> ## 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.

> Add UTM parameters in ShortPen to track campaigns, sources, and partners with precise analytics.

# How to add UTM Parameters in ShortPen

**Short answer:** Open your link in ShortPen (new or existing), expand **UTM Parameters**, fill in the UTM fields (source, medium, campaign, term, content), preview the final URL, then **Save**.

## Add UTMs when creating a new link

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Links → New Link">
    Enter the **Destination URL** and choose your **domain** and **slug**.

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

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open “UTM Parameters”">
    Toggle the section to expose standard UTM fields.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill core UTMs">
    * **utm\_source** (e.g., `newsletter`, `facebook`)
    * **utm\_medium** (e.g., `email`, `cpc`)
    * **utm\_campaign** (e.g., `spring_launch`)
    * Optional: **utm\_term**, **utm\_content** for keywords/variants

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview the final URL">
    Check for duplicates or typos.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Link">
    Your URL is now **ready to share**.

    Analytics will attribute traffic using the UTMs you set.

    <Info>
      **See also**: [Overview of ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Add or edit UTMs on an existing link

1. **Open Links → select your link → Edit.**
2. **Expand UTM & Parameters.**
3. **Update** any UTM parameters.
4. **Save.** Future visits use the new parameters immediately. Existing historical analytics remain unchanged.

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

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I changed UTMs, will past data change">
    No. Past clicks keep their original values; new clicks use the updated parameters.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [Overview of ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I add parameters without UTMs">
    Yes. Add any custom key–value pairs you need (e.g., ref=partner) directly at the end of your destination URL, even without UTM fields.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do I need all five UTM fields">
    No. Start with source, medium, campaign. Add term/content only when helpful.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do UTMs work with QR codes">
    Yes, the parameters remain in the destination URL on scan.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [What is a QR Code in ShortPen and how to use it?](/key-concepts/qr-codes-overview)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [UTMs in ShortPen: What they are and why they matter](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)
* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-editing)
* [What metrics are available for individual links in ShortPen?](/analytics/link-level-analytics/link-level-metrics)
* [Overview of ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)