Shortening arXiv links is essential for making them easier to share, cite, and include in documents. There are several effective methods to achieve this, ranging from using the built-in features of arXiv to employing third-party URL shortening services. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you shorten your arXiv links:

Using arXiv's Built-In Shortening Methods

arXiv provides several ways to shorten links directly, which are often the most reliable and preferred methods, especially in academic contexts. These methods maintain the direct connection to the arXiv platform and are less likely to suffer from link rot or redirection issues.

1. The Short arXiv ID

Every paper submitted to arXiv is assigned a unique identifier, which can be used to create a shorter URL. This method is the most straightforward and is widely recognized in academic circles. The format is:

https://arxiv.org/abs/YYMM.NNNNN

Where:

• YY represents the last two digits of the year of submission.
• MM represents the month of submission.
• NNNNN is a unique five-digit identifier for the paper.

For example, if the full arXiv link is:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.12345v2

You can shorten it to:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.12345

Notice that the version number (v2 in this example) is optional and can be omitted to make the link shorter. This shortened URL will still direct you to the correct arXiv page for the paper.

2. The Short arXiv ID (without the https://)

You can further shorten the link by removing the https:// protocol, while still maintaining a functional link. This is especially useful in contexts where space is limited, such as in presentations or printed materials. The format is:

arxiv.org/abs/YYMM.NNNNN

Using the previous example, the link would become:

arxiv.org/abs/2304.12345

This format is still widely recognized and will direct users to the correct arXiv page.

3. The arXiv ID Format

In academic writing, it's common to refer to arXiv papers using just the arXiv ID. This format is the shortest and most concise way to cite arXiv papers. The format is:

arXiv:YYMM.NNNNN

Using the same example, the citation would be:

arXiv:2304.12345

This format is particularly useful in academic papers, presentations, and other scholarly communications. It is understood by the academic community and is often used in bibliographies and reference lists.

4. Older arXiv Paper IDs

For older papers, the arXiv ID format might be slightly different. Older papers often have a category prefix before the date. For example:

Full URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/math/0211159

Shortened URL: arxiv.org/abs/math/0211159

Shortest ID: arXiv:math/0211159

The category prefix (e.g., math) indicates the subject area of the paper. When citing older papers, it's important to include the category prefix to ensure the correct paper is identified.

Using Third-Party URL Shortening Services

If you need a clickable short URL for sharing on social media, in emails, or in other contexts where a full URL is preferred, you can use third-party URL shortening services. These services take a long URL and generate a shorter, often more manageable, link.

Popular URL Shortening Services

Here are some popular URL shortening services you can use:

1. Bitly: Bitly is a popular URL shortening service that allows you to create short links, manage them, and track their performance. You can create an account to customize your links and access analytics.

2. TinyURL: TinyURL is a simple and straightforward URL shortening service. It allows you to create short links without needing an account. You can also customize the alias for your link.

3. Rebrandly: Rebrandly is a more advanced URL shortening service that allows you to create branded short links using your own domain. This is useful for businesses and individuals who want to maintain brand consistency.

4. is.gd: is.gd is another simple URL shortening service that provides short links quickly and easily.

5. t.co (Twitter): If you share your arXiv link on Twitter, the platform automatically shortens the link using its t.co domain. This is convenient for sharing on Twitter but might not be suitable for other contexts.

How to Use URL Shortening Services

The process for using these services is generally the same:

1. Go to the website of the URL shortening service (e.g., bitly.com, tinyurl.com).
2. Paste your long arXiv URL into the provided input field.
3. Click the button to shorten the URL.
4. Copy the generated short URL and use it as needed.

Some services may offer additional features, such as link customization, analytics, and link management, which can be useful for tracking and organizing your links.

Considerations When Using URL Shorteners

While third-party URL shorteners are convenient, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Link Rot: URL shortening services can sometimes disappear or change their policies, which can lead to broken links. It's generally safer to use arXiv's built-in shortening methods when possible.

• Trust: Some users might be hesitant to click on shortened links from unknown services due to security concerns. Using well-known and reputable services can help mitigate this issue.

• Branding: If you need to maintain brand consistency, consider using a service like Rebrandly that allows you to create branded short links.

Best Practices for Sharing arXiv Links

Here are some best practices to follow when sharing arXiv links:

• Use arXiv's Short ID When Possible: For academic contexts, the short arXiv ID (e.g., https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.12345 or arxiv.org/abs/2304.12345) is the preferred method. It is reliable, direct, and widely understood.

• Use the arXiv ID in Citations: When citing arXiv papers in academic writing, use the arXiv:YYMM.NNNNN format. This is the standard way to cite arXiv papers.

• Use URL Shorteners Sparingly: If you need a clickable short URL, use reputable URL shortening services, but be aware of the potential risks.

• Check Your Links: Always double-check your links to ensure they are working correctly before sharing them.

• Be Consistent: Use the same format for your arXiv links throughout your documents and communications to maintain consistency.

Summary of Methods

Here's a summary of the methods discussed, along with their recommended use cases:

Method	Format	Use Case
Short arXiv URL	https://arxiv.org/abs/YYMM.NNNNN	General use, direct link to arXiv
Short arXiv URL (no https://)	arxiv.org/abs/YYMM.NNNNN	General use, space-constrained contexts
arXiv ID	arXiv:YYMM.NNNNN	Academic citations, references
Short arXiv URL (older papers)	arxiv.org/abs/category/YYMMNNN	Older papers with category prefix
arXiv ID (older papers)	arXiv:category/YYMMNNN	Academic citations for older papers
Third-Party URL Shorteners	bit.ly/shortlink, tinyurl.com/shortlink, etc.	Social media, emails, clickable links

By using these methods, you can effectively shorten your arXiv links, making them easier to share and cite in various contexts. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and always prioritize reliability and clarity.