> ## 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.

# Quickstart Guide: Overview of Onboarding Steps

> Get started with ShortPen in minutes. Create your account, connect a custom domain, install the pixel, track events and links, and view analytics, all in one step-by-step guide.

In a few minutes you’ll go from a new account to your **first tracked link**.

Follow the steps below and jump into the detailed guides when you need them.

## Prerequisites

* A ShortPen account with permission to create an [**Organization**](/key-concepts/organization-overview) and [**Workspace**](/key-concepts/workspaces-overview).
* Optional: access to your **DNS provider** if you plan to add a custom domain now.
* Optional (recommended for conversions): ability to **install a pixel** on your site/app.

## The 7 Essential Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create your account & Organization | 2 minutes" titleSize="h3">
    Create your ShortPen account and your **Organization**, the top-level container for domains, workspaces, users and settings.

    → Read next: [**How to create your ShortPen account and organization**](/getting-started/create-account-and-organization)

    <Tip>
      ShortPen uses a single Organization per account. You can be a member of others if invited.
    </Tip>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create (or rename) your first Workspace | 1 minute" titleSize="h3">
    Your **Workspace** is where links, QR codes, events, and analytics live for a project/client. It's created automatically when you create an organization.

    But you can always name it clearly (e.g., “Acme – Marketing”).

    → Read next: [**How to set up your first workspace in ShortPen**](/getting-started/setup-first-workspace)

    > Workspaces keep projects or clients separated and inherit org resources.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect a custom domain | 5 minutes (Optional)" titleSize="h3">
    Use a branded domain/subdomain (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com`) for trust and deliverability.

    Add the **CNAME/TXT** records ShortPen provides and verify.

    → Read next: [**How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen**](/getting-started/connect-custom-domain)

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install the ShortPen Pixel | 5 minutes (Optional)" titleSize="h3">
    Install the pixel to track **events and conversions** after the click.

    → Read next: [**What is the ShortPen Pixel**](/key-concepts/pixel-overview)

    → Or jump straight to: [**How to install the ShortPen pixel**](/getting-started/install-shortpen-pixel)

    <Tip>
      Events rely on the pixel. Verify installation before testing.
    </Tip>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your first Event | 2 minutes (Optional)" titleSize="h3">
    Define key actions (e.g., **Signup**, **Purchase**, **Lead**).

    → Read next: [**How to create your first event in ShortPen**](/getting-started/create-first-event)

    <Note>
      Only events created/enabled going forward will be logged. Past actions aren’t retroactive.
    </Note>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create your first Link | 2 minutes" titleSize="h3">
    Shorten your **destination URL** and choose the domain + slug.

    Optionally add **Title**, [**Folder**](/key-concepts/folders-overview), [**Tags**](/key-concepts/tags-overview), [UTMs](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)), enable [QR Code](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview), and toggle [**Enable Tracking Events**](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking).

    → Read next: [**How to create your first link in ShortPen**](/getting-started/create-first-link)

    > Links are flexible objects that can carry metadata, UTMs, QR, and event tracking.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="View your first Analytics | Ongoing" titleSize="h3">
    As clicks and scans arrive, check [link-level analytics](/analytics/link-level-analytics/link-level-metrics) or [workspace-level analytics](/analytics/workspace-level-analytics/workspace-level-metrics) for an aggregate view.

    → Read next: [**How to view analytics for your first ShortPen link**](/getting-started/view-first-analytics)
  </Step>
</Steps>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need a custom domain to start?">
    No. You can use a ShortPen domain immediately and add a branded domain later. For benefits, see [**Why use a custom domain with ShortPen?**](/domains/why-use-custom-domain).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I track conversions without the pixel?">
    No. Conversion/event tracking requires the [**ShortPen Pixel**](/key-concepts/pixel-overview).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where do I see my first results?">
    Start at the link’s Analytics panel for clicks/scans. See workspace analytics for aggregated trends.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>