Creating a secure email environment is crucial for businesses, and Sender Policy Framework (SPF) records play a key role in email authentication. SPF helps prevent email spoofing by specifying which mail servers are authorized to send emails on behalf of your domain. Manually establishing SPF records, however, can be difficult and prone to mistakes.
That’s where SPF generator tools come in handy. These tools simplify the process, ensure accurate formatting, and help maintain compliance with email security standards. With the right SPF generator, businesses can protect their reputation, improve deliverability, and strengthen email defenses without the need for deep technical expertise.
In this blog, we will take a look at 10 Best SPF Generator Tools.
What Is an SPF Generator and Why Do You Need One?
An SPF (Sender Policy Framework) generator is a web‑based utility that helps domain owners create the DNS TXT record required to specify which mail servers are authorised to send email on their behalf.
By selecting your domain’s legitimate sending sources-such as your mail host’s A and MX records, specific IPv4 or IPv6 addresses, and trusted third‑party services-an SPF generator builds a correctly formatted string (beginning with “v=spf1”) and appends the proper qualifiers (e.g., “-all”).
Using an SPF generator ensures you avoid common syntax errors, stay within the DNS lookup limit, and adhere to best practices for performance and security. Implementing an accurate SPF record helps prevent spammers from forging your domain, reduces phishing risk, and improves email deliverability.
How SPF Records Protect Your Email Domain from Spoofing
- Authenticate Sending Sources: SPF records list approved mail servers (A/MX records, IPs, includes), ensuring only authorised hosts can send email for your domain.
- Prevent Forgery: Receivers check incoming mail against your SPF record; messages from unauthorised servers fail and can be rejected or flagged.
- Reduce Phishing and Spoofing: By blocking forged “From” addresses, SPF helps stop attackers from impersonating your brand in phishing campaigns.
- Improve Deliverability: Legitimate emails pass SPF checks more reliably, reducing the chance they’ll be marked as spam.
- Limit DNS Lookups: Properly structured SPF records avoid excessive lookups (max 10), ensuring quick validation and preventing soft‑failures.
- Enhance DMARC Effectiveness: SPF alignment underpins DMARC policies, providing stronger, policy‑driven enforcement against spoofed mail.
Important Qualities to Consider in an SPF Generator Tool
- Intuitive Interface: A clear, step‑by‑step UI that guides you through selecting mechanisms (A, MX, IP, include) without DNS jargon.
- Lookup Count Validation: Real‑time monitoring of DNS lookup usage to ensure you stay within the SPF 10‑lookup limit and avoid record failures.
- Syntax Error Checking: Automatic detection of formatting mistakes (missing qualifiers, unsupported mechanisms) before you publish the record.
- Preset Integrations: One‑click templates or presets for popular email services (e.g., Mailchimp, SendGrid, Google Workspace) to speed setup.
- Record Flattening: Ability to consolidate “include” mechanisms into direct IP lists or macros, reducing DNS lookups and improving validation speed.
- Batch or API Support: For enterprises, a programmatic API or bulk‑generation feature to automate SPF record creation across multiple domains.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Embedded help, tooltips, and best‑practice guides that explain each mechanism’s purpose and real‑world impact.
List of 10 Best SPF Generator Tools
1. EasyDMARC SPF Record Generator
EasyDMARC’s SPF Record Generator makes email authentication straightforward. After entering your domain, you choose which sources to authorise-MX, A, IPv4/IPv6, includes, or redirect mechanisms.
The tool then assembles a compliant SPF TXT record and immediately checks for common errors, excessive DNS lookups (the 10‑lookup limit), and syntax issues.
You simply copy the generated string into your DNS provider’s TXT record field, publish it, and verify via EasyDMARC’s SPF Checker. Its guided interface, real‑time validation, and comprehensive help center make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned administrators needing quick, reliable SPF configuration.
