> ## 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.

# How does integration with viaSocket work?

> Connect viaSocket to ShortPen in minutes. Learn how to authorize with an API key, set up a workflow, map URL fields, and test your automation.

**Short answer**: Connect ShortPen with viaSocket to automatically create ShortPen URLs whenever something happens in another app (for example: a new record, a form submission, a lead update, and more). In viaSocket, you build a workflow by choosing a **Trigger** (the event) and a **ShortPen Action** (what you want ShortPen to do).

<Info>
  Go to the [viaSocket Shortpen Integration Page](https://viasocket.com/integrations/shortpen)
</Info>

## Before you start

If you’re new to automations, here are the only two words you must know:

* **Trigger** = “When this happens…” (this starts the workflow)
* **Action** = “Automatically do this!” (this runs next)

## What you can do with viaSocket + ShortPen

* Create a new ShortPen URL from a destination URL
* Generate a QR code while creating the URL

## The quickest setup

1. **Create a ShortPen** [API key](/key-concepts/api-overview)
2. **Build your workflow in viaSocket**
   1. Choose the app you want as the **Trigger** (“When this happens…”)
   2. Choose **Shortpen** as the **Action** app (“Automatically do this!”)
   3. Select the ShortPen action (e.g., **create Short URL**)
3. **Connect your ShortPen account in viaSocket**, pasting the ShortPen API key and saving the connection
4. **Map the fields**. For example, inserting the destination URL in the action "create short URL" (If viaSocket shows additional optional fields (varies by workflow), you can also set things like **Title**, **Slug**, or **Domain**.

   <Info>
     If you’re not sure what each one means, read → [Components of a ShortPen link](/link-management/links/link-components)
   </Info>
5. **Test the workflow** and verify in ShortPen
6. **Turn it on**

<Info>
  If you want your URLs to use a **branded domain** (instead of the default ShortPen domain), connect your domain in ShortPen first, then select it in the workflow if viaSocket provides a domain field. Learn more: [How custom domains work in ShortPen](/getting-started/connect-custom-domain)
</Info>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Do I need to know what an API is?">
    No. If viaSocket asks for an API key, treat it like a password: create it once, paste it once, store it safely.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Where can I find the URLs created by viaSocket?">
    In ShortPen, open **Links** inside tected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use my custom domain?">
    Yes, connect and verify the domain in ShortPen first, then select it in the workflow if the domain field is available. See \[How custom domains work in ShortPen]. 
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [Overview of ShortPen Integrations](/key-concepts/integrations-overview)
* [What APIs are (and what they can do)](/key-concepts/api-overview)
* [Components of a ShortPen link](/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How custom domains work in ShortPen](/getting-started/connect-custom-domain)