Z is a URL shortening service which allows for longer URLs to be shortened. A shortened URL is helpful for social media, printed pieces, or just sharing with others. You can access the service at http://z.umn.edu
- Create a Z Link
- Edit a Z Link
- Transfer a Z Link to another person
- Use collections to organize and manage Z links
- Lost or orphaned Z links
Create a Z link
- Log in to http://z.umn.edu
- Paste the URL into the Destination URL field at the top
- If you want a custom short URL enter the keyword(s) in the Keyword field
- For example: z.umn.edu/drupal-lite-online-course
- If you leave the Keyword field blank, the service will use a random string of characters
- For example: z.umn.edu/38bk
- If you want a custom short URL enter the keyword(s) in the Keyword field
- Click the Z-Link It button
Edit a Z link
- Log in to http://z.umn.edu
- Find the Z link in the list
- Use the search box in the top right
- Click the €¦ in the Actions column
- Select Edit
- Edit or change the destination URL
- Edit or change the keyword portion of the Z link
- Click Submit
Transfer a Z link to another person
Z links are owned by the person that created them. You can transfer one (or more) Z links to another person.
- Log in to http://z.umn.edu
- Check the box for the Z link you want to transfer. You can select multiple items.
- Click the Bulk Actions button at the top of the table
- Select Give to a different user. The Give URLs modal window is displayed.
- Enter the name or Internet ID of the person. The tool will search the University directory for a match.
- Select the person from the list of matches.
- Click Send URLs. A confirmation window is displayed.
- Click the Confirm button.
- The status bar at the top shows URLs that are pending approval. When the recipient claims them, the message will no longer be displayed for these Z links
The person (or account) receiving the Z link transferal will need to log in to http://z.umn.edu and click the Accept button. They can also choose to Reject the transferal.
Use Collections to organize and manage Z links
You can use Collections to organize and share management of your Z links. A Collection can have multiple members, and any of the members can add, edit, change, or delete any of the Z links in the collection.
Create a Collection for Z links
- Log in to http://z.umn.edu
- Click My Collections in the menu bar at the top of the page
- Click the Add New Collection button
- Enter a name and description for the collection
- Click Create Collection
Add or remove members to a Collection
- Click My Collections in the menu bar at the top of the page
- Find the collection you want to edit
- Click the €¦ button in the Actions column
- Select Members
- Enter a portion of the person's name or their Internet ID
- Select the person from the results list
- Click the Add Member button
- To remove a member from the collection
- Locate the person in the list of members
- Click the Remove button
Add Z links to a Collection
- Click My Z-Links in the menu bar
- Locate the Z link in the list
- Click the button in the Collections column
- Select the collection
Lost or orphaned Z links
Z Links are owned by the person that created them. There may be instances where a Z link is still in use, but the owner no longer works at the University. If you need to transfer ownership of a Z link, contact 1-HELP and request a transfer of ownership.