Easy to share
Replace long, unwieldy web addresses with compact links that fit naturally in messages, social posts, and print.
Free Smart-Link tool
Free URL Shortener
Create a clean short link, tune the redirect behavior, and get a QR code in the same flow.
URL shortening, explained
What is a URL shortener?
A URL shortener turns a long web address into a compact, shareable link. The short URL redirects visitors to the original page, so you can share the same destination with a cleaner address.
Short links are useful when space, readability, or presentation matters—especially in social media, text messages, email, advertising, printed material, and QR codes.
QR code included
Generate a scannable QR code with your short URL for menus, flyers, packaging, business cards, and events.
Redirect control
Choose the redirect type that matches your destination, from permanent redirects to temporary campaign links.
Three simple steps
How to shorten a URL
Create a short link and QR code without leaving the page.
- 01
Paste the destination
Add the full URL for your product page, review flow, menu, event, app install, or campaign landing page.
- 02
Choose a domain and path
Keep the back-half readable when you need a link people can trust, remember, and type.
- 03
Generate and share
Copy the short link, download the QR code, and use it wherever the next click should happen.
Where short links help
One compact link, many ways to share it
A short URL keeps the destination intact while making the link easier to read, remember, type, and place in limited spaces.
Social media
Keep links concise in profiles, captions, direct messages, and paid ads.
Email and SMS
Share readable links that do not overwhelm short messages or break across lines.
Print and QR codes
Connect posters, menus, packaging, receipts, and business cards to online content.
Marketing campaigns
Create memorable campaign links and move to Smart-Link analytics when you need deeper insight.
Redirect options
Choose the right redirect type
Redirect status codes tell browsers whether the move is temporary or permanent. If you are unsure, use a temporary redirect for a changing campaign and a permanent redirect for a lasting move.
301
Moved Permanently
Best when the destination has permanently changed.
302
Found
A common choice for temporary redirects and short campaigns.
307
Temporary Redirect
Temporarily redirects while preserving the request method.
308
Permanent Redirect
Permanently redirects while preserving the request method.
More free Smart-Link tools
Keep building your next campaign
Create direct review links or generate a lightweight webpage, then share the result with your new short URL.
URL shortener FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The practical details behind creating, sharing, and managing short links.
01 What is a URL shortener?
A URL shortener converts a long web address into a compact link. When someone opens the short URL, they are redirected to the original destination.
02 Is this URL shortener free?
Yes. You can create and share short links with this public tool for free. Smart-Link plans add features such as analytics, branded domains, and advanced routing.
03 Do short links expire?
Short links created with the public tool are intended to keep working. A destination may still become unavailable if the original page is removed or changed.
04 Can I edit a short URL after creating it?
Public links cannot be edited directly. Managed Smart-Link links can be updated from the dashboard after ownership is established.
05 Can I track clicks on my short link?
Click analytics are available for managed Smart-Link links. The dashboard can help you understand link activity and campaign performance.
06 Are shortened URLs safe?
A short URL is a redirect, so its safety depends on the destination. Only open links from sources you trust, and report suspected malicious Smart-Link URLs to contact@smartlink.mk.
Ready to make your long URL easier to share?
Create a free short link now, or explore Smart-Link plans for custom domains, analytics, and advanced redirect rules.