URL Shortener
Convert a long URL to a short link in one click — free, no signup.
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 keeps things simple. Your URL is checked in your browser, then a small ToolGenie server route asks the free is.gd service (or v.gd or TinyURL as backups) for a short link. If all of them are unavailable, the tool falls back to a ToolGenie redirect link, which is longer but still works.
Use it for shortening blog post links, affiliate URLs, tracking links, or any long web address. No registration and no ToolGenie account. ToolGenie does not keep a database of your links.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the URL shortener work?
ToolGenie sends your link to the free is.gd service through a small server route and returns a short link like https://is.gd/XXXXX (or v.gd or TinyURL if is.gd is down). If all of them fail, it generates a ToolGenie redirect URL that encodes your original link. When someone visits either type of link, 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 rate limits, so if many links are shortened at once the tool may fall back to a longer ToolGenie redirect link, which has no usage limit for normal personal use.
Does ToolGenie store my links?
No. ToolGenie has no link database. Your URL passes through a small ToolGenie server route only to request the short link from is.gd, v.gd or TinyURL, which store the link on their side under their own terms. The fallback ToolGenie redirect link stores the destination inside the link itself.
Are shortened URLs permanent?
Links created via is.gd, v.gd or TinyURL are meant to be permanent and keep working as long as those services operate. ToolGenie redirect links 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.