How to Shorten a URL Step by Step

Shortening a URL takes less than ten seconds. Follow the steps below.

Method 1: Use an Online Tool (Fastest)

1. Copy the URL you want to shorten from your browser’s address bar (Ctrl+C)
2. Open the URL shortener tool
3. Paste the URL into the “Paste your long URL here” field (Ctrl+V)
4. Click the Shorten button
5. Copy the short link and share it anywhere

Method 2: Popular Shortening Services

• is.gd — go to is.gd, paste your URL, click Shorten. Free, no account
• v.gd — sister service of is.gd with similar features
• bitly.com — free for basic shortening, but requires an account

Tips for Beginners

• Double-check the URL before shortening — one wrong character sends people elsewhere
• Keep the original long link — in case the shortening service goes away
• Use short links for QR codes — smaller codes scan more reliably on signs and business cards
• Never shorten sensitive links — password-reset URLs or internal documents

Try It Now

Shorten a URL free — no sign-up — paste a URL and get a short link in seconds.