A Smart Short Link can require a password before redirecting. Passwords must contain 8–100 characters. PROS stores a password hash rather than the plaintext password.
When a visitor opens a protected link, the public password page is shown. An incorrect POST returns an invalid state with an HTTP 403 response; a correct password allows normal link resolution.
The edit drawer provides New password with the placeholder Leave empty to keep current password. Enter a new value only when you want to replace the current saved password.
Use Scheduled activation to set Starts at. Before this date/time, the link is shown as Scheduled and is not treated as normally routable.
Use Scheduled deactivation to set Expires at. The expiration must occur after Starts at when both values are provided. When the expiration time is reached, the link no longer resolves as an active public destination.
Select Mark as favorite to add a favorite state to the link record. The listing can show a star/favorite indicator, which is useful for important campaign links.
Select Generate matching QR to have PROS create a QR Code whose destination is the public Short Link.
The matching QR is created with a name derived from the Short Link title/alias, a code beginning with sl-, and a styling payload that identifies the QR as coming from a short link.
A matching QR lets the same campaign be shared digitally through the Short Link and physically through a scannable code. Because the QR opens the Short Link, the Short Link destination can remain the central redirect layer.
| Combination | Operational effect |
| Password + schedule | Visitor must arrive during the routable period and enter the password. |
| Favorite + matching QR | Makes the link easy to identify internally and creates a physical access point. |
| UTM + matching QR | The Short Link can append UTM values even when reached through the QR. |
| Expiration + printed QR | The printed QR can stop resolving when the Short Link expires, so plan end dates carefully. |