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

# Short Links

> Create temporary short links in workflows with configurable expiration.

Short links let a workflow turn a long URL into a shorter temporary URL. Use them when you need to send signed report links, coupon links, dashboard links, or other long URLs through email, chat, or notification channels.

In workflows, the **Shorten Link** action accepts a destination URL and a time-to-live in days.

## Configuration

| Field           | Meaning                                                                              |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Destination URL | The long URL the short link should redirect to. This can include workflow variables. |
| TTL             | How long the short link remains active before expiring.                              |

Supported TTL choices in the workflow action are:

* 1 day
* 3 days
* 7 days
* 30 days
* 90 days

The default TTL is 7 days.

## Good Uses

* Sharing a signed PDF or report URL from a workflow notification.
* Sending a temporary link to a generated captive portal coupon document.
* Making long dashboard or workflow output URLs easier to read in an email.
* Giving an external system a short-lived redirect link instead of a permanent URL.

## Operating Guidance

* Choose the shortest TTL that gives the recipient enough time.
* Do not use short links as access control by themselves. The destination should still enforce its own authorization or signature where needed.
* Avoid shortening URLs that contain secrets in query parameters.
* Include enough context in the notification so users know why they received the link.

## Related Pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Workflow node reference" icon="boxes" href="../automation/workflows/node-reference" arrow="true">
    Review the Shorten Link action with other workflow nodes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Captive portal configuration" icon="ticket" href="../connectivity/captive-portals/configuration" arrow="true">
    Use coupon workflows and notification delivery for guest access.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>