Key Features:
- Step-by-step guidance for SPF record creation
- Real-time syntax and lookup validation
- Quick error detection for excessive DNS lookups
- Optimised for both beginners and advanced users
- SPF Checker for verifying record implementation
- Provides clear instructions for DNS publishing
2. MxToolbox SPF Record Generator
MxToolbox’s SPF Generator helps you build or refine an SPF record via a clean, form‑based UI. Enter your domain and select mail‑sending sources-such as MX hosts, A records, IP addresses, or “include” domains-then click “Generate.”
The tool outputs a fully formatted TXT record and runs a syntax check, reporting any lookup count or formatting issues. MxToolbox leverages its extensive DNS diagnostics expertise to offer guidance on optimal record structuring, ensuring you stay under lookup limits and adhere to best practices.
It’s no‑frills, reliable generator is favored by IT professionals who already use MxToolbox’s suite of DNS and monitoring utilities.
Key Features:
- Intuitive UI for SPF record creation
- Option to modify existing SPF records
- Built-in syntax checker for SPF formatting
- Detailed guidance on record structuring to stay within lookup limits
- Provides in-depth DNS diagnostics and additional tools
- Trusted by professionals for quick and reliable SPF generation
3. ClouDNS Free SPF Record Generator
ClouDNS offers a zero‑cost SPF builder that requires no signup. You enter your domain and toggle which mechanisms to include-A, MX, IPv4, IPv6, or “exists.”
Once configured, you click “Generate,” and ClouDNS presents a ready‑to‑publish SPF TXT record, along with step‑by‑step instructions for adding it to your DNS zone. The interface includes tooltips explaining each mechanism’s purpose and best‑practice recommendations.
While it doesn’t perform lookup count validation, its simplicity and lack of restrictions make it a quick solution for small businesses or test deployments. An SPF setup can be finished in less than two minutes.
Key Features:
- Free, no-signup required SPF record generator
- Allows selection of A, MX, IPv4/IPv6, and exists mechanisms
- Simple interface with tooltips for mechanism explanations
- Provides easy-to-follow instructions for DNS record addition
- Quick SPF record creation without complicated setup
- Suitable for small businesses or quick deployments
4. PowerDMARC SPF Record Generator
PowerDMARC’s SPF generator caters to enterprise environments. After specifying your domain, you authorise sending sources via MX/A records, include third‑party services, and list specific IPv4/IPv6 ranges.
The tool then produces an optimized, flattened SPF string designed to minimise DNS lookups. Potential “void” mechanisms are identified by integrated lookup analysis, and PowerDMARC recommends macros for dynamic record management. Once generated, you copy the SPF TXT string into your DNS.
If you’re using PowerDMARC’s broader DMARC analytics suite, the generator seamlessly feeds into ongoing monitoring and reporting, helping maintain SPF health and compliance across complex, multi‑vendor infrastructures.
Key Features:
- Optimised SPF string generation for enterprise use
- Flags potential “void” mechanisms to minimise lookup failures
- Offers macros to flatten SPF records and reduce DNS lookups
- Integrates with PowerDMARC’s DMARC analytics suite
- Guidance on SPF best practices for corporate environments
- Ideal for multi-vendor infrastructures
5. ZeroBounce SPF Generator
ZeroBounce’s SPF tool focuses on ease of use for marketers and small IT teams. You start by entering your domain and toggling “Yes” to “Does this domain send mail?” Next, you list hostnames, IP addresses, and third‑party domains authorised to send email on your behalf.
ZeroBounce then crafts a valid SPF TXT record, complete with the required “v=spf1” prefix and “-all” qualifier. It also prompts you to implement DKIM and DMARC for comprehensive protection.
With its straightforward, checklist‑style workflow and clear publishing instructions, the ZeroBounce SPF Generator lets non‑technical users secure email deliverability in minut
Key Features:
- Designed for marketers with simple, checklist-style setup
- Quick domain entry and automated SPF generation
- Encourages DKIM and DMARC implementation for full protection
- Clear instructions for copying SPF to DNS
- Setting up email authentication doesn’t require any technical knowledge.
