> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tyrionurl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Custom Aliases

> Replace random short codes with memorable, branded slugs that mean something to your audience.

## What are Custom Aliases?

A custom alias is a human-chosen slug appended to your TyrionURL domain instead of a randomly generated code.

| Type                             | Example                           |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| **Default short code**           | `t.tyrionurl.com/a8f2k`           |
| **Custom alias**                 | `t.tyrionurl.com/summer-sale`     |
| **Custom alias + custom domain** | `links.yourbrand.com/summer-sale` |

Custom aliases make links easier to type, share verbally, print on physical materials, and trust at first glance.

***

## Benefits

* **Higher click-through rates** — Descriptive links signal relevance before someone clicks
* **Easier to share verbally** — You can say "go to links.yourbrand.com/event" in a podcast or video
* **Printable** — Short, readable URLs work on posters, packaging, and slides
* **Memorable** — Your audience can return to a link even without saving it
* **Professional** — Removes the impression of a suspicious random code

***

## When to Use Custom Aliases

* Campaign landing pages (e.g., `/black-friday`, `/product-launch`)
* Evergreen links you'll use repeatedly (e.g., `/newsletter`, `/book-a-call`)
* Physical print materials where the URL needs to be human-typeable
* Speaking engagements or videos where you mention a link out loud

***

## Creating a Custom Alias

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Link Creator">
    Go to your [Dashboard](https://tyrionurl.com/dashboard) and paste your destination URL into the input field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Advanced Settings">
    Click **Advanced Settings** to reveal the alias configuration panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your Alias">
    Type your desired slug in the **Custom Alias** field. TyrionURL checks availability in real time and shows a green checkmark if the alias is free or a red indicator if it's taken.

    **Alias rules:**

    * Lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only
    * No spaces or special characters
    * Minimum 2 characters, maximum 50 characters
    * Must be unique across TyrionURL globally
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate the Link">
    Click **Shorten**. Your link is created with the custom alias.

    ```
    https://t.tyrionurl.com/summer-sale
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Checking Alias Availability

TyrionURL validates alias availability via:

```
GET /api/url/check?alias=summer-sale
```

The real-time indicator in the dashboard uses this endpoint as you type. If you're integrating programmatically, you can use this endpoint before submitting your link creation request.

***

## Best Practices

<Check>Keep aliases short — 2 to 4 words separated by hyphens is optimal for readability.</Check>
<Check>Use lowercase only to avoid confusion (URLs are case-sensitive on some systems).</Check>
<Check>Avoid dates in aliases unless the link is genuinely date-specific — it keeps links usable longer.</Check>
<Check>For branded links, combine a custom alias with a [Custom Domain](/custom-domains/setup) for maximum impact.</Check>
<Check>Maintain a naming convention across your team (e.g., `[channel]-[campaign]` → `email-summer24`).</Check>

***

## Common Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Alias already taken** — Popular words like `/shop`, `/blog`, or `/home` are often claimed. Add brand-specific prefixes to avoid conflicts (e.g., `/acmecorp-shop`).
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Case sensitivity confusion** — `t.tyrionurl.com/SummerSale` and `t.tyrionurl.com/summersale` may be treated as different aliases. Stick to lowercase.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Using aliases for one-time links** — Save custom aliases for links you'll promote repeatedly. Use auto-generated codes for one-off or internal links.
</Warning>

***

## Related Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Custom Domains" icon="globe" href="/custom-domains/setup">
    Pair custom aliases with your own domain for full branding.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Password Protection" icon="lock" href="/url-shortening/passwords">
    Add a password layer on top of any link.
  </Card>

  <Card title="URL Shortening Overview" icon="link" href="/url-shortening/overview">
    Back to the shortening feature overview.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Analytics" icon="chart-line" href="/analytics/overview">
    Track performance of your named links.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>