Documentation › Links › Create a link

Create a link

Destination, custom code, end date and what is refused.

# Destination

Paste any http:// or https:// address. FlashLink refuses addresses with spaces, with a login in them, on unusual ports, made of an IP number, pointing to a local or private name, to another link shortener or to FlashLink itself.

Every destination is also checked against a list of dangerous sites (Safe Browsing) when this check is switched on.

The creation form shows the destination and the code first. Below, foldable sections: Organise (tags), Lifetime, Portal page, QR code design, then all the options (access, destination by visitor, A/B test, share preview, end page, private note). The custom code goes right under the destination. Campaign labels (UTM) can be added under the destination. Everything can also be changed later with Options.

# A portal without destination

When you pick a portal for a new link, the destination becomes optional. Leave it empty and the short link, like its QR code, opens the portal page itself. It is made for a Wi-Fi access, a map, a menu, an opening-hours card or a contact card, where there is nothing to redirect to.

• You can drop the destination of an existing link that has a portal (empty the field in Destination), and give one back later.
• A link without a portal always needs a destination, and a portal-only link cannot lose its portal until it has a destination.
• The option take the portal image from the destination needs a destination.
• Passwords, start date, click limit and the other rules work the same way.

# Custom code

Leave the field empty to get a random code, or choose your own: 3 to 32 characters, lowercase letters, digits and single hyphens (my-event-2027).

• Words that look official or are used by the service itself (such as account, admin, bank, paypal, login) are refused.
• A code is never reused, even after the link is deleted.
• Codes are not case sensitive.

# End date

Pick a date, or a short lifetime: 1 hour, 6 hours, 24 hours, 3 days or 7 days. After the end date the link answers “not found” and its QR code stops. Free accounts get a lifetime for every link (see Plans); you can renew it before it ends.

Free accounts receive an e-mail 7 days before a link ends.

# Page of its own

The form can also create a portal, from a ready-made layout: Portals in short.

# Limits

The number of active links depends on your plan. Creating many links quickly is rate limited: if you hit the limit, wait a few minutes. To create many at once, use the CSV import.