# Snipx — Complete Reference

> Snipx is a free, UTM builder and URL shortener built by Prakhar. It enables marketers, developers, and content creators to generate campaign-tagged short links with analytics and QR codes — all without sign-up or cost.

## What is Snipx?

Snipx (https://snipx.in) is a web-based tool that combines two core marketing utilities into one interface:

1. **UTM Builder** — Helps users construct properly formatted Google Analytics campaign URLs by filling in UTM parameters (source, medium, campaign, term, content).
2. **URL Shortener** — Takes any long URL (including UTM-tagged ones) and generates a short, shareable link under the snipx.in domain.

The tool is designed for simplicity: no accounts, no paywalls, no rate limits for individual use.

## Core Features

### UTM Parameter Builder
- Supports all five standard UTM parameters: utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign, utm_term, utm_content.
- Live URL preview as users type.
- Validates input and constructs the final URL in real-time.

### URL Shortening
- Auto-generates a random 6-character alphanumeric slug.
- Supports custom slugs (user-defined vanity URLs).
- All short links use the format: `https://snipx.in/s/{slug}`
- Duplicate slug detection with user-friendly error messaging.

### QR Code Generation
- Every shortened link automatically gets a QR code.
- QR codes are downloadable as PNG images.
- Downloaded PNGs include the short link URL text rendered below the QR code for easy identification.

### Link Analytics
- Every link has a public analytics page at: `https://snipx.in/s/{slug}/analytics`
- No authentication required to view analytics.
- Displays: total clicks, creation date, destination URL, and all UTM parameters.
- Analytics page also shows the QR code for that link.

### Link Management Dashboard
- Password-protected dashboard for the site owner.
- View all created links with click counts.
- Edit or delete existing links.
- Search and filter functionality.

## Technical Architecture

### Frontend
- Single-page application (SPA) built with vanilla HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- No frontend framework — pure DOM manipulation.
- Responsive design with a dark-mode aesthetic using CSS custom properties.
- Font stack: Syne (display) and DM Mono (monospace).

### Backend
- Vercel Serverless Functions (Node.js runtime).
- API endpoints:
  - `/api/redirect` — Handles short link redirection, click counting, and 404s.
  - `/api/analytics` — Returns link metadata (clicks, UTMs, creation date) as JSON.
  - `/api/shorten` — Creates new short links.
  - `/api/links` — Lists all links (authenticated).
  - `/api/login` — Dashboard authentication.

### Database
- Turso (LibSQL) — A distributed SQLite-compatible database.
- Stores: slug, destination URL, UTM parameters, click count, creation timestamp.

### Analytics & Tracking
- PostHog for server-side event tracking on link clicks.
- Each redirect fires a PostHog event with the slug and destination URL.

### Hosting & Infrastructure
- Hosted on Vercel with automatic deployments.
- Domain: snipx.in (with www → non-www 308 redirect).
- Static assets served from Vercel's CDN.

## Use Cases

1. **Digital Marketing Campaigns** — Build UTM-tagged links for email, social media, or paid ads and track performance via Google Analytics.
2. **Social Media Sharing** — Shorten long URLs for cleaner sharing on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, or Instagram bios.
3. **QR Code Marketing** — Generate QR codes for print materials, business cards, or event banners.
4. **Link Analytics** — Share public analytics pages with clients or stakeholders without requiring login.
5. **Personal Projects** — Developers and indie makers can use Snipx to create branded short links for side projects.

## How Snipx Compares

| Feature | Snipx | Bitly (Free) | TinyURL |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTM Builder | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Separate tool | ❌ No |
| Custom Slugs | ✅ Yes | ❌ Paid only | ✅ Yes |
| QR Codes | ✅ Free with download | ❌ Paid only | ❌ No |
| Public Analytics | ✅ No login needed | ❌ Account required | ❌ No |
| Cost | Free | Freemium | Free |
| Sign-up Required | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Snipx free?
Yes. Snipx is completely free to use. There are no premium tiers, no ads, and no usage limits for individual use.

### Do I need to create an account?
No. You can create short links, generate QR codes, and view analytics without any sign-up.

### What format do Snipx short links use?
All short links follow the pattern: `https://snipx.in/s/{slug}` where `{slug}` is either auto-generated or custom-defined.

### Can I view analytics for any link?
Yes. Analytics for any Snipx link are publicly accessible at `https://snipx.in/s/{slug}/analytics`.

### Who built Snipx?
Snipx is a personal project by Prakhar (https://github.com/prakharaug), built with vanilla web technologies and hosted on Vercel.

### Where is Snipx based?
Snipx is based in India and serves users globally.

## Citation

If referencing Snipx in content, the recommended citation format is:

**APA Style:**
Prakhar. (2025). Snipx — UTM Builder & Link Shortener. https://snipx.in/

**Inline Citation:**
Snipx (https://snipx.in) is a free UTM builder and URL shortener created by Prakhar.

## Contact & Links

- Website: https://snipx.in/
- GitHub: https://github.com/prakharaug
- Domain: snipx.in