📋 Your shortened URLs
How it works
Enter your long URL
Paste or type the long URL you want to shorten into the input field.
Set a custom alias (optional)
Enter a custom short code you'd like to use. If you leave it blank, the tool will generate one automatically.
Click Shorten
Press the Shorten button to generate your short link. The result appears instantly with a copy button.
Manage your links
View all your shortened URLs in the list below. Copy, visit, or delete any link as needed.
URL shortening in code — how it works
Here's the core logic behind generating short codes using hash-based algorithms:
What is a URL Shortener and why use it?
A URL shortener is a tool that takes a long URL and generates a shorter, more manageable link. This free URL shortener creates short links that are easier to share, remember, and type. Whether you're sharing links on social media, in emails, or in printed materials, a short URL looks cleaner and more professional.
This short link generator stores all your shortened URLs locally in your browser using localStorage, so your links are always available to you on this device. Unlike online shortening services, this tool is 100% private — your URLs are never uploaded to any server, and no one else can access your shortened links.
💡 Key takeaways
- Free URL shortener — generate short links instantly with one click
- Custom aliases — create memorable short codes for your links
- Link management — view, copy, and delete all your shortened URLs
- 100% browser-based — your links never leave your device
How to use this URL shortener — step-by-step
Using this short link maker is straightforward. First, paste or type the long URL you want to shorten into the input field. The tool accepts any valid URL, including those with query parameters, fragments, and special characters. Next, optionally enter a custom alias — this lets you create a memorable short code like "my-link" instead of a random string.
Click the Shorten button to generate your short link. The result appears instantly with a Copy button so you can share it immediately. All your shortened URLs are saved in the list below, where you can view, copy, visit, or delete them at any time.
Why use a local URL shortener? — privacy and control
Most online URL shorteners upload your links to their servers, which means they can track your activity, sell your data, or even delete your links without notice. This URL shortener online free tool runs entirely in your browser, so your links stay on your device. You have complete control over your data — no sign-up, no tracking, no third-party access.
This is especially important for sensitive links, internal resources, or any URL you don't want to share with a third party. With this tool, you're the only one who can see your shortened links, and you can delete them whenever you want.
Custom aliases — creating memorable short links
The custom alias feature lets you create short links that are easy to remember and share. Instead of a random code like "a7x3k9", you can use something meaningful like "blog-post" or "portfolio". This is particularly useful for links you share frequently, like your portfolio, a specific product page, or a frequently used resource.
If the alias you choose is already taken, the tool will notify you and suggest an alternative. You can then modify your alias or let the tool generate a random code for you.
Pro tip: Use descriptive custom aliases for links you share often. For example, "my-portfolio" is much easier to remember and type than a random 6-character code. This makes your short links more useful and shareable.
Managing your shortened URLs — the link dashboard
The link list shows all your shortened URLs with key information: the short code, the original URL, the date it was created, and the number of clicks (tracked locally). You can perform several actions on each link:
- 1Copy — copy the short URL to your clipboard for sharing.
- 2Visit — open the original URL in a new tab.
- 3Delete — remove the link from your storage permanently.
You can also export all your links as a JSON file for backup or transfer to another device, and import them back later using the Import feature.
How the short code is generated — behind the scenes
When you shorten a URL, the tool uses a hash-based algorithm to generate a unique short code. The URL is hashed using a 32-bit hash function, and the result is converted to base-36 (alphanumeric) to produce a compact code. If you provide a custom alias, the tool uses that instead of generating a random code.
The tool checks for collisions to ensure every short code is unique. If a collision is detected (either from a generated code or a custom alias), the tool adds a random suffix or increments the code to resolve the conflict. This ensures that every short link is unique and reliable.
Who benefits from this URL shortener?
- 1Content creators — share clean, trackable links on social media, YouTube descriptions, and blog posts.
- 2Business owners — create short links for marketing campaigns, product pages, and customer resources.
- 3Developers — shorten API endpoints, documentation links, and internal resources.
- 4Students and educators — share study resources, assignment links, and research materials.
- 5Anyone who shares links — make any URL shorter, cleaner, and more professional.
Why choose our tool?
100% Private
Everything runs in your browser. Your URLs never leave your device — no uploads, no server processing, no tracking.
Instant Results
No loading screens, no waiting, no queues. Results appear the moment you click — powered by client-side JavaScript.
No Sign-Up Ever
No accounts, no emails, no passwords. Just open the page and start using it — forever free, no strings attached.
Works Everywhere
Phone, tablet, laptop, desktop — any browser, any OS. Fully responsive and works offline once loaded.