useshortly
GitHub

An open source alternative to Bitly. Custom domains, click analytics, QR codes and password-protected links, with no plans, usage caps or third party holding your data.

Open source. Deploy it with Docker Compose.

Get started Star on GitHub
How it works

From clone to first short link, in three steps.

  1. Deploy

    Clone the repo and start it with Docker Compose. A single SQLite file holds everything, with optional Turso sync

  2. Shorten

    Create links on your own domain from the dashboard, the REST API or an AI assistant through MCP

  3. Measure

    Every click reaches your server first, so you see its time, referrer, country and device

Backend

One Go service and a SQLite file.

  • 7
    Characters per codeRandom base62 from crypto/rand, or a custom alias you pick
  • 302
    Redirect on every visitBrowsers don't cache it, so each click reaches your server and gets counted
  • 1
    SQLite file holds your dataBack it up by copying it, or sync it to Turso Cloud
Frontend

Run every link from one dashboard.

Create links, group them into campaigns and read their clicks, with your whole team in the same organization.

  • Links

    Random codes or custom aliases, with an expiration date, a click limit or a password

  • Campaigns

    Group links by channel, and the UTM parameters are added to each destination for you

  • Click analytics

    Clicks by hour and weekday, top referrers, devices and a map of countries

  • QR codes

    One for every link, styled to match your brand

  • Custom domains

    Serve links from your own domain, verified with a DNS TXT record

  • Team and API keys

    Invite members to your organization and create read or write keys for scripts

MCP

Manage links from your AI assistant.

Connect Claude, Cursor or any MCP client to your instance and ask for what you need in plain words.

  • 21
    ToolsShorten URLs, read click stats, verify domains and manage campaigns
  • 2
    Permission levelsRead-only or write, chosen by each user when they connect
  • 0
    API keys to pasteClients sign in with OAuth 2.1, and access tokens expire after 15 minutes
Desktop

The dashboard in its own window.

An early preview for macOS, Windows and Linux, for anyone who would rather not keep a browser tab open.

  • Its own window

    The full dashboard, opened from your dock or start menu instead of a browser tab

  • Browser sign-in

    Google sign-in opens your default browser, then hands the session back to the app

  • Remembers its place

    Window size and position are restored every time you open it

  • Served locally

    The interface runs on your machine and only talks to your own backend

useshortly desktop app