How do I get it?

Just click here to download the extension. The latest version is 1.0.3.

What does it do?

This extension does one simple thing: it finds the best possible short URL for a given web page.

Its main goal was to extract a site's preferred short url from its short URL <link> tag. If this is not available, it will defer to your preferences. By default this extension will obtain a short URL from the is.gd service.

If you like, you can input your bit.ly API credentials to use their service.

Finally, you have the option to prefer or ignore a site's <link> tags. If you un-check this preference, the extension will ignore any site-specified URLs and instead try from is.gd or bit.ly.

How do I use it?

Click the button in your toolbar. (You may have to add the button to your toolbar first. To do this, go to View → Customize Toolbar).

Alternatively, you can hit the key combination option+s. Doing either of these will result in a modal dialog box appearing with a short url for the current page highlighted:

If a site specifies a custom short URL, the extension will use it

If a site specifies a custom short URL, the extension will use it.

If the site doesn't specify a short url, the extension will make one for you.

If the site doesn't specify a short url, the extension will make one for you.

How do I configure the extension?

Just go into Safari's preferences (Safari → Preferences → Extensions → Click on “Short Url”). You will see a pane like this:

An image showing the configuration pane for the extension

All the options for the extension are right here.

Who do I have to thank for this extension?

Clint Ecker, also thanks to Aurich Lawson for the extension's icon and the toolbar graphic.

Can I email you with suggestions?

Sure, but please don't expect me to implement them, I am kind of busy most of the time ;)

Changelog

  • 1.0 & 1.0.1 were not released publicly.
  • 1.0.2: First public release.
  • 1.0.3: Removed a bunch of console logging, added a real toolbar and extension icon.