Shrtn
What Shrtn is
Shrtn is a free, MIT-licensed, open-source URL shortener that you host yourself. It is intended for people who want control over their links, infrastructure, and data. Shrtn supports custom domains, a RESTful API, and QR-code generation. Links can require passwords, enforce click limits, or expire on specified dates. Deployment options include Docker, Kubernetes, Cloudflare Workers, cloud virtual machines, and bare-metal servers. Storage can use SQLite through libSQL or Cloudflare D1. Private-server settings can restrict public access and require login; public-server settings can disable login. The maker says Shrtn uses no external tracking, analytics, or data sharing. Setup documentation covers Mailpit, Postmark, Mailgun, and SMTP providers. Access is listed through web, Windows, macOS, Linux, API, and self-hosted modes. No registration is required. Questions and feedback go through GitHub Discussions or GitHub issues. An on-premises analytics dashboard for click trends, referrers, and geodata is listed as upcoming.
Who it suits
Shrtn suits people who want to operate their own link-shortening service and control its data and infrastructure. It fits users comfortable deploying self-hosted software across several server options.
What it does well
- Open source and free
- Custom domains and REST API
- Password, click, and expiry controls
- Multiple deployment choices
- No external tracking or data sharing
What to know first
- Analytics dashboard is only upcoming
- Requires self-hosting and deployment
- No hosted managed plan is listed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shrtn self-hosted software | Free, open-source-based URL shortener; no registration required | Free |
As shrtn.io lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Shrtn provides link shortening with infrastructure control, API access, QR codes, and link restrictions. Its self-hosted model suits operators willing to manage deployment and storage themselves.
Facts from Shrtn's own pages
- Access modes
- The maker describes private-server settings that restrict public access and login, and public-server settings that disable login. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Analytics limit
- An on-premises analytics dashboard for click trends, referrers, and geodata is listed as an upcoming feature. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- API
- The maker describes a RESTful API for integrating with Shrtn. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- API access
- Yes · shrtn.io, 20 Sept 2026
- Audience
- The maker presents Shrtn for people who want to host and manage their own links with control over their infrastructure. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Custom domains
- Yes · shrtn.io, 20 Sept 2026
- Deployment
- The setup page lists Docker, Kubernetes, Cloudflare Workers, a cloud VM, or bare-metal servers as deployment options. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Email providers
- The setup page documents Mailpit, Postmark, Mailgun, and SMTP as email provider options. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is MIT licensed. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Link controls
- Shortened URLs can be password-protected, given click limits, or assigned expiration dates. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says users control their data and that Shrtn does not use external tracking, analytics, or data sharing. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Product
- Shrtn is an open-source, self-hosted URL shortener. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- QR codes
- Shrtn can generate QR codes for shortened URLs. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Storage
- Supported storage options include SQLite via libSQL and Cloudflare D1. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs users to GitHub Discussions or GitHub issues for questions and feedback. · shrtn.io, 12 Oct 2026
Where Shrtn stands on Freedom251
- URL shorteners#89 of 156