> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://shortpen.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> Learn how to create your first link in ShortPen: from setting a destination and choosing a custom domain to adding UTMs, QR codes, and event tracking for accurate conversion analytics.

# How to create your first link in ShortPen

**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.

<Info>
  **See also:** [Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)
</Info>

## What a ShortPen link does

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.

## Prerequisites

* Access to a **ShortPen workspace** where you can create links.
* (Optional) A [custom domain](/key-concepts/domains-overview) for branded links.
* (Optional, for conversions) A working [**ShortPen Pixel**](/key-concepts/pixel-overview) and at least one [event defined](/getting-started/create-first-event).

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

***

## How to create your first link: Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the New Link form">
    In your workspace, go to **Links → New Link**.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the destination">
    **Paste the long URL** you want people to reach. You can [add UTMs](/link-management/links-settings/adding-utm-to-links) later from a dedicated panel.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose the URL">
    Pick your **Domain** (default or custom) and enter a short, human-friendly **slug** (e.g., `summer-sale`).

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Organize and label (optional)">
    Add a descriptive **Title** (internal), put the link in a [Folder](/link-management/links-organization/folders), and apply [Tags](/link-management/links-organization/tags) for reporting.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure enhancements (optional)">
    * [UTM parameters](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)**.** Append source/medium/campaign consistently.
    * [QR Code](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview)**.** Enable a QR for print/offline and customize its appearance.
    * [Event tracking](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-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.

    <Info>
      **Learn more:** [Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)
    </Info>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create and share">
    Click **Create Link**. Copy the link (and download the QR if enabled) to share in your channels.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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.**

  <Info>
    **Learn more:** [What happens to a QR code after changing a link?](/link-management/qr-code/qr-after-link-change)
  </Info>
* **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`).

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Slug is already in use">
    Slugs are unique per domain. Choose a different slug or select another connected domain.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to resolve a slug conflict in ShortPen](/link-management/troubleshooting/slug-conflict)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="QR opens the wrong page">
    You likely changed the slug/domain after printing. Re-download the QR from the link so it matches the current link.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to fix a ShortPen QR Code that doesn’t redirect](/link-management/troubleshooting/qr-no-redirect)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No event data">
    Ensure the Pixel is installed on the destination domain, at least one event exists, and [Enable Event Tracking](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking) is on for the link.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need UTMs for every link?">
    No, but they’re recommended for campaign attribution and clean reporting across channels.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change the destination later without losing analytics?">
    Yes, you can change the destination URL whenever you want. **Existing analytics stay with the link.**

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-editing)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Are QR codes dynamic?">
    Yes. ShortPen QR codes reflect the link If the link changes (slug/domain), re-download the QR.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [Best practices for QR Codes in offline campaigns](/link-management/qr-code/qr-best-practices)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When will conversions start appearing?">
    After the Pixel is installed, the event exists, and tracking is enabled on the link. Data isn’t backfilled.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [**How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen**](/getting-started/connect-custom-domain)
* [**How to view analytics for your first ShortPen link**](/getting-started/view-first-analytics)
* [**How to add UTM Parameters in ShortPen**](/link-management/links-settings/adding-utm-to-links)
* [**How to create and customize QR Codes in ShortPen**](/link-management/qr-code/qr-creation)