> ## 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 when to use 301, 302, 307, or 308 redirects in ShortPen to ensure accurate tracking and reliable link performance.

# Redirect types in ShortPen: What they are and when to use them

**Short answer**: Use **302** (or **307**) for most marketing links so clients keep checking ShortPen and your click tracking stays reliable. Use **301** (or **308**) only when the destination is truly permanent.

## The four redirect types in ShortPen

### 301. Permanent redirect (default)

**Use when:** the destination will not change (e.g., a final public page).

**Trade-off:** some clients cache it and may **skip** re-checking ShortPen later. Not for A/B or rotating links.

### 302 Temporary redirect

**Use when:** day-to-day campaigns (social, email, ads, newsletters, most QR).

**Benefit:** clients treat it as temporary and will keep asking ShortPen for the **latest** destination. Great if you might update the URL or use routing rules.

### 307 Temporary, **method-preserving**

**Use when:** special flows where the HTTP method must remain intact (e.g., webhook tests).

**Benefit:** like 302 for “temporary”, but keeps the original method/body.

### 308 Permanent, **method-preserving**

**Use when:** a permanent endpoint moved **and** you must keep the HTTP method.

**Trade-off:** same caching implications as 301, with method preservation like 307.

## How to set the redirect type for a link

1. Open the link editor: **Links** → select a link → **Edit** (or create a new one)
2. Expand **Advanced Options**.
3. Choose **Redirect Type**: 301, 302, 307, or 308.
4. Save.

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

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does redirect type affect event tracking">
    No. [Events](/docs/key-concepts/events-and-conversions-overview) are tracked based on your link’s settings and Pixel setup, not by redirect type.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does redirect type change social share previews">
    No. Configure previews in the link settings.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to customize Social Share Previews in ShortPen](/docs/link-management/links-settings/social-share-previews)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [Components of a ShortPen Link](/docs/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/docs/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/docs/link-management/links/link-editing)
* [How to hide referrer information in ShortPen links](/docs/link-management/links-settings/hide-referrer)
* [How to enable Link Cloaking in ShortPen](/docs/link-management/links-settings/link-cloaking)


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