- Focused on improving email deliverability and security
6. EmailListVerify SPF Record Generator
EmailListVerify’s free SPF builder streamlines setup for email marketers. In four steps-enter domain, choose your ESP, add additional SMTP servers, and confirm optional IP ranges-you configure all sending sources.
The tool outputs a correctly formatted SPF TXT record that you can copy directly into your DNS zone. Integrated presets for popular platforms like Mailchimp, SendGrid, and Amazon SES accelerate the process.
Although it doesn’t perform live lookup counts, its focused feature set and minimal interface make it an efficient choice for marketing teams seeking a quick SPF solution without deep technical configuration.
Key Features:
- Quick, four-step SPF record creation process
- Pre-configured settings for well-known ESPs such as SendGrid and Mailchimp
- Generates a fully formatted TXT record for DNS publication
- Perfect for marketing groups with little technical know-how
- Simple, user-friendly interface for fast configuration
- Focused on marketing-related email security
7. DMARCLY SPF/DKIM/DMARC Wizard
SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are all covered in one flow by DMARCLY’s integrated wizard. For SPF, you enter your domain and select mail sources-MX hosts, A records, IPs, and include statements. The wizard then generates a consolidated TXT record, complete with recommended qualifiers.
It warns you about potential lookup overloads and advises on macro usage. After SPF, it guides you through DKIM key generation and DMARC policy creation with reporting options.
This all‑in‑one approach ensures consistent syntax across all records and reduces the risk of misconfiguration, making DMARCLY’s wizard an excellent choice for organizations implementing full email authentication.
Key Features:
- Unified wizard for SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup
- Generates a consolidated SPF TXT record with recommended best practices
- Flags potential lookup overloads and suggests optimisations
- Step-by-step guidance for full email authentication configuration
- Ideal for companies implementing a comprehensive security suite
- Ensures consistent syntax and records across all types
8. ValidBot Automatic DNS Record Generator
ValidBot’s Automatic DNS Record Generator builds SPF alongside DKIM and DMARC entries. You answer a few questions about your mail infrastructure-primary mail server, third‑party senders, and desired policy strictness-and ValidBot outputs all necessary DNS records in a single bundle.
The SPF component includes optimised mechanisms to reduce lookup counts. It also flags any missing include statements or potentially deprecated qualifiers.
By combining all record types, ValidBot offers a turnkey solution for small IT teams or MSPs seeking to deploy comprehensive email authentication without manual record‑by‑record configuration.
Key Features:
- DMARC, DKIM, and SPF records are automatically generated in a single flow.
- Prompts for mail server and third-party sender details
- Reduces manual configuration for small teams or MSPs
- Flags any missing include statements or deprecated qualifiers
- Outputs all necessary DNS records at once
- Ideal for users who need a turnkey solution
9. Security Boulevard SPF‑Flattening Round‑up
While Security Boulevard isn’t a generator per se, its January 2025 roundup analyzes top SPF‑flattening services-PowerDMARC, AutoSPF, MxToolbox, DMARCLY, and Fraudmarc-to optimise complex records.
The article explains how flattening reduces DNS lookups by replacing include mechanisms with direct IP listings and intelligent macros. It provides sample flattened outputs, before‑and‑after lookup counts, and best‑practice guidelines.
For organisations already generating SPF records, Security Boulevard’s insights help refine and compress existing entries, ensuring faster DNS resolutions and lower risk of lookup‑related failures in high‑volume email environments.
Key Features:
- Insights into optimising and flattening SPF records
- Explains the benefits of reducing DNS lookups via macros
- Reviews of the best SPF-flattening tools, including DMARCLY, PowerDMARC, and MxToolbox
- Offers before-and-after examples of flattened SPF records
- Provides lookup count analysis and optimisation tips
- Helps refine existing SPF records for performance improvement
10. DNSChecker SPF Record Generator
DNSChecker’s SPF tool, part of its comprehensive “All DNS Tools” suite, functions as an effective DNS security tool. You input your domain, select the mechanisms to include—A, MX, IPs, includes—and click “Generate.” The output is a valid SPF TXT record plus an on‑the‑fly validation report showing lookup counts and any syntax errors.
