TOOLGENIEURL Shortener
Shorten long URLs instantly - free, fast, and no signup required
How to Use the URL Shortener
- Paste or type your long URL into the input box. Include the full address (e.g., https://example.com) — the tool will add https:// if you forget it.
- Click "Shorten" to generate a short link. The tool uses the free is.gd API, or a ToolGenie redirect if needed.
- Copy your shortened URL with the clipboard button. Share it in emails, social media, or anywhere you need a shorter link.
- Anyone who clicks the short link will be redirected to your original URL. No signup or account required.
About the Free URL Shortener
The URL Shortener by ToolGenie is a free online tool that converts long web addresses into shorter, shareable links. Whether you need to share links on social media, in emails, or on printed materials, this tool helps you create clean, compact URLs in seconds.
This tool prioritizes privacy and simplicity. It first attempts to shorten URLs using the free is.gd API. If that service is unavailable or blocked, it falls back to a client-side redirect format — no backend required. Your URLs are validated and processed in your browser.
Use it for shortening blog post links, affiliate URLs, tracking links, or any long web address. No registration, no limits for personal use, and no data stored on our servers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the URL shortener work?
The tool first uses the free is.gd API to create short links like https://is.gd/XXXXX. If that service is unavailable (e.g., due to CORS or connectivity), it generates a ToolGenie redirect URL that encodes your original link. When someone visits either type of short URL, they are redirected to your original destination.
Is this URL shortener free to use?
Yes. The ToolGenie URL Shortener is completely free. No signup, no API key, and no paid tiers. The is.gd service has reasonable rate limits (e.g., 200 shortenings per hour per IP), and the ToolGenie fallback has no usage limits for normal personal use.
Do I need a backend or server to shorten URLs?
No. This tool runs entirely in your browser. It uses either the free is.gd API (a third-party service) or a client-side redirect format. No backend, database, or server-side code is required. You can even use it offline if you rely on the ToolGenie redirect format.
Are shortened URLs permanent?
Links created via is.gd are permanent and will continue to work as long as is.gd operates. ToolGenie redirect links are also permanent — they encode the destination URL in the link itself, so they work as long as ToolGenie hosts the redirect page.
What if the short URL doesn't work?
If an is.gd link stops working, the service may have changed or the link could have been removed. Try creating a new short URL. For ToolGenie redirect links, ensure you're using the full URL including the query parameter. If you see an "Invalid or expired link" message, the encoded data may be corrupted — create a new shortened link.
Can I shorten any URL?
You can shorten any valid http:// or https:// URL. The tool validates your input and will add https:// if you omit the protocol. Some URLs may be blocked by is.gd (e.g., malicious or spam sites per their terms). In that case, the ToolGenie redirect fallback will still create a shareable link.
Tips for Shortening URLs
- Always include the full URL: Use https://example.com, not just example.com — the tool will usually add it for you, but full URLs are more reliable.
- Check your link before sharing: Click the shortened URL yourself to confirm it redirects correctly before sending it to others.
- Use for social media: Short links save character space on Twitter/X, SMS, and other platforms with length limits.
- Respect rate limits: If using is.gd, avoid shortening many URLs in quick succession to stay within their limits.
- Bookmark the tool: Keep the URL Shortener handy for quick access whenever you need to shorten a link.