> ## 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.

# URL Shortening Overview

> Turn any long URL into a clean, trackable short link — instantly.

## What is URL Shortening?

URL shortening converts a long, complex web address into a compact short link that redirects to the original destination. TyrionURL goes beyond a simple redirect — every short link automatically tracks clicks, captures analytics, and supports optional configurations like custom aliases, password protection, and A/B testing.

***

## Feature Overview

| Capability              | Details                                                     |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Instant shortening**  | Paste a URL, get a short link in one click                  |
| **Custom aliases**      | Set your own readable slug (e.g., `/launch-day`)            |
| **Password protection** | Require a passphrase before redirecting                     |
| **Click analytics**     | Automatic geo, device, and referrer tracking on every click |
| **A/B testing**         | Split traffic between multiple destination URLs             |
| **Custom domains**      | Use your own branded domain for all links                   |

***

## When to Use URL Shortening

* Sharing links in social media posts where space or character count is limited
* Sending links over SMS or WhatsApp where long URLs look untrustworthy
* Embedding links in email campaigns to replace UTM-bloated URLs
* Printing URLs on physical materials (posters, packaging, business cards)
* Any situation where you want to know if and when someone clicked

***

## How it Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Paste Your URL">
    Enter any valid URL into the TyrionURL input field. The platform validates and accepts any properly formatted web address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure (Optional)">
    Open **Advanced Settings** to add a custom alias, enable password protection, or configure A/B testing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate">
    Click **Shorten**. TyrionURL generates a short link and a unique short code, stores the mapping, and prepares click tracking.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy and Share">
    Copy your short link to clipboard. Every time someone clicks it, TyrionURL records the event and redirects them to the destination.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## URL Shortening API

TyrionURL exposes backend API endpoints that power link creation:

| Endpoint                        | Purpose                                          |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| `POST /api/url/shorten`         | Create a new short link                          |
| `POST /api/url/custom`          | Create a short link with a custom alias          |
| `POST /api/url/verify-password` | Verify a visitor's password for a protected link |
| `GET /api/url/check`            | Check availability of a custom alias             |

<Info>
  Developer API access and documentation is available in the [API Reference](/api/overview). Public API availability — TODO: Needs Product Verification.
</Info>

***

## Best Practices

<Check>Use custom aliases for links you'll share repeatedly — they're easier to update and remember.</Check>
<Check>Add UTM parameters to your destination URL *before* shortening so you retain campaign attribution in Google Analytics.</Check>
<Check>Test the short link in an incognito window after creating it to confirm the redirect works correctly.</Check>
<Check>For password-protected links, communicate the password through a different channel than the link itself.</Check>

***

## Common Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Shortening already-short links** — Avoid shortening URLs that are already minimal. TyrionURL adds most value to long, parameter-heavy URLs.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Not verifying the destination** — Always double-check the destination URL before distributing, especially for high-volume campaigns.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Losing track of links** — Assign links to a Campaign when creating them so they're easier to find and report on later.
</Warning>

***

## Explore More

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Custom Aliases" icon="pen" href="/url-shortening/custom-aliases">
    Make links human-readable.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Password Protection" icon="lock" href="/url-shortening/passwords">
    Gate access with a passphrase.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Analytics" icon="chart-line" href="/analytics/overview">
    See what happens after every click.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>