Why Short Links + QR Codes?
A short URL paired with a QR code bridges the gap between digital and physical marketing. Here are four high-impact use cases.
Business Cards & Flyers
Print a clean QR code on your business card that links to your portfolio, LinkedIn, or booking page. Recipients scan instead of typing a long URL. Track every scan anonymously to measure real-world engagement.
Event Marketing
Place QR codes on event posters, conference badges, and stage banners. Attendees scan to register, view schedules, or download slides. Short links keep the URL readable when displayed on screens.
Product Packaging
Add a scannable QR code to boxes, labels, or inserts that links to setup guides, warranty registration, or recipe ideas. Update the destination URL anytime without reprinting packaging.
Restaurant Menus
Replace paper menus with a QR code on each table. Link to a digital menu that you can update in real time — change prices, add specials, or swap seasonal items without printing costs.
How It Works
Three steps from long URL to printable QR code. No account needed.
1. Enter Your URL
Paste any long URL into the form above or call POST /api/v1/shorten with your URL. LinkShrink accepts any valid HTTP or HTTPS address — landing pages, documents, app deep links, or social profiles.
2. Get Short Link + QR Code
LinkShrink returns a short URL like linkshrink.dev/abc1234 instantly. Every short link automatically gets a QR code endpoint at /api/v1/qr/abc1234.png and /api/v1/qr/abc1234.svg. No extra API call needed.
3. Download & Print
Download the QR code as PNG (for screens and social media) or SVG (for print materials at any size). Embed it in your designs, email signatures, or slide decks. Every scan is tracked via anonymous click counters.
Need Designer QR Codes? Meet QRMint
LinkShrink generates standard QR codes for free. For branded, styled QR codes, pair it with QRMint.dev.
LinkShrink + QRMint
LinkShrink handles URL shortening, click analytics, and basic QR code generation in PNG and SVG formats — all free, all without signup.
QRMint.dev takes it further: custom foreground and background colors, embedded logos, rounded dot patterns, gradient fills, and frame labels. Perfect when your QR code needs to match your brand identity.
Use LinkShrink to create a short link, then feed that short URL into QRMint for a fully branded QR code. Best of both worlds.
Explore QRMint →QR Code API Endpoints
Generate QR codes programmatically. No API key. No signup. Just call the endpoint.
# Step 1: Shorten the URL curl -X POST https://linkshrink.dev/api/v1/shorten \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{"url":"https://example.com/my/very/long/landing-page"}' # Response: # { # "status": "success", # "data": { # "shortUrl": "https://linkshrink.dev/abc1234", # "deleteToken": "a1b2c3d4...", # "analytics": "https://linkshrink.dev/api/v1/stats/abc1234" # } # } # Step 2: Download QR code as PNG (default 256px) curl -o qr-code.png https://linkshrink.dev/api/v1/qr/abc1234.png # Step 2 alt: Download as PNG with custom size (up to 1024px) curl -o qr-code-large.png https://linkshrink.dev/api/v1/qr/abc1234.png?size=512 # Step 2 alt: Download as SVG (infinite resolution, perfect for print) curl -o qr-code.svg https://linkshrink.dev/api/v1/qr/abc1234.svg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shorten a URL and get a QR code at the same time?
Yes. When you shorten a URL with LinkShrink, a QR code endpoint is automatically generated for every short link. Append the code to /api/v1/qr/{code}.png or /api/v1/qr/{code}.svg to download it instantly.
Is the QR code generator free?
Completely free. LinkShrink generates QR codes for every short link at no cost. No signup, no API key, no limits. You can request PNG or SVG formats in any size up to 1024px.
What formats are available for QR codes?
LinkShrink supports PNG (raster, with optional size parameter up to 1024px) and SVG (scalable vector graphics, perfect for print at any resolution).
Can I customize the QR code design?
LinkShrink generates standard black-and-white QR codes. For advanced styling — custom colors, embedded logos, rounded corners, gradient fills — use QRMint.dev, our sister product for designer QR codes.
Do the QR codes expire?
QR codes remain valid as long as the underlying short link is active. LinkShrink links have configurable TTL (time-to-live) from 1 minute to 90 days. The default is 30 days.
Can I track how many times my QR code was scanned?
Yes. Every scan redirects through your short link, so all scans are counted in anonymous click statistics. Check stats via GET /api/v1/stats/{code}. No user tracking — just a counter.