Short URLs and QR Codes

Overview

Shortlink URLs are short, memorable links that redirect to any web address you choose. They use the qkrl.ink domain — for example https://qkrl.ink/springworkshop — and each one comes with a QR code you can print.

Why use short URLs

• Change the destination any time — update where a short URL points without changing the link itself. If you've printed it on a flyer or shared it widely, it keeps working.
• Tracking — see how many times the link has been used.
• QR codes — download a QR code for any short URL, so people can open the link from posters, signage or printed handouts.
• Clean sharing — short links are easier to read, type and fit into SMS messages and print.

Creating a short URL

1. Open the Apps dashboard and click Shortlink URLs.
2. Click the button to create a new short URL.
3. Fill in:
   • Title — a name to help you find it later, for example "Spring Workshop Registration".
   • Trail — the part that appears after https://qkrl.ink/. Entering springworkshop creates https://qkrl.ink/springworkshop. The trail is converted to lowercase and anything other than letters and numbers is removed, so Spring-Workshop becomes springworkshop.
   • Destination — the full web address people are sent to.
4. Save. The short URL works straight away.

Managing short URLs

Changing the destination

Edit the short URL and change the Destination. The short link stays the same; only where it sends people changes.

Turning a short URL off

Set the short URL's status to inactive to stop it working without deleting it. Visitors get a "not found" page until you make it active again.

Deleting a short URL

Delete the record to remove it. Its trail can then be used again.

Usage tracking

Open a short URL to see its Total hits, Hits today, when it was last used (Last hit) and its Recent activity.

QR codes

The short URL's page shows its QR code. Click Download QR Code to save it, or use Download QR (PNG) or Download QR (SVG) from the Actions menu — SVG stays sharp at any size, which is best for large printed signs. Copy Shortlink copies the link to your clipboard.

Because the QR code points at the short URL rather than the final destination, you can change the destination later without reprinting.

QR codes are useful for:

• Flyers, posters and banners
• Signage at events and reception desks
• Business cards and printed programmes
• Anywhere people need to open a link from something physical

Forms also have their own Get QR Code action that links straight to the form.

Best practices

• Use descriptive, memorable trails, for example staffonboarding rather than form123. Remember hyphens and spaces are removed.
• Keep trails short so they're easy to type and the QR code stays simple.
• Use a short URL for any link you plan to print, so you can change the destination without reprinting.
• Give each short URL a meaningful title so it's easy to find later.

FAQs