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Short answer: A link turns a long destination URL into a concise, branded redirect you can share anywhere. In ShortPen you’ll open the New Link form, set a destination, choose the domain + slug, and optionally add UTMs, enable a QR code, and (if you use the Pixel) turn on event tracking.
See also: Components of a ShortPen Link
Links are lightweight redirects that make URLs easy to share and measure. With a custom domain and readable slug, they improve click-through rates, work well in offline contexts via QR, and power consistent analytics across campaigns.

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Prerequisites

Tip: You can create links without custom domains or events. You can add those later as your setup matures.
1

Open the New Link form

In your workspace, go to Links → New Link.
2

Set the destination

Paste the long URL you want people to reach. You can add UTMs later from a dedicated panel.
3

Choose the URL

Pick your Domain (default or custom) and enter a short, human-friendly slug (e.g., summer-sale).
4

Organize and label (optional)

Add a descriptive Title (internal), put the link in a Folder, and apply Tags for reporting.
5

Configure enhancements (optional)

  • UTM parameters. Append source/medium/campaign consistently.
  • QR Code. Enable a QR for print/offline and customize its appearance.
  • Event tracking. If the Pixel is active for the destination domain, toggle Enable event tracking to attribute conversions.
  • Advanced options. Set social preview, password protection, redirect type, and other behaviors as needed.
Learn more: Components of a ShortPen Link
6

Create and share

Click Create Link. Copy the link (and download the QR if enabled) to share in your channels.

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Notes & best practices

  • Plan UTMs once, reuse everywhere. Align on lowercase keys/values and a single naming style for team-wide consistency.
  • Changing slug/domain later? The public URL changes and the previous link stops working. If the link was on the default domain shr.pn, the old slug becomes available again. Review and update every place where you published that URL/QR.
    Learn more: What happens to a QR code after changing a link?
  • Short, readable slugs improve CTR and recall. Avoid random strings and special characters.
  • Use folders for ownership, tags for segmentation. One folder per link, multiple tags as needed (e.g., facebook, retargeting).

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Troubleshooting

Slugs are unique per domain. Choose a different slug or select another connected domain.
Learn more: How to resolve a slug conflict in ShortPen
You likely changed the slug/domain after printing. Re-download the QR from the link so it matches the current link.
Learn more: How to fix a ShortPen QR Code that doesn’t redirect
Ensure the Pixel is installed on the destination domain, at least one event exists, and Enable Event Tracking is on for the link.

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FAQ

Yes, you can change the destination URL whenever you want. Existing analytics stay with the link.
Learn more: How to edit an existing link in ShortPen
Yes. ShortPen QR codes reflect the link If the link changes (slug/domain), re-download the QR.
Learn more: Best practices for QR Codes in offline campaigns
After the Pixel is installed, the event exists, and tracking is enabled on the link. Data isn’t backfilled.