What's the proper format for an SPF record?

Solution 1:

That SPF record looks correct to me, mine is quite similar to that.

Where do you get the SPF error? I checked the domain from my SPF client and it says it's okay.

You can always check the syntax here http://www.openspf.org/SPF_Record_Syntax and generate a new header here http://old.openspf.org/wizard.html?mydomain=example.com&submit=Go%21

$ spfquery -i 50.22.72.198 -m [email protected] -h wordswithfriends.net
pass
Please see http://www.openspf.org/why.html?sender=test%40wordswithfriends.net&ip=50.22.72.198&receiver=spfquery: 50.22.72.198 contains 50.22.72.198
spfquery: domain of [email protected] designates 50.22.72.198 as permitted sender
Received-SPF: pass (spfquery: domain of [email protected] designates 50.22.72.198 as permitted sender) client-ip=50.22.72.198; [email protected]; helo=wordswithfriends.net;

Solution 2:

If you are trying to add an SPF record in addition to the usual TXT record, the format is exactly the same. However, you need to use a version of BIND that supports SPF record types, i.e. 9.4.0 or later.

If your DNS software lacks support for "true" SPF records, I wouldn't worry about it. This record type is fairly new and you certainly won't need it for compatibility within the next 10 years or so. :)

Solution 3:

Did you just set the spf record? if so the other side's dns server might be caching your old zone without the spf record. So just wait a day and then try.

I went to http://www.kitterman.com/spf/validate.html and you passed.