This immediate generate‑and‑check workflow helps you iterate until the record passes all checks. DNSChecker also provides guidance on TTL settings and best‑practice qualifiers.
Its combined creation and validation steps make it a practical choice for operators who want to confirm SPF health before DNS deployment, adding another layer of reliability to their DNS security strategy.
Key Features:
- Combines SPF record creation and real-time validation
- Offers immediate feedback on lookup counts and syntax issues
- Provides detailed DNS diagnostics and recommendations
- Simple interface for quick SPF record generation
- Helpful guidance on TTL settings and best practice qualifiers
- Ideal for users looking to verify SPF health before DNS deployment
How to Use an SPF Generator Tool in 5 Easy Steps
- Access the SPF Generator: Navigate to your chosen SPF generator’s website (e.g., EasyDMARC, MxToolbox, DNSChecker). No signup is usually required.
- Enter Your Domain Name:In the domain field, type the exact domain you send email from (e.g., example.com). This ensures the record applies correctly.
- Select Sending Sources: Check or enter authorised mail servers: A records, MX hosts, specific IPv4/IPv6 addresses, and any third‑party include domains (like include:spf.mailprovider.com).
- Review Lookup and Syntax Warnings: The tool will display real‑time feedback on lookup count (max 10) and highlight syntax errors. Adjust mechanisms if you exceed limits or see warnings.
- Generate and Publish: Click “Generate” to obtain your complete SPF TXT record (e.g., v=spf1 mx include:… -all). Copy it into your DNS provider’s TXT record section, save, and verify via the tool’s checker.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating SPF Records
- Exceeding the 10‑Lookup Limit: Including too many “include” or “redirect” mechanisms can push you past the DNS lookup cap, causing soft‑fails or outright rejection.
- Missing “-all” or “~all” Qualifier: Omitting a final qualifier leaves your policy open‑ended, allowing unauthorised senders to slip through under a neutral default.
- Typos in Mechanism Names: Misspelling “include,” “mx,” “a,” or using unsupported modifiers results in invalid records that receivers ignore.
- Forgetting to Update After Service Changes: Adding or removing mail services (e.g., switching ESPs) without adjusting your SPF record leads to legitimate mail failures.
- Overly Permissive “+all”: Using “+all” effectively disables SPF protection by allowing any server to send, defeating the entire purpose.
- Deep Macro Misuse: Incorrectly implemented macros (%{i}, %{s}) can generate malformed lookups or expose internal IPs.
Ending Thoughts
In conclusion, the tools reviewed offer comprehensive solutions for generating and managing SPF records, each catering to different user needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced IT professional, tools like EasyDMARC and MxToolbox provide user-friendly interfaces with real-time validation and error-checking. For enterprises and advanced users, PowerDMARC and DMARCLY offer features like SPF flattening and integration with broader email security suites.
Marketers and small businesses benefit from quick, streamlined solutions like ZeroBounce and EmailListVerify. Meanwhile, DNSChecker combines creation and validation, ensuring smooth deployment. Overall, selecting the right SPF generator depends on your needs-be it ease of use, advanced features, or integration with other email security tools. Each tool helps enhance email deliverability and prevent fraud.
FAQs
1. Why is email security dependent on an SPF record?
SPF records help prevent email spoofing by verifying the mail servers allowed to send emails on behalf of your domain.
2. Can I make an SPF record by hand without the use of a tool?
Yes, but it can be complex. Using an SPF generator tool ensures accuracy and minimizes the risk of configuration errors.
3. Are SPF generator tools free to use?
Many SPF generator tools are free, while some advanced tools may offer premium features with a subscription or one-time fee.
4. How often should I update my SPF record?
Update your SPF record whenever you add or remove email service providers or change your domain’s sending sources.
