Creating short 'alias' URLs for pages
Long URLs are not ideal for use in printed materials. However, there is an alternative. There are two types of short URLs that can be done:
- You may use a short URL redirect, for instance www.myunit.ethz.ch/abc.
- Short URLs for the main domains of ETH, i.e. ethz.ch/abc need to be approved by Corporate Communications and can only apply to the main site content. Please specify the usage of the short URL in your request.
- Short URLs using the subdomain of an ETH unit, e.g www.abc.ethz.ch/def should be approved by the person responsible for the unit's website, since it cannot be a page URL (part of website structure) that exists already for the site or it will create a conflict.
- The self service ETH generic URL shortener tool.
Important: Redirects and short URLs (#1 in the list above) are limited in implementation by IT Services because each request means the main domain .htacccess file must be changed, which could result in serious errors. Therefore, these should only be done if absolutely necessary.
If a redirect is necessary, you will need to send a ticket to the
What you need to consider
- Order your short URL as early as possible, especially if it has to be ready at a fixed date. The URL of the active target landing page (frontend) is required. For example:
Desired URL --> Active target landing page URL
- When a user types in the short URL he/she will be redirected to the specified target page. As an example, the short URL ethz.ch/aem leads to the target page /staffnet/en/service/communication/websites.html.
- If the URL of the target page changes, the short URL needs to be re-configured manually. Redirected URLs do not change automatically. Make sure to send a new ticket to the to request an update for your short URL configuration.
- Each short URL is available only once. They are approved on a "first come, first served" basis.
- For the ETH main domain, short URLs in the format ethz.ch/abc will not be approved if too general. For instance, an address such as www.ethz.ch/bachelor to promote one specific bachelor programme will not be approved. Please use terms that are more specific, e.g. www.ethz.ch/bachelor-computer-science.