In a world of microblogging and mega long links, URL shortening can be insanely useful. Not only can it help to simplify and save space, it can also track links and reveal how often they have been opened.

We will introduce you to URL shortening tools that you can use for Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Additionally, we’ll show you an online URL shortener that you can use with any browser for free.

How to Shorten URLs Using Google Chrome

How many times have you needed to shorten a link and had to copy the original URL, head to a URL shortening service, paste the link to shorten it, and copy it again wherever you need it? Aside from being time-consuming, you will need to open multiple tabs, which will make your browsing activity harder to manage.

If you like using Google Chrome, you can check these extensions to more easily shorten URLs:

URL Shortener is one of the best extensions for shortening URLs in Chrome.

How to Use URL Shortener

If your favorite browser is Chrome, you can install URL Shortener as an extension from Chrome Web Store. We prefer this tool because it also generates a QR code for your link, which is a great way to provide smartphone users with information.

Once you install the extension, you can pin it to your toolbar for quick access. If you want to shorten the URL in your current tab, all you have to do is click its icon. The extension will generate the shortened URL together with the QR code. To copy the new URL, simply click the icon next to it.

URL Shortener

If you need to shorten multiple URLs, you can leave the extension open and copy & paste any URL in the top editing field.

Related: Best Chrome Privacy Extensions for Better Security

How to Shorten URLs Using Mozilla Firefox

If you prefer Firefox, here are a few Add-ons that you can try:

Copy Short URL is one of the best extensions available for Firefox.

How to Use Copy Short URL

Copy Short URL is a Firefox extension that currently supports the URL shortening services is.gd, tinyurl.com, and bit.ly. When you click the Add-on, it will search for a canonical short URL exposed by the website you are currently visiting and copy it. If it can’t find an already shortened URL, it will create one.

URL shortener

The shortened link is already copied in your clipboard, and Copy Short URL will also display it in the bottom-right corner of your screen.

Note: If you want to move this extension on your toolbar, open the Firefox menu, then head to More Tools > Customize Toolbar and drag the Copy Short URL icon to its new position.

Related: Must Have Privacy Add-ons for Firefox

How to Shorten URLs Using Any Browsers

If you don’t use Chrome or Firefox or often change which browser you are using for work or personal activity, you can try Bitly. You can use this free online tool without creating an account.

Bitly

However, if you want to track how many people click your link, you will have to sign up.

Shorten URLs With Just a Few Clicks

There are a lot of advantages when it comes to shortening URLs. But most importantly, you can send the URL without remembering a long address. There is one disadvantage when it comes to shortened URLs. They could hide the revealing path to a malicious website.

If you always use the same browser, you can head to the browser’s web store, check the URL shortener’s description and install the one that fits your needs.