How to Change a Hyperlink to a Shorter Name

A hyperlink (link) takes a visitor to the page on the Web when he clicks on this. These links can have long Uniform Resource Locator (URL) addresses, which causes problems in various situations. For example, a long URL can be difficult to remember, it is harder to share in an online message board and may be unacceptable to forums, such as Twitter that have a character limit. Using an online URL shortener, you change a hyperlink to a shorter name to make it easier to use.

Instructions

Use bit.ly

1

Access the bit.ly page (Ssee References).

2

Type a URL address in the "Enter your long link or file here" text field and click the "Shorten" button.

3

Copy the smaller link in the "Your bit.ly link" text field. Alternately, enter the term(s) of your choice in the "Custom Name" field and click the "Save" button.

Use TinyURL.com

4

Launch the TinyURL.com website (See Resources).

5

Enter the web address in the "Enter a long URL to make tiny" text field. Optionally, type in your preferred term(s) in the "Custom alias" field.

6

Click the "MakeTinyURL!" button and copy the tiny URL on the resulting page.

Use doiop.com

7

Bring up the doiop.com site (See Resources).

8

Type in the website address in the "Enter a long URL to make short" text field, or opt to enter custom keywords in the field below.

9

Click the "Make it!" button and copy the shortened link that automatically displays.