How to Shorten Web Address Citations

Curb long web addresses that take up multiple lines of a citation page by using URL shortening websites.

Bibliographic citations that include web addresses can be long and unwieldy. While official formats, such as APA and MLA style, cannot be abridged, you can shorten long web addresses to personal ones through online programs.

Instructions

1. Copy the URL, or web address, you wish to shorten.

2. Go to a URL-shortening website (see Resources).

3. Paste the URL in the appropriate box.

4. Type in a custom name for your URL that describes the citation.

5. Click "make TinyURL."

6. Copy and paste the short URL into your bibliographic citation.

Resources

• TinyURL