=== 360 Orbit Shortlink Service === Contributors: joergliwa Tags: shortlink, short url, redirect, links, url shortener Requires at least: 6.6 Tested up to: 7.1 Requires PHP: 8.1 Stable tag: 1.0.0 License: GPLv2 or later License URI: https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html Short, permanent links under /shortlinks/ that never change, while the target address can be replaced at any time. == Description == Links in print, newsletters, QR codes and social media cannot be corrected once they are out. Shortlink Service gives every link a short address such as `/shortlinks/k3x9tq`. The address is assigned automatically and is locked: it can never be changed. The page it leads to can be replaced whenever you need to, and everything that was printed or shared keeps working. * **Create a link in seconds:** a name and a target address, nothing else. The short address is assigned for you. * **Locked address:** six characters without easily confused letters (no 0/o, no 1/l/i). Once assigned, it never changes and is never given out again, not even after the link is deleted. * **Replace the target at any time:** the short address stays the same. * **Overview list:** title, short address, target and a copy button, sortable and searchable, also by target address. * **Temporary redirect (HTTP 302):** browsers and search engines remember permanent redirects (301) for a long time, which would defeat a later change of the target. A temporary redirect always reaches returning visitors too. * **Error page for unknown links:** an invalid, deleted or unpublished link shows a clear message instead of redirecting. * **Safe by default:** only http:// and https:// targets are accepted, on saving and again at every redirect. Every change needs the right permission and a security token. Requires pretty permalinks (any structure except "Plain"). If you use a page cache or a CDN, exclude the path `/shortlinks/` from caching, so a changed target reaches visitors without delay. = Free vs. Pro = The free version covers everything above. **Shortlink Service Pro** adds: * **URL history:** every replaced target address is kept with date and user and can be restored in one click. * **Archive for old links:** archive instead of deleting. The address, history and clicks are kept, the link shows the error page and can be reactivated in one click, one by one or in bulk. * **Redirect type per link:** 302 (default), 307 or, on request, 301. * **Click counter without personal data:** total clicks and last visit per link. No IP address, no cookies, no user agent stored; bots, HEAD requests and prefetching are not counted. Nothing to add to your cookie banner. * **Statistics over time:** clicks per day, week and month, per link or in total, for any period. * **CSV import and export:** import existing links with a preview and a report of rejected rows, export everything as CSV. * **QR code** for every shortlink as SVG and PNG, created in your browser. The code contains the short address, so a printed code keeps working when you change the target. * **Optional own short domain**, for example wirt.at/k3x9tq, with a built-in check and a step-by-step guide. * Automatic update notifications directly in the WordPress admin area. == Installation == 1. Install the plugin under *Plugins → Add New* (search for "360 Orbit Shortlink Service"), or upload the ZIP under *Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin*. 2. Activate the plugin. 3. Open **Shortlinks** in the **360 WP Orbit** menu and click **Add New**. Enter a name and the target address and publish. Copy the short address from the list. 4. Make sure your site uses pretty permalinks (*Settings → Permalinks*, anything except "Plain"). == Frequently Asked Questions == = Can I change the short address of a link? = No, by design. That is the point of the plugin: a printed or shared address must stay valid. You can change the target at any time. = Will an address ever be used for a different link? = No. Addresses of deleted links are remembered and never assigned again. = Why is the redirect temporary (302) and not permanent (301)? = Browsers and search engines remember the target of a permanent redirect, sometimes for good. If you later replace the target, returning visitors could still be sent to the old page. A temporary redirect avoids that. The Pro version lets you choose another type for individual links. = My short links show a 404 page. What is wrong? = The most common reason is the permalink structure "Plain". Short links need pretty permalinks: open *Settings → Permalinks* and choose any other structure. If the problem remains, open the same page and click "Save Changes" once. = I changed the target, but visitors still land on the old page. = A page cache or a CDN is probably serving the old redirect. Exclude the path `/shortlinks/` from caching. The plugin already sends headers that forbid caching. = Which addresses are allowed as a target? = Only addresses starting with http:// or https:// that contain a host name. Addresses such as javascript: or data: are rejected when you save and again before every redirect. = Does the plugin send data to other servers? = No. The free version makes no requests to external services, sets no cookies and stores no visitor data. It does not create its own database tables either. = What happens when I deactivate or delete the plugin? = Deactivating keeps all your links; they simply stop redirecting while the plugin is inactive. Deleting the plugin removes all links and settings. = Does it work on multisite? = The plugin works per site. Activate it on each site where you want to use it. = Liability? = This plugin is provided without any warranty ("as is"). The developer assumes no liability for damage or loss arising from its use. Taking a full backup before use is strongly recommended. == Screenshots == 1. The list of shortlinks: title, short address with a copy button, and target address. 2. Editing a shortlink: the target address can be replaced, the short address is locked. == Changelog == = 1.0.0 = * Initial release: shortlinks with an automatically assigned, locked address, temporary redirect, error page for invalid links, overview list with copy button and safe handling of target addresses. == Upgrade Notice == = 1.0.0 = Initial release.