URL Shortener
Create portable short links with hash-encoded destinations and local history in your browser.
About this tool
About
This free client-side URL shortener builds portable short links by encoding the destination in the URL hash, and keeps a local history in your browser—no signup and no server redirect database.
How it works
Enter an http(s) URL and an optional label. The tool creates a shareable link on this site under /tools/url-shortener/r with the destination packed into the hash (#u=…). Opening that link shows a 10-second lock screen with a timer only—no destination is shown. When the timer finishes, click Open link to visit the destination in a new tab. History is stored only in local storage on this device.
Steps
- Paste the destination URL (https recommended).
- Optionally add a label for your local history.
- Create the short link, then copy or open it.
- Use History to copy, open, or delete past links on this device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this URL shortener free?
Yes. It is free to use with no signup. Create and open links as often as you need.
Does it use a real short domain?
No. Links stay on utility-tools.site and put the destination in the hash so they work without a server-side redirect store. Longer destinations make longer hashes.
Will my short link work on another phone?
Yes for portable #u= links—the destination is in the hash. History (labels and past entries) only appears on the browser that created them.
Is my URL uploaded?
No. Encoding and history run in your browser. Nothing is sent to Utility Tools servers.
Why is the open button locked?
When you open a short link, a dedicated unlock page shows a 10-second countdown. The destination is hidden on that page. When the button unlocks, click Open link to visit it in a new tab.
Can I shorten javascript: or other schemes?
No. Only http and https destinations are allowed for safety.
Privacy: History stays in this browser. Portable short links include the destination inside the hash—anyone with the link can decode it. The unlock screen does not display the destination. Do not shorten secret URLs you would not share in plain text.