Generate short URLs - how it works

Website addresses are often very long. With a URL shortener, however, you can generate short URLs at any time and thus shorten hyperlinks. In this practical tip, we will explain where you can find these tools.

Create short links with a URL shortener

The fastest way to create the so-called tiny URLs via special websites. These work in every browser. One of the most famous URL shorteners is "Bit.ly".

1. Open the tool.
2. Now enter the URL to be shortened at the top of the screen. Then click on [Shorten].
3. Now the tool creates your personal short URL. You can now pass this on as often as you like.

Social networks such as Twitter or Instagram automatically use this URL shortener. Here you only have to insert the standard link in your tweet or post. The URL is now shortened automatically.

Shorten URLs with browser addons

If you use the Chrome or Firefox browser, you can also generate short URLs with a plugin:

• Firefox users use the "Shortly URL Shortener" extension. After the installation click on the blue logo in the status bar (see screenshot). The addon then automatically creates a short URL of the current page and copies the link to the clipboard.
• With Google Chrome, "Native URL Shortener" does the same job. Here too, tap the new icon in the status bar to shorten the URL.

This practical tip shows you how the short URLs can be decrypted again.