Long, messy links with tracking parameters look cluttered, are hard to type out manually, and often expose unwanted information. RunDrop's Link Shortener turns long URLs into clean, memorable short links or custom vanity names that you can share on printed slides, verbally in meetings, or in quick messages.
Why Use RunDrop for Link Shortening?
Custom Vanity Names
Pick a custom name like rundrop.com/s/project-demo instead of random gibberish, making your link easy for people to type.
Burn-on-Read Self-Destruct
Need to share a private link just once? Enable Burn-on-Read so the link automatically destroys itself as soon as the first recipient clicks it.
Automatic Expiration
Set a lifetime like 3 hours, 12 hours, or 7 days. Once the timer ends, the link permanently stops working, preventing outdated links from lingering online.
Instant Scannable QR
Every short link comes with an instant high-resolution QR code that mobile users can scan with their phone camera.
Step-by-Step: How to Shorten a Link
Go to the Link Tab
On the RunDrop home page, select the URL Shortener & Links tab.
Paste Your Destination URL
Paste the long website address you want to shorten into the link field.
Choose Your Custom Code (Optional)
Leave it blank to generate an automatic 8-character code, or enter your own custom vanity name (e.g., meeting-notes).
Set Expiration & Share
Select your expiration duration, check Burn-on-Read if desired, and click Create Short Link. Copy the link or share the QR code immediately.
Use vanity slugs for marketing presentations or team standups, and combine them with 1-click self-destruct for one-time credential delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can receivers access the link by just typing the code?
Yes. They can either visit the short link directly or go to RunDrop's Receive page and type the 8-character code.
What happens when a Burn-on-Read link is opened?
The recipient is redirected to the destination website, and the short link is immediately deleted from RunDrop so nobody else can use it.