> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.smmall.cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.smmall.cloud/links-permalinks.md).

# Links (Permalinks)

Create custom, trackable short links to share your content with anyone. Links can point to external URLs or to files and folders hosted on Smmall Cloud.

### **Overview**

The Links feature allows you to:

* Create memorable short URLs with custom slugs
* Protect links with passwords, email gates, or expiration dates
* Track views and see where your traffic comes from
* Customize link previews with titles, descriptions, and thumbnails
* Generate QR codes for easy sharing

### **Creating a Link**

1. Navigate to [**Links**](https://smmall.cloud/me/links) in your dashboard
2. Click **Create Link**
3. Enter the destination URL
4. Customize your link settings (see below)
5. Click **Save Link**

<figure><img src="https://3339468055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FC4uAXnQI1lFTPXLjdosr%2Fuploads%2FFoMkLivP8uXvzIGiSRZm%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=71c8ea81-4381-43d0-aa2e-59f568c0e6fd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Destination URL**

Enter any valid URL you want to redirect to. Smmall Cloud will automatically fetch the page's Open Graph metadata (title, description, and image) to use as the default preview.

**Custom Slug**

Choose a memorable slug for your short link. For example, if your slug is my-project, your link will be:

```
https://yourdomain.smmall.cloud/l/my-project
```

If you have a [custom domain](/custom-domains.md) configured, it will use that instead:

```
https://yourcustomdomain.com/l/my-project
```

The availability of your chosen slug is checked in real-time as you type.

### **Security Options**

Protect your links with one of four security modes:

**Open (None)**

Anyone with the link can access the destination immediately.

**Password Protected**

Visitors must enter a password before being redirected. Set your password when creating the link.

**Email Gated**

Visitors must provide their email address to access the content. Collected emails are stored and can be viewed in your link statistics.

**Expiration**

The link becomes inaccessible after a specified date and time. Quick-select options are available for common durations:

* +1 day
* +1 week

### **Customizing Link Previews**

When someone shares your link on social media or messaging apps, a preview card is displayed. You can customize:

* **Title** - The headline shown in the preview
* **Description** - A short description of the content
* **Thumbnail** - The preview image (upload your own or use the automatically fetched image)

  If you don't customize these fields, Smmall Cloud uses the Open Graph metadata from the destination URL.

<figure><img src="https://3339468055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FC4uAXnQI1lFTPXLjdosr%2Fuploads%2FjhOW6ZcyQRFILh2gLJDt%2FSmmall%20Cloud%20Markup%20on%202026-01-20%20at%2009-50-50.png?alt=media&amp;token=3a386ee8-a2ce-4a40-8e8b-aa2f7a0bba68" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **QR Codes**

Every link automatically gets a QR code that you can:

* Preview in the link editor
* Download as a PNG image
* Use in printed materials, presentations, or digital media

### **Link Statistics**

<figure><img src="https://3339468055-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FC4uAXnQI1lFTPXLjdosr%2Fuploads%2Fqe653lsr0M9em43zA69s%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1831b51c-22f1-42d1-b1c8-8a2fe9fe3bbb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Track how your links perform with built-in analytics:

**Views**

* **Total views** - All-time click count
* **Monthly views** - Views in the current month
* **Daily breakdown** - Bar chart showing views over the last 30 days
* **Referrers**

  See where your traffic is coming from. Referrer tracking shows which websites and platforms are driving clicks to your links.

To view statistics:

1. Go to your Links dashboard
2. Click the stats icon on any link
3. View the analytics panel

### **Tips**

* **Keep slugs short and memorable** - They're easier to share verbally and in print
* **Use expiring links for time-sensitive content** - Promotions, event RSVPs, or limited offers
* **Email-gate valuable content** - Build your mailing list while sharing resources
* **Check your referrers** - Understand which channels drive the most traffic
* **Customize previews** - A good title and thumbnail increase click-through rates