Short Links for Google
Docs, Sheets & Slides.
A Google Docs link is a long string of letters that nobody can type. Turn any Doc, Sheet or Slides deck into a short link for a class, a meeting or a printout, and see how many people opened it.
Built for Sharing Google Files
Easy to type and say
Replace docs.google.com/document/d/1x9…/edit?usp=sharing with urlyte.com/you/notes.
QR codes for class and events
Put a QR code on a slide, a handout or a poster so people scan straight to the file.
See how many opened it
Track clicks by day, country and device, so you know if your class, team or client opened the file.
Swap the file, keep the link
Point a branded link at next term's file or a new version. The link you printed keeps working.
How People Share Google Files with URLyte
urlyte.com/you/notesOne link students can type from the board.
urlyte.com/you/signupA short link to a Google Sheet that people fill in.
urlyte.com/you/deckA Slides deck link to share in the chat or on screen.
urlyte.com/you/templateA link that opens a "Make a copy" page for a template.
How to shorten a Google Docs, Sheets or Slides link
Set sharing to "Anyone with the link"
In the file, click Share. Under General access, choose "Anyone with the link" and pick Viewer, Commenter or Editor. If access stays "Restricted", people who open your short link see "You need access".
Copy the link
Click Copy link in the same window.
Paste it into URLyte
Paste the link into the box at the top of this page. You get a short link at once, with no account.
Brand it and add a QR code
With a free account, use a name like urlyte.com/yourname/notes, download a QR code, and see clicks by day, country and device.
Useful endings for Google file links
Change the end of a Google Docs, Sheets or Slides link before you shorten it, and the short link opens the file in a different way.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/FILE_ID/edit
- /edit
- Opens the file in the editor (the normal link).
- /preview
- Opens a clean, read-only view without the menus.
- /copy
- Asks the person to make their own copy. Good for templates and worksheets.
- /export?format=pdf
- Downloads a Google Doc as a PDF.
The file must still be shared with "Anyone with the link" for these to work.
Common problems with Google file links
"You need access"
The file is Restricted. Change General access to "Anyone with the link", or the short link only works for people you added by email.
People can change your file
The link gives Editor access. Choose Viewer before you share it, or use the /copy ending so people edit their own copy.
goo.gl links
Google's own short links (goo.gl) are no longer available for new links. Use a short link service such as URLyte instead.
Sharing a form or a Drive folder? See the Google Forms link shortener and the Google Drive link shortener.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a Google Docs link shorter?
Click Share, set General access to "Anyone with the link", copy the link, and paste it into the box at the top of this page. You get a short link at once.
Does this work for Google Sheets and Slides too?
Yes. Any Google Docs, Sheets, Slides or Forms link works the same way.
Can I make a QR code for a Google Doc?
Yes. Every URLyte link has a free QR code that you can put on a slide, a handout or a poster.
Can I change the file later without a new link?
Yes, with a free account. Edit the branded link and point it to another file. The link and QR code you already shared keep working.
Can I see how many people opened my Google Doc?
URLyte shows how many people clicked your short link, by day, country and device. It cannot see what people do inside the document.
Is it free?
Yes. Short links, QR codes and click tracking are free. Pro is $5/month for more links and your own domain.
More platform shorteners
Free to start. Pro for $5/month.
Short links and QR codes for Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
Shorten my Google link