> ## 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 domains work in ShortPen: connect custom domains, improve link trust and branding, and manage all your organization’s link domains in one place.

# How custom domains work in ShortPen

**Short answer:** A domain in ShortPen is the brand name that appears in every link you share. You can use the default domain or connect your own (recommended), so all links read like `https://go.yourbrand.com/slug`.

## Why domains matter in ShortPen

Domains are the “front” of every [link](/key-concepts/links-overview). Using your own domain improves trust, deliverability (especially in email), and long-term reliability compared to generic senders.

In ShortPen, you get a default domain to start, and you can add one or more custom domains for branding and control.

<Note>
  **Important notes:**

  * If you use `shr.pn` (the default shared domain), **we apply stricter automated checks** and rate limits to protect reputation. For full control and fewer restrictions, connect your own domain.
  * **Do not connect your primary website domain** (e.g., `yourbrand.com`). Instead, [connect a dedicated subdomain](/domains/domain-connection) used only for links (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com` or `link.yourbrand.com`).
</Note>

<Info>
  Learn more: [Why use a custom domain with ShortPen?](/domains/why-use-custom-domain)
</Info>

### Primary website domain vs. link domain: What to connect

* **Primary website domain**

  The address of your site/app (e.g., `yourbrand.com`). **Keep it for your website**. <u>Don’t use it directly as a ShortPen link domain</u> to avoid conflicts and DNS issues.
* **Link domain (recommended)**

  A separate domain (`brandlinks.com`) or, more commonly, a **subdomain** (`go.yourbrand.com`) that ShortPen uses to generate links. This keeps your main site untouched and your links on-brand.

<Tip>
  **Best practice:** Use a subdomain just for links.
</Tip>

## Where domains live in ShortPen

* [Organization](/key-concepts/organization-overview)**:** Add/manage once in **Organization → Domains**.
* [Workspace](/key-concepts/workspaces-overview)**:** When creating a link, choose any org domain from the **Domain** dropdown. Same domain can be reused across many workspaces.

## How a domain powers a link

Every link is built from: **domain + slug → full URL**, which redirects to your destination URL.

Example:

<Frame>
  `https://go.yourbrand.com/summer-offer` → Landing Page
</Frame>

The domain makes your URLs readable and brand-safe. The slug keeps them short and memorable.

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

## Using multiple domains

Organizations can connect **multiple** domains (brand families, clients, regions).

Creators pick the domain when making each link. Owners/Admins can change which domain is **Default** for new links anytime.

<Tip>
  The number of domains you can connect depends on your current **ShortPen plan**. Free plans include one custom domain, while paid plans unlock additional domains for larger teams and multi-brand setups.
</Tip>

## Root domain redirects

If someone types just the domain with **no slug** (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com`), set a **root domain redirect** so they land on a helpful page (homepage, hub, or campaign).

This avoids dead-ends and keeps the brand experience tidy.

<Info>
  **Learn more:** [How to set a Root Domain Redirect](/domains/root-domain-redirect)
</Info>

## Custom 404 redirects

If someone opens a link on your domain that **doesn’t exist** (a mistyped, deleted, or expired slug, e.g., `go.yourbrand.com/typo`), set a **404 redirect** so they land on a helpful page instead of an error page.

<Info>
  **Learn more:** [How to set a custom 404 redirect](/domains/custom-404-redirect)
</Info>

## Domain changes and live links

If you [change the domain or slug](/link-management/links/link-editing), you create a **new** public URL and **the previous link stops working**. If that link was using the default domain `shr.pn`, the previous slug becomes available again.

Plan migrations and update assets/prints so users don’t hit an invalid link.

<Info>
  **Learn more:** [How to edit a QR Code after a link change in ShortPen](/link-management/qr-code/qr-after-link-change).
</Info>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I use one domain across multiple workspaces?">
    Yes. Domains are attached to the **Organization** and available everywhere you work, subject to permissions.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need a developer to connect a domain?">
    Not usually. You’ll add a **CNAME or TXT** record at your DNS provider, then wait for verification in ShortPen.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to analytics if I change the domain of an existing link?">
    You’re creating a new public link. Treat it as a new asset for distribution and update QR codes or shares to avoid fragmentation. Existing analytics on the old link remain attached to that object.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen](/domains/domain-connection)
* [How to verify your domain in ShortPen](/domains/domain-verification)
* [How to set a Root Domain Redirect](/domains/root-domain-redirect)
* [How to set a custom 404 redirect](/domains/custom-404-redirect)
* [Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [How QR Codes work in ShortPen](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview)