Shorten URLs the easy way

Extensions are one of Safari's best-kept secrets. By downloading optional plug-ins, you can extend the functionality of Apple's web browser, adding features and options that aren't there by default. Introduced with the release of Safari 5 last summer, there are now dozens to choose from. Check them out at the Safari Extensions Gallery.

A Safari extension I personally find very useful is Shortly by ZZHC Studio. With it installed, you can shorten URLs from the toolbar using popular services goo.gl, TinyURL �or bit.ly. It also supports YouTube, Flickr and WordPress native URL shorteners.

Like all�Safari�extensions, it's easy to install. Just press the 'Install Now' button under its description on the Safari Extensions Gallery web page. When installed, you see an extra button in your toolbar, to the left of the address field. It's the one with the two arrows pointing to the centre of the button, as seen below.

Now open Safari's Preferences, found under the Safari pull-down menu, and click on the Extensions tab. You see a list of currently-installed extensions. Note also the Get Extensions button at the foot of the window - this takes you directly to the Safari Extensions Gallery. Click on Shortly in the left-hand column, and you can manage your new URL shortener. There's a link for ZZHC Studio's website, an uninstall button and a pull-down that lets you choose your shortening service.

Shortly is easy to use. When you're on a web page with a very long URL and want to shorten it for emailing or printing, just press the Shortly button in the toolbar as described earlier. By default the shortened URL is offered in a floating window, but if you check the Toolbar Mode box in Shortly's preferences, it appears under the toolbar. It uses the URL-shortening service you chose in the preferences, unless you're on a YouTube, Flickr or WordPress page, in which case their native services are used.�You can copy this shortened URL from the window or toolbar, and paste it wherever you choose.

There are some excellent extensions available for Safari, including a Twitter feed, a weather button, Facebook tools, news feeds and more. Take a trip to the Safari Extensions Gallery and see if anything takes your fancy. Remember, you can remove extensions at any time, so there's no harm in experimenting.

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