Overview
The Kutt node for n8n allows you to create short links using the Kutt URL shortening service.
With the "Link" resource and "Create" operation, this node enables users to generate new shortened URLs with various customization options such as setting a custom alias, password protection, expiration time, and more.
Common scenarios:
- Quickly generating short links for marketing campaigns.
- Creating password-protected or expiring links for sensitive content.
- Automating the process of link creation in workflows (e.g., after uploading a file, send a short link).
Practical example:
You can use this node to automatically shorten URLs before sending them via email or SMS, or to generate one-time-use links for event registrations.
Properties
| Name | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Target URL | String | The destination URL that will be shortened. |
| Options | Collection | Additional settings for the short link: |
| - Description | String | A description for the short link. |
| - Expiration Time | String | When the link should expire (plain English, e.g., "2 days", "5h"). |
| - Password | String | Password to protect access to the short link. |
| - Custom URL | String | Custom alias/ID for the short link (instead of random). |
| - Domain | String | Specify a custom domain for the short link if supported by your Kutt instance. |
| - Reuse | Boolean | Whether to try and reuse an existing short link for the same target URL. |
Output
The node returns a JSON object representing the created short link.
Typical fields include:
{
"id": "unique-link-id",
"target": "https://original-url.com",
"shortUrl": "https://kutt.it/abc123",
"description": "Optional description",
"expire_in": "2024-07-01T12:00:00Z",
"password": true,
"customurl": "my-custom-alias",
"domain": "custom.domain.com",
"reuse": false,
...
}
- The exact structure may vary depending on the Kutt API response.
- If binary data is ever returned, it would represent the link's QR code or similar asset, but this node does not output binary data for the "Create" operation.
Dependencies
- External Service: Requires access to a running Kutt instance (public or self-hosted).
- API Key: You must provide valid Kutt API credentials (
kuttCredentialsApi) in n8n. - n8n Configuration: No special configuration beyond credentials is required.
Troubleshooting
Common issues:
- Invalid API Key: If the API key is missing or incorrect, the node will fail with an authentication error. Ensure your credentials are correct.
- Target URL Required: If "Target URL" is empty, the node will throw an error. Always provide a valid URL.
- Custom URL Conflict: If the specified custom alias is already taken, the API will return an error. Choose a unique alias or leave blank for auto-generation.
- Expiration Format Error: If "Expiration Time" is not in a recognized format, the API may reject the request. Use formats supported by the ms package (e.g., "2 days", "5h").
- Domain Not Supported: If you specify a domain not configured in your Kutt instance, the API will return an error.
Error messages and resolutions:
"Invalid API key": Check your Kutt credentials in n8n."Target is required": Provide a value for "Target URL"."Custom URL already exists": Change the "Custom URL" value."Invalid expire_in format": Adjust the "Expiration Time" to a supported format.