How to use twirl.at

The URl-shortening service of twirl.at is very easy to use!
Here are some basic instructions for beginners and more additional usages for tech savvys or regular users!

Basic URl shortening

Just copy and paste the URl, that you want to make shorter, from your browser address bar (or type it in) into the text field on the main page of twirl and press the button labeld "shrink!".
The URl will get shortened and is returned to you in under a second! You can then copy the link and use it instead of the long URl. You can do this again and again with URls you would like to have shorter!

Usage of a short twirl.at link

Shortened or compressed links from twirl.at, like http://twirl.at/4, can be used like regular URls or web addresses you already know! You don't have to visit twirl.at and type in the code - just type or paste the link in your browsers address bar and press enter. If you see a link like the above one, just click on it! You will be redirected to the original URl instantly! twirl links are like normal links - it's so easy!

Special features

Preview links before visiting

Links shortened with twirl.at hide the real URl you are about to visit. If you're curious about a twirl link just append a question mark (?) to the link. This will take you to an extra preview page before redirecting you!

Example:
http://twirl.at/4 - this will take you directly to Google Maps
http://twirl.at/4? - will show a preview page with the URl you are about to visit

This is a very easy and safe way to see where you are about to go, if you maybe don't really trust the sender of the link. If you want to enable previews for all twirl.at links, you can register for free (see below) and enable the preview cookie. This will show you the preview link regardless of the trailing question mark.

There are also some plugins and extensions you might want to try to e.g. preview links!

Extras for registered users

You can register an account on twirl.at for free - there is no charge in registration or using this service!
As a registered (and logged in) user, you can keep track of all your links you shortened in your personal history. You can use your history to see which links you have used, copy and send them again to your friends or work mates. You can delete entries you don't need anymore. Maybe just use it as a bookmark-thingy for twirl links!

If you would like to see where twirl links want to redirect you you can enable persistent previews in your account profile. So everytime you click or use a twirl.at link, you'll get to see the preview. Enable and disable this setting with a click of a button! Very easy!

Registration is and will be free for everyone, everytime!