Glossary definition

DMARC alignment

DMARC alignment is the match between the visible From domain and the authenticated SPF or DKIM domain used to evaluate a message.

How GTM Inboxes uses this term

GTM treats DMARC posture as part of domain authentication review and public DNS tooling, while launch approval still depends on readiness and seed-placement evidence.

Alignment is not the same as existence

Publishing a DMARC record is only the policy layer. Alignment depends on how SPF and DKIM authenticate the actual message path used by the sending workflow.

How GTM frames it

DMARC checks are advisory setup inputs. They help identify authentication risks before readiness and launch gates, but they do not guarantee inbox placement.

Related glossary terms

Return-path

The return-path is the envelope sender address that receives bounces and commonly determines which domain SPF evaluates.

DKIM selector

A DKIM selector is the selector value in a DKIM signature that maps to a public key record under the sending domain.

SPF lookup limit

The SPF lookup limit is the maximum number of DNS lookups an SPF evaluation may require before receivers treat the record as too expensive to process.

Related workflows

Generate a DMARC record

Create a planning record after checking legitimate sources and alignment needs.

Check a real domain

Move from the definition to a practical DNS and authentication check.

Seed placement workflow

How the concept shows up in the pre-launch evidence workflow.

Browse the glossary

Every cold email infrastructure term GTM models, checks, or gates.

Next step

Review SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and MX posture before readiness checks.

Check authentication records