> ## 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.

> Enable link cloaking in ShortPen to hide destination URLs, protect affiliate links, and keep your branded domain visible.

# How to enable Link Cloaking in ShortPen

**Short answer:** URL cloaking keeps your branded domain visible while hiding the destination URL in previews/status bars until the redirect occurs. Open the URL → **URL Settings** → **Advanced Options** → toggle **URL Cloaking** → choose the behavior → **Save.**

> Use cloaking to keep URLs tidy, protect affiliate parameters from casual view, and stop previews from exposing routing logic.

## What “link cloaking” means in ShortPen

**What it does:** keeps your **link** branded and **obscures the destination** in previews/status bars until the redirect occurs.

**What it doesn’t do:** it ******doesn’t alter analytics, UTMs, or events******. Those work normally after the visitor lands on the destination.

<Info>
  **Need to hide referrer headers too?** See: [How to hide referrer information in ShortPen links](/link-management/links-settings/hide-referrer)
</Info>

### When to use it

* Keep promo/affiliate parameters **out of plain sight**.
* Stop social/messaging apps from showing the **raw destination**.
* Maintain consistent **branding** with your [**custom domains**](/key-concepts/domains-overview).

## Enable Link Cloaking on a Link

1. **Open the link.** Go to **Links** → select the link (or **New Link** to create one).
2. **Go to Link Settings.** Scroll to **Advanced Options**.
3. **Toggle Link Cloaking.** Turn **Link Cloaking** **On**.
4. **Save.**

<Check>
  **Result:** visitors see your **branded link** until the redirect. Analytics and UTMs continue to work as usual.
</Check>

## Notes & good behavior

* **Policy & trust**
* Don’t use cloaking to mislead users or violate ad/network rules. Keep the landing page consistent with your message.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The platform still shows the destination URL in previews">
    Some platforms prefetch and may reveal the target regardless.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Affiliate network rejects the visit">
    Some networks prohibit cloaking.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [How to add UTM Parameters in ShortPen](/link-management/links-settings/adding-utm-to-links)
* [How to hide referrer information in ShortPen links](/link-management/links-settings/hide-referrer)