> ## 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 what a ShortPen link is and how it works. Create branded links, organize them by folders or tags, add UTMs and QR codes, and track clicks and conversions in one place.

# What is a link in ShortPen?

**Short answer:** A ShortPen link is a branded **URL** you share (made of **domain + slug**) that redirects to a **destination URL**. It’s an object you can organize, track, and extend with **UTMs**, **QR codes**, and other options.

## Why it matters

* Clean, on-brand links improve trust and clicks.
* Each link can carry UTMs and connect to a QR code, so you can see performance from **click/scan to conversion**.

## Core components of a ShortPen link

* **Destination URL.** The long URL where users ultimately land. (Example: `https://www.example.com/landing?ref=summer`)
* **Shortened URL**. The **domain + slug** that you share (e.g., `go.brand.com/summer-sale`). The slug is unique per domain. Changing the domain or slug creates a **new public link**.
* **Title**. An **internal** name that appears in lists and analytics to help your team find and report on the link later.

In ShortPen, a link is **more than a redirect** → [Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)

## How links show up in ShortPen

When you create or edit a link, you’ll see these fields:

1. **Destination URL:** paste your long URL.
2. **Shortened URL:** pick a **domain** (default or custom) and set a **slug**.
3. **Title:** add a clear internal label.
4. (Optional) **Folder / Tags**, **UTMs**, **QR**, **Custom share preview**, **Password**, and more **advanced settings**.

<Info>
  **Learn more**: [How to create a Link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
</Info>

### **Important behaviors you should know**

* [Editing the destination URL](/link-management/links/link-editing) keeps analytics on the **same link**. If the campaign fundamentally changes, duplicate the link for clean reporting.
* **Changing the domain or slug** creates a **new public URL**. **The previous link stops working** and, ****`if it was using the default domain shr.pn, that slug becomes available again.`**** Make sure you update every place where you shared/printed the old URL or QR, because it won’t behave like before. **Analytics stay on the link.**
* [UTM parameters](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview) travel in the destination URL and are stored with clicks/conversions for attribution.
* [QR Codes](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview) are tied to a link’s URL (domain + slug). Changing **destination** is safe, our QR are dyamics.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is the title public?">
    No. The title is internal. Readers only see the link.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to analytics if I edit the destination?">
    Analytics continue on the same link. For clean reporting on a completely different landing page, create a new link.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="If I change the slug or domain, do old shares still work?">
    **No.** Changing slug or domain makes the previous link stop working. If the link was on `shr.pn`, the old slug becomes free. Update all placements/QRs. Analytics are **not** deleted.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [Components of a ShortPen link](/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How to create and manage QR Codes in ShortPen](/link-management/qr-code/qr-creation)
* [Overview of ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)
* [How to create and manage folders in ShortPen](/link-management/links-organization/folders)
* [How to create and manage tags in ShortPen](/link-management/links-organization/tags)
* [How to connect a custom domain to ShortPen](/domains/domain-connection)