DMARC

The Field Guide

5 chapters · last updated 21 September 2026 · free to read

DMARC is the instruction that makes SPF and DKIM mean something, and the one most likely to block your own mail if deployed in the wrong order.

This is the short version: what the policy does, the order that avoids self-inflicted damage, and how to read what comes back.

Chapter 1 of 5

What DMARC instructs

Three policies, and who acts on them.

What DMARC instructs

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Chapter 2 of 5

Alignment

Passing SPF is not the same as aligning with it.

Alignment

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Chapter 3 of 5

The deployment order

None, read, authorise, tighten. Any other order costs you.

The deployment order

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Chapter 4 of 5

Reading the reports

XML, senders, and which failures matter.

Reading the reports

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Chapter 5 of 5

Moving to reject

When it is safe, and how to know.

Moving to reject

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