> ## 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 to create and customize links in ShortPen: from basic setup to advanced settings like tracking, QR codes, and privacy options.

# How to create a link in ShortPen

**Short answer:** Go to **Links → New**, paste your destination URL, choose a domain, and set a slug and title. After that, you can configure **advanced options and behaviors** (e.g., UTM parameters, QR code, etc.),

<Info>
  **See also**: [What is a link in ShortPen?](/key-concepts/links-overview)
</Info>

## Prerequisites

* You’re signed in and inside the correct [workspace](/getting-started/setup-first-workspace)
* (Optional) A [custom domain](/key-concepts/domains-overview) is connected if you don’t want to use the default domain,

## How to create your link: Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the creation form">
    In the left navigation, go to **Links → New.**

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the destination URL">
    Paste the full destination (e.g., `https://example.com/landing`).

    This is where visitors actually land.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a domain">
    Select your branded domain or the default one (shr.pn).

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [How to connect a Custom Domain to ShortPen](/domains/domain-connection)
    </Info>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the slug">
    Enter a short, human-readable slug (e.g., `spring-sale`).

    <Note>
      If the slug is already taken on that domain, you’ll see a conflict message. Fix it now or follow: [How to resolve a slug conflict in ShortPen](/link-management/troubleshooting/slug-conflict)
    </Note>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a title (optional but recommended)">
    Give your link a descriptive internal name (e.g., “Spring Sale – Ads”).

    Titles help search and reporting later.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add notes (optional)">
    Add an internal description with extra context, up to **300 characters**, for example a short brief, the link owner, or a reminder. A live character counter shows the remaining space.

    Like the title, notes are **private to your team** and never shown to visitors.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Organize (optional)">
    Pick one [folder](/key-concepts/folders-overview) for hierarchy and add [tags](/key-concepts/tags-overview) for cross-campaign grouping.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Advanced settings (optional)">
    After setting up the basics, you can explore advanced settings to fully customize your link behavior:

    * Add [**UTM parameters**](/link-management/links-settings/adding-utm-to-links) for tracking
    * Generate a [**QR Code**](/link-management/qr-code/qr-creation) linked to your link
    * Configure [**event tracking**](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking)
    * Fine-tune the [**social preview**](/link-management/links-settings/social-share-previews) for shared links
    * Choose a [**redirect type**](/link-management/links-settings/redirect-types) that fits your goal
    * Adjust **privacy settings** like [**password protection**](/link-management/links-settings/link-password-protection) or [**referrer hiding**](/link-management/links-settings/hide-referrer)
    * Explore **other advanced settings** to customize every detail

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Click **Create Link**.

    You’ll land on the link’s details page with quick copy actions and (if enabled) QR download options.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where to check analytics (after sharing)

Right after you save and start sharing, open the [**link’s Analytics**](/analytics/link-level-analytics/link-level-metrics) to see **clicks**, **QR scans**, **sources**, **devices**, and **countries**. Use date range + segmentation as needed.

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

### FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I change the slug later?">
    Yes, but it creates a new final URL. Update any public placements and regenerate the QR if it references the old slug.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**:

      * [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-editing) 
      * [How to edit a QR Code after a link change in ShortPen](/link-management/qr-code/qr-after-link-change)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do edits affect analytics?">
    Editing destination or preview settings won’t erase historical click data. Analytics remain tied to the current URL identity.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is the Pixel required to count clicks?">
    No. Click analytics work without the Pixel. The Pixel is only needed for custom events or conversions.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [What is the ShortPen Pixel](/key-concepts/pixel-overview)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I bulk create many URLs?">
    Use [CSV import](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/csv-import) or **automations** to speed up creation.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I create links via API?">
    Yes. You can manage links programmatically using the API.

    <Info>
      **Learn more**: [What APIs are (and what they can do)](/key-concepts/api-overview)
    </Info>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [What is a link in ShortPen?](/key-concepts/links-overview)
* [UTMs in ShortPen: What they are and why they matter](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview)
* [How to use QR Codes in ShortPen](/link-management/qr-code/qr-creation)
* [How to enable Event Tracking on a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links-settings/enabling-event-tracking)
* [Overview of ShortPen Analytics](/key-concepts/analytics-overview)
* [How to duplicate a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-duplication)
* [How to edit an existing link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-editing)
* [How to bulk update or delete links in ShortPen](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/bulk-actions)