\r\n                                    placeholder=\"Phone No.\"><br>\r\n                                    <span class=\"email-icon\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/awareness.threatcop.ai\/threatcop_blog\/icon04.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" \/><\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"BlogForm\" value=\"BlogForm\"><br>\r\n                            <input class=\"tnp-submit interestedBtn\" name=\"submit\" type=\"submit\"\r\n                                value=\"SUBMIT\">\r\n\r\n                        <\/form>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/body>\r\n\r\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_SPF_Flattening\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>What is SPF Flattening?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Sender Policy Framework (SPF) flattening is a proven approach used by many to simplify their SPF record by replacing include: statements with their resolved IP addresses. This limits DNS lookups and keeps you under the limit of your SPF record.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Imagine this flattening as decluttering your DNS instructions. Rather than sending email servers on a hunt to check multiple records, you&#8217;re giving them everything up front, like a direct cheat sheet.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Before Flattening:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:mailgun.org ~all<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>After Flattening:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">v=spf1 ip4:192.0.2.1 ip4:203.0.113.2 ip4:198.51.100.3 ~all<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before flattening, the SPF record used included mechanisms to reference external domains. After flattening, these were replaced with specific IPv4 addresses, removing the need for DNS lookups. This change reduces the need for DNS lookups. It might look messier, but it\u2019s more efficient for email servers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_SPF_Flattening_Matter\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Why Does SPF Flattening Matter?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b> Avoid SPF Failures: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flattening can help keep you under the 10 lookup limit, therefore avoiding SPF validation errors.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b> Enhances Email Deliverability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In case your SPF is good enough, you have higher chances of receiving your email in the inbox rather than spam.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b> Futureproofing: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your SPF record may become pretty cluttered if you use a couple of third-party services like Google Workspace, Mailchimp, SendGrid, or Hubspot.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b> Security:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It helps maintain tighter control over which IPs can send emails on your behalf, minimizing spoofing risks.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Practical_Steps_to_Flatten_Your_SPF_Record\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Practical Steps to Flatten Your SPF Record<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Flattening your SPF isn\u2019t difficult, but it needs attention to detail. Here\u2019s a practical, step-by-step approach:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Step 1: Review Your Current SPF Record<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Log in to your domain registrar (like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or Cloudflare) and check your current SPF TXT record.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Step 2: Count DNS Lookups<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Use tools like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thr<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eatcop SPF Checker<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">They show how many DNS lookups your SPF record is currently making. It&#8217;s approaching or surpassing 10, you&#8217;ve got to flatten.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Step 3: Resolve Included Domains to IPs<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the core of flattening. Each <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">includes:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to another domain. You can use tools like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dig<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or DNS lookup services to extract the IP addresses from those includes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Step 4: Rewrite the SPF Record<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you\u2019ve gathered all IPs, rewrite your SPF record, replacing include: entries with the actual <strong>ip4: or ip6: entries<\/strong>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Step 5: Replace the Existing Record in DNS<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">You should now update your DNS using the new, flattened SPF record. Be careful, however, not to exceed the DNS character limits (255 characters per string, and 512 total for DNS responses).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automation_Use_an_SPF_Flattener_Tool\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Automation: Use an SPF Flattener Tool<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Manual flattening is feasible, but not always practical, especially for businesses using multiple email services.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">That\u2019s where tools like:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>MxToolbox SPF Flattening Tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Automatically reconstructs your SPF record, reducing DNS lookups and maintaining compliance.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Safe SPF: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allows dynamic SPF record flattening, as your SPF is changed, it will also update your SPF record.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>AutoSPF: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delivers automatic SPF flattening by condensing all domains that are within the SPF and also eliminating more DNS lookups.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>EasySPF<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Utilizes a dynamic SPF flattening algorithm to swap domain includes with IP addresses, ensuring your record is up to date.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After automating the process, you can also check your updated SPF record using the<\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/spf-record-checker\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SPF Record Checker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to ensure everything is configured correctly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">These tools:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Automatically resolve includes into IPs<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Monitor changes and keep your SPF updated<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Alert you if the record gets too long or goes over the lookup limit<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Some services even offer dynamic flattening, which updates your DNS record daily based on real-time changes to IPs used by third parties.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Could_Happen_If_You_Dont_Flatten_Your_SPF_Records\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>What Could Happen If You Don\u2019t Flatten Your SPF Records?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Email Failures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Exceeding the 10-lookup limit can cause SPF validation failures, preventing emails from reaching inboxes.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Increased Spam Risk<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Unflattened SPF records may lead to emails being marked as spam by email servers, reducing deliverability.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Rejection by Receiving Servers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Emails may be outright rejected if SPF checks exceed the DNS lookup limit.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Frustrating Customer Communication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If emails are flagged as spam or rejected, communication with customers can be delayed or missed.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Damage to Domain Reputation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Continuously failing SPF checks can harm your domain\u2019s reputation, affecting future email deliverability.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Practices_for_SPF_Flattening\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Best Practices for SPF Flattening<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Regular Monitoring: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with the use of automated tools, review your SPF record from time to time to confirm accuracy and adherence.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Combine with Other Authentication Protocols: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Integrate <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/blog\/spf-and-dkim\/\">SPF with DKIM<\/a><\/strong> and DMARC to boost email security and e-deliverability.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Avoid Over-Authorization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Only include necessary IP addresses in your SPF record to minimize security risks.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoid_These_Common_Mistakes\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Avoid These Common Mistakes<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using too many <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> entries without flattening<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">Forgetting to update flattened IPs when providers change infrastructure<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">includes:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with flattened IPs and exceeding the limit<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Omitting the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">~all<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">-all<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> directive at the end of your SPF record<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">SPF is crucial for email security and deliverability, but it comes with strict limitations. As more businesses use multiple third-party email services, the risk of hitting the DNS lookup limit grows.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>SPF flattening<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a simple yet powerful technique that keeps your SPF record efficient, trustworthy, and under control. Whether you&#8217;re managing one domain or dozens, flattening your SPF record ensures your emails actually reach the inbox.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to secure your domain and maintain a healthy sender reputation? <\/span><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/threatcop.com\/tdmarc\"><strong>TDMARC<\/strong><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> <\/strong>helps you secure your domain and outbound email, ensuring domain reputation and email deliverability, giving you peace of mind and reducing manual SPF management hassles.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749545941085\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Q: <strong>1. What happens if you don\u2019t flatten SPF records?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you go over 10 DNS lookups in your SPF record, your email can fail authentication even if it is accurate. This usually sees your emails flagged as spam or outright rejected by receiving servers.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749546074934\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>2. Is it safe to replace include statements with IP addresses?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, flattening your SPF by replacing includes with IPs is safe, but you must keep the IPs updated. If the provider changes their sending IPs, your SPF record could become outdated, so regular maintenance or using a dynamic SPF flattener is key.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749546091634\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>3. Can you automate SPF flattening for multiple domains?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Absolutely, with many SPF flattener tools offering automation features. They can dynamically update SPF records across multiple domains and alert you to changes, helping reduce manual workload and maintain deliverability.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;ve ever sent marketing emails, newsletters, or transactional messages from your domain and noticed that they end up in spam folders, SPF (Sender Policy Framework) is one term you should get familiar with. Even more specifically, SPF flattening. In this blog, we\u2019ll get an overall understanding of SPF flattening. We\u2019ll share what it is, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7298,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dmarc"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>SPF Flattening Explained: Why It Matters for Email Deliverability<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"One of the major SPF errors is exceeding the SPF 10-lookup limit. 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