Network & API5 min read
URL Shortener: Create Short Links with Click Tracking
Shorten long URLs, track clicks, manage your links, and generate QR codes. Private and stored to your account.
Try the free online tool mentioned in this guide:URL Shortener
Why shorten URLs?
Long URLs are ugly, hard to share, and error-prone:
`
https://www.example.com/blog/2026/01/how-to-debug-javascript-in-production?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=launch
`
A short URL is clean, memorable, and trackable:
`
https://mydevtools.net/s/abc123
`
Benefits of URL shortening
- Readability — fits in tweets, QR codes, and print materials.
- Tracking — monitor how many people click your link.
- Management — edit destination or disable a link later.
- QR codes — generate codes from short links for offline distribution.
- Branding — use your own domain for custom short links.
URL shortener features
- Create short links — paste a long URL, get a short one.
- View click stats — see daily/weekly/monthly clicks.
- Edit or disable — change destination or deactivate anytime.
- QR code export — download PNG codes for physical sharing.
- Link history — browse all links you've created.
- Custom aliases — optionally name your short link (slug).
Use cases
- Social media — share in tweets, Instagram bios, Slack.
- Email campaigns — track engagement on links.
- Print materials — QR code on flyers links to your landing page.
- Affiliate links — track referrals.
- Analytics dashboard — see which links drive traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Are short links permanent?
Links persist as long as your account is active. You can disable a link anytime, but reactivate it later if needed.
Can I see who clicked my link?
Click count and timestamps are tracked. Full device/geographic data requires a more advanced analytics tool.
Do short links work offline?
No, short links require internet to redirect. QR codes must be scanned online.