> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getqr.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a custom short link

> Choose your own slug for a QR code's short link, such as qr.yourbrand.com/summer-menu.

Every dynamic QR code encodes a short link. By default GetQR generates a random one; with a custom short link you choose the slug yourself, for example `summer-menu`, so the link is readable and easier to spot in analytics.

## Before you start

* You choose the slug while you **create** a QR code. It can't be changed after the QR code is created.
* Custom short links work for every QR type except WiFi. WiFi codes contain the network details directly and have no short link.
* To use your own domain instead of the shared GetQR short domain, [connect a custom domain](/custom-domains/connect-domain) first and wait until it's **Live**.

## Create it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start a new QR code">
    In the sidebar, click **Create QR**, then **Create single QR**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a QR type">
    Pick the type you need, for example Website, and fill in its content on the **Create content** step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn on Custom short link">
    On the same step, switch on **Custom short link**. A field appears with the domain on the left and the slug on the right.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a domain">
    The domain shows the shared GetQR short domain. To use your own, click it and select one of your connected domains. Domains still being set up show **Setting up** and can't be selected.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Type your slug">
    Type the slug, for example `summer-menu`. Uppercase letters are converted to lowercase. The counter shows how many of the 15 characters you've used.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check availability">
    Click **Check availability**, or press Enter. When the slug is free, you see the full link and "is available".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue to design">
    Continue to **Customize & Download**. Your preview and downloaded QR code now encode the custom short link.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Choose carefully. The short link is part of the printed QR code, and it can't be changed after the QR code is created. You can still change where it leads.
</Warning>

## Slug rules

| Rule | Example |
| - | - |
| 3 to 15 characters | `menu` ✓, `ab` ✗ |
| Lowercase Latin letters `a–z`, digits `0–9`, hyphens `-` and underscores `_` only | `spring_2026` ✓, `café` ✗, `my menu` ✗ |
| Must start and end with a letter or digit | `menu-1` ✓, `-menu` ✗, `menu_` ✗ |
| No two hyphens or underscores in a row | `summer-menu` ✓, `summer--menu` ✗, `summer-_menu` ✗ |
| Must be free on the selected domain | The same slug can be free on your custom domain and taken on the shared domain. |

Some words are reserved and can't be used as slugs. GetQR doesn't say which ones; if a slug is refused as unavailable, try a different one.

## Shared domain or custom domain

| | Shared GetQR short domain | Your custom domain |
| - | - | - |
| Example | `link.getqr.com/summer-menu` | `qr.yourbrand.com/summer-menu` |
| Setup | None | [Connect a domain](/custom-domains/connect-domain) and wait until it's live |
| Slug availability | Shared with all GetQR users, so popular slugs may be taken | Only your workspace's QR codes use it |

## Use cases

* **Print and packaging.** A readable link such as `qr.yourbrand.com/menu` reassures people before they scan.
* **Campaign tracking.** Name links after campaigns (`spring-sale`, `event_2026`) so they're easy to find in [analytics](/analytics/overview).
* **Typing fallback.** Print the short link under the QR code so people can type it if their camera fails.

## Common issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I don't see the Custom short link toggle">
    You're either editing an existing QR code or using the WiFi type. The slug can only be chosen during creation, and WiFi codes have no short link. When you edit a QR code that has a custom slug, the **Short link** field is shown read-only.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Please confirm your custom short link is available before continuing.”">
    You typed or changed the slug but didn't check it. Click **Check availability**. To continue without a custom slug, switch **Custom short link** off.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“… is in use.”">
    Someone already uses this slug on the selected domain. Try a variation, or select your custom domain, where only your workspace's slugs count.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“This link isn't available — try a different one.”">
    The slug is reserved or not allowed. Choose a different slug.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Only Latin letters (a–z), numbers, hyphens and underscores are allowed.”">
    Remove spaces, accented letters, dots and other symbols. Use a hyphen or underscore to separate words.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="“Couldn't check availability. Please try again.”">
    The check didn't complete, usually because of a network problem or too many checks in a short time. Wait a moment and click **Check availability** again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My custom domain isn't in the dropdown">
    Only connected domains appear, and only **Live** domains can be selected. Check its status in the **Domains** tab. See [Verify your domain](/custom-domains/verify-and-troubleshoot).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manage short links" href="/short-links/manage-short-links">
    Copy, pause, protect and schedule your links.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect a custom domain" href="/custom-domains/connect-domain">
    Use your own subdomain for short links.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add a logo" href="/design/logo">
    Brand the QR code itself.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Read your analytics" href="/analytics/reading-reports">
    See scans for each link.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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