How Symbol Domains Are Typically Used
In real deployments, a symbol domain usually does not replace an established domain. Instead, it functions as an additional “front door” that routes to an existing site. The primary domain remains the long-term home base for content, search, and navigation.
Common deployment patterns include:
- Redirecting the symbol domain to the primary site
- Pointing multiple domains to the same site (“domain stacking”)
- Routing based on browser capability when appropriate
This demonstration site is intentionally simple. Its purpose is to allow direct observation of address-bar rendering and resolution behavior using real domains and standard DNS.
Browser Display Varies
All IDNs are stored internally using Punycode. What varies is how browsers choose to display the domain in the address bar.
In current real-world behavior, Apple Safari often renders these particular symbol domains in their Unicode (symbol) form, while other browsers may display the encoded ASCII form. In all cases, the domain resolves correctly.
This page demonstrates that behavior without claiming that any single browser’s rendering policy represents a universal standard.
Current Symbol Domain List
For a current list of symbol domains and live demonstrations, visit SymbolDomains.com.
Bundled Symbols (Stewardship Policy)
Certain symbol domains are held together due to close visual similarity (glyph variants). Maintaining common stewardship of visually related symbols helps reduce confusion and inconsistent use.
Transferred Symbols
Some symbol domains have been previously transferred and are no longer under current stewardship. They may remain visible on demonstration pages for historical continuity (for example, ☯.com and ☚.com).
The domains and examples presented on this site are shown for technical and illustrative purposes only. They are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any third-party brand, organization, or individual.
References
- ICANN – Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers
- VeriSign® Global Registry Services
- The Unicode Consortium – maintains the Unicode Standard
- Visual perception research referenced throughout this site is discussed on the Foundation page.