> ## 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.

# How to import links from a CSV into ShortPen

> Import links into ShortPen via CSV. Upload destinations, slugs, and titles in bulk to create and organize links fast.

**Short answer:** [Download the CSV template](https://cdn.shortpen.com/dl/template-import.csv) from the Import/Export wizard, fill one row per URL (destination, optional slug/title, flags), choose the target domain, then upload the file and start the import.

## How to import links from a CSV: Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Import / Export wizard" titleSize="h3">
    1. In the left sidebar, go to **Links**.
    2. Click the **Import / Export wizard**.
    3. Choose **Upload file**.

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download and understand the CSV template" titleSize="h3">
    Click [**Download our CSV template**](https://cdn.shortpen.com/dl/template-import.csv) in the wizard.

    You’ll see headers like below. Keep names **exactly** as shown.

    | Column (header)    | Required | Accepted values / format                                   | Notes                                                                                                                  |
    | :----------------- | :------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Long url**       | ✔        | A valid destination URL (e.g., `https://example.org/page`) | One row = one link.                                                                                                    |
    | **Custom slug**    | —        | letters, numbers, hyphen (`a-z`, `0-9`, `-`)               | Leave blank to auto-generate.                                                                                          |
    | **Title**          | —        | Free text                                                  | Helps identify the link in the app ([Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)).          |
    | **Cloaking (0/1)** | —        | `0` or `1`                                                 | `1` = enable link cloaking ([How to enable Link Cloaking in ShortPen](/link-management/links-settings/link-cloaking)). |
    | **Archived (0/1)** | —        | `0` or `1`                                                 | `1` = import as archived (excluded from active lists).                                                                 |
    | **Created at**     | —        | `DD/MM/YY HH:MM` or ISO (`YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM`)               | Preserves historical creation time if provided.                                                                        |
    | **Updated at**     | —        | `DD/MM/YY HH:MM` or ISO                                    | Optional last update timestamp.                                                                                        |

    <Tip>
      **Formatting tips**

      * Use comma-separated CSV, UTF-8. Quotes added by the spreadsheet are fine. Make sure URLs are valid (no spaces/unencoded chars).
      * If unsure on dates, use full ISO like `2024-09-01 12:00`.
    </Tip>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill the template" titleSize="h3">
    1. Put each destination **URL** under **Long url**.
    2. (Optional) Add **Custom slug** (e.g., `launch-offer`).
    3. (Optional) Add **Title** for clarity in your lists.
    4. (Optional) Set **Cloaking** or **Archived** with `0`/`1`.
    5. (Optional) Add **Created at** / **Updated at** to preserve history.

    <Tip>
      **Good practice**: Keep slugs human-readable and consistent with your naming rules.

      **Learn more**: [Best practices and troubleshooting for ShortPen links](/link-management/links/link-best-practices-and-troubleshooting)
    </Tip>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload the CSV and pick a domain" titleSize="h3">
    1. In the wizard, click **Choose file** and select your CSV.
    2. Use the **Domain** dropdown to set where these links will live (e.g., `go.yourbrand.com`).
    3. Click **Start import**.

    ShortPen validates each row, creates links under the selected domain, and auto-generates slugs when blank. Conflicts are reported.

    <Info>
      **See also**: [How to resolve a slug conflict in ShortPen](/link-management/troubleshooting/slug-conflict)
    </Info>

    ***
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and organize your new links (optional)" titleSize="h3">
    [Multi-select](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/bulk-actions) the imported links to **move to a folder** or **add tags** in one go (great for campaign grouping).

    <Tip>
      **Tip**: Need a backup or to double-check? You can [export](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/export-links) the workspace’s links anytime.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I import links into different domains at once">
    No. Do one upload per domain so slugs validate correctly. Repeat for the next domain.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does the import create QR codes automatically">
    Each link can have a [QR Code](/link-management/qr-code/qr-creation). Enable/customize later per link if needed.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I update existing links with CSV">
    CSV import is for creating links. Use [bulk actions](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/bulk-actions) for mass edits.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I include UTMs in the destination URL">
    They’re preserved as part of the destination. For managed [UTMs](/link-management/links-settings/utm-overview) inside ShortPen, edit the link after import.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related links

* [How to export links in ShortPen](/link-management/manage-links-at-scale/export-links)
* [Components of a ShortPen Link](/link-management/links/link-components)
* [How to create a link in ShortPen](/link-management/links/link-creation)
* [How to use tags to label links in ShortPen](/link-management/links-organization/tags)
* [How to organize links into folders in ShortPen](/link-management/links-organization/folders)