Create short URLs – here’s how

Website addresses are often long. With a URL shortener, you can create short URLs and thus shorten hyperlinks

Creating short URLs with a URL shortener

The quickest way to create so-called Tiny URLs is via special websites. These work in every browser. One of the best-known URL shorteners is “Bit.ly”.

• Open the Bit.ly tool.

• Enter the URL to be shortened at the top of the screen. Then click on [Shorten].

• Now the tool creates your personal short URL. You can pass this on as often as you like.

Shorten URLs via add-ons in the browser

If you use the Edge, Chrome or Firefox browsers, you can also create short URLs with a plugin:

• For Firefox users, you can use the “Rebrandly URL Shortener” extension. This add-on allows you to create short links directly from the page you are visiting on the Internet.

• In Google Chrome, “T.LY URL Shortener” performs the same task. With one click, this extension shortens any URL. Click on the extension icon. The shortened link is then copied to your clipboard.

• In Edge, you can also use various add-ons to shorten web addresses. One tool is the “URL Shortener”.

Decrypt short URLs again

With shortened URLs, you cannot initially recognize which page is behind them. Above all, you should be careful if you receive a shortened link. Links that direct you to dangerous websites are often disguised as short URLs.

• To find out which URL is hidden behind the short link, use Checkshorturl.

• Enter the shortened URL and then click on “expand”.

• Now the tool will show you the exact URL a little further down under “Long URL”.