Short links. Zero hassle.

• Instant short links

  Paste a URL and get a short link immediately. No sign-up, no configuration, no waiting.

• Custom endings

  Replace the random code with something readable, like zurl.world/spring-sale, so people know what they are clicking.

• QR codes built in

  Every link can become a QR code, downloadable as PNG or SVG for print, packaging or slides.

• Click analytics

  See total clicks, traffic over time, countries, referrers and device breakdown — without tracking individual people.

• Expiry and passwords

  Set a date after which a link stops working, or require a password before the redirect happens.

• A real API

  Create and manage links programmatically with API keys, documented request and response shapes, and clear rate limits.

Zurl does not store IP addresses or raw user-agent strings. Read how analytics works.

What is a URL shortener?

A URL shortener converts a long web address into a much shorter one. When someone opens the short link, they are redirected to the original address. Short links are easier to share in messages, social posts, printed material and anywhere character count matters.

How does a URL shortener work?

When you shorten a URL, Zurl stores your destination address and assigns it a short code, for example zurl.world/a8K3xPq. Opening that short link looks up the code and sends the browser to the original address with an HTTP redirect. The whole round trip usually takes a few milliseconds.

Is Zurl free?

Yes. Shortening links, generating QR codes and using the URL expander, URL checker and UTM builder are all free, and none of them require an account. A free account adds custom links, expiry dates, password protection and click analytics.

How long do Zurl links last?

Links do not expire by default — they keep working until you delete them or set an expiry date yourself. If you add an expiry date, the link stops redirecting after that moment and shows an expiry notice instead.

Can I create a custom short URL?

Yes, with a free account. Instead of a random code you can choose your own ending, such as zurl.world/spring-sale. Custom links use lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens and underscores, and each one can only be claimed once.

Can I track clicks on my links?

Yes, with a free account. Each link has an analytics view showing total clicks, clicks over time, top countries, referring sites, and a device, browser and operating system breakdown. Zurl does not store visitor IP addresses or raw user-agent strings.

Can I create a QR code from a short URL?

Yes. Every link you create has a QR button that generates a scannable code you can download as a PNG or SVG. You can also generate a QR code for any URL without shortening it first, using the QR code generator.

Can I use Zurl without an account?

Yes. Shortening a URL and generating a QR code both work immediately with no sign-up. An account is only needed if you want to manage your links later, choose custom endings, or see analytics.

Are shortened URLs safe?

Short links hide the destination, which is why Zurl only allows http and https addresses, blocks links pointing at private network addresses, and lets anyone report a link for abuse. Zurl does not run malware or phishing scanning, so treat unfamiliar short links with the same caution as any other link. You can use the URL expander to preview where a short link leads before opening it.

Can I delete a shortened URL?

Links created while signed in can be disabled or deleted at any time from your dashboard. Disabling keeps the short code reserved but stops the redirect; deleting removes it entirely. Links created anonymously cannot be deleted later, because they are not tied to an account.