A short URL generator creates compact codes you can use as slugs with your preferred URL shortener service. Choose Base62 encoding for unique time-based codes, SHA-256 hash for consistent codes (same URL = same hash), custom alias for branded slugs, or random for one-time codes.
Short Code
Preview URL
Method used
Batch Results
| Original URL | Short Code | Preview |
|---|
Generated URL History
How to Use the Short URL Generator
The short URL generator creates compact link codes you can use with any URL shortener service or self-hosted redirect solution. Everything runs in your browser — no data leaves your device.
Step 1: Enter Your Long URL
Paste the full URL you want to shorten. It can be any length — the longer the original, the more useful a short code becomes for sharing in emails, printed materials, or social media bios where character count matters.
Step 2: Choose an Encoding Method
Select from four methods. Base62 encodes the current timestamp plus a random number into a compact alphanumeric string — these are always unique. Hash uses the first N characters of a SHA-256 hash of your URL — the same URL always produces the same code. Random generates a cryptographically random string. Custom Alias lets you type your own branded slug like spring-sale or launch2026.
Step 3: Set Your Domain and Length
Enter your domain in the preview field (e.g., go.mycompany.com) to see exactly how your short URL will look. Adjust the code length slider — 6 characters gives 56 billion+ combinations with Base62, while 4 characters may be enough for small-scale use. Longer codes reduce collision risk if you're generating many URLs.
Step 4: Batch Mode for Multiple URLs
Switch to Batch Mode, paste one URL per line, and click Generate All. The tool processes each URL and displays a table with short codes and previews. Download the results as a CSV file to import into your URL shortener platform or share with your team.
URL History
Every URL you generate is saved to the History tab using localStorage. Your last 50 pairs (original URL → short code) are stored locally in your browser. This lets you retrieve codes you generated in previous sessions without having to regenerate them.
FAQ
Is this short URL generator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All encoding happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Does this tool actually redirect URLs?
No — this is a client-side short code generator. It creates the short code/alias that you would use with your own domain and URL shortener service (like Bitly, YOURLS, or a self-hosted solution). The generated code is the slug, not a live redirect.
What is Base62 encoding?
Base62 encoding uses 62 characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9) to represent numbers. By encoding the current timestamp plus a random number in Base62, you get a short alphanumeric string like 'aB3xK2' that is compact, URL-safe, and unique enough for most use cases.
What is the difference between Base62, Hash, and Custom Alias?
Base62 encodes a timestamp+random number to create a unique short code. Hash uses the first 6-8 characters of a SHA-256 hash of your URL — the same URL always produces the same hash. Custom Alias lets you type your own slug like 'promo-2026' or 'launch-day'. Random generates a cryptographically random alphanumeric string.
Can I batch-generate short codes for multiple URLs?
Yes — switch to the Batch tab, paste one URL per line, and click Generate All. You can then copy all results or download them as a CSV file.
Is my URL history saved?
Yes — your last 50 generated URLs are saved in your browser's localStorage. They persist across sessions on the same device and browser, but are never sent anywhere. You can clear history at any time.
How long should my short code be?
For most uses, 6 characters from Base62 gives over 56 billion possible combinations — more than enough to avoid collisions within a single domain. Use 8 characters if you need extra uniqueness. Custom aliases can be any length that works for your use case.