Short URLs and QR Codes

Overview

Shortlink URLs are customisable, shareable links that you can create within Qik. They use the qkrl.ink domain to provide short, memorable URLs that redirect to any destination you choose.

Benefits of Short URLs

• Easy updating — Change the destination of a short URL at any time without modifying the link itself. If you've printed the link or shared it widely, you can still update where it points.
• Tracking — Monitor how many people click on the link and gain insights into engagement.
• QR code generation — Generate printable QR codes for any short URL, making it easy for people to access linked content from printed materials, posters, or signage.
• Clean sharing — Short URLs look cleaner and more professional than long, complex URLs, especially in printed materials or SMS messages.

Creating a Short URL

Step 1: Navigate to Short URLs

From the admin dashboard, navigate to the Short URLs section (content type: url).

Step 2: Create a New Short URL

Click Create to make a new short URL. You'll need to provide:

• Title — A descriptive name for your reference (e.g. "Summer Camp Registration")
• Trail — The path that appears after https://qkrl.ink/. For example, entering summercamp creates the URL https://qkrl.ink/summercamp. This is automatically converted to lowercase and stripped of non-alphanumeric characters.
• Destination — The full URL to redirect users to when they visit the short link

Step 3: Save and Share

Once saved, your short URL is immediately active. Anyone visiting your short URL will be redirected to the destination you specified.

Managing Short URLs

Updating the Destination

To change where a short URL points, simply edit the short URL record and update the Destination field. The short link itself stays the same — only the redirect target changes.

Deactivating a Short URL

To temporarily disable a short URL without deleting it, set its status to inactive. Visitors to the link will receive a 404 error until it's reactivated.

Deleting a Short URL

Delete the short URL record to permanently remove it. The path becomes available for reuse.

QR Codes

Each short URL can have a QR code generated for it. QR codes are useful for:

• Printed flyers and posters
• Event signage and banners
• Business cards
• Registration desks
• Any scenario where people need to quickly access a link from a physical location

Best Practices

• Use descriptive, memorable trail paths (e.g. volunteer-signup rather than form123)
• Keep trail paths short for easy typing and clean QR codes
• Use short URLs for any link you plan to print — if the destination changes, you can update it without reprinting
• Set meaningful titles so you can easily find and manage your short URLs later

FAQs