Digicut
Self-HostedOpen-source self-hosted URL shortener with analytics
Overview
Digicut is a lightweight, open-source URL shortener built for self-hosting. It enables users to create custom short links, track click metrics (including geography, device type, and referrers), and manage links via a simple dashboard. Privacy-focused, it avoids external analytics tools, keeping data local. Deployment is straightforward with Docker—pull the image, configure environment variables (database, domain), and run the container. It also offers a REST API for integration with apps/workflows and supports custom domains to align with your brand. Ideal for those wanting control over their URL shortening needs without relying on third-party services.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
digicut:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: digicut
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Custom short URL creation
- Detailed click analytics (geo, device, referrer)
- Docker-based one-click deployment
- REST API for integration
- Custom domain support
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Digicut hard to install?
No—Digicut uses Docker for deployment, making setup quick. Pull the official image, configure a few environment variables (e.g., database connection, custom domain), and run the container. The GitHub repo includes a step-by-step guide, so even beginners can get it running in minutes.
? Is it a good alternative to Bitly?
Yes—Digicut is a great self-hosted alternative if you want privacy and control over your data. Unlike Bitly, it doesn’t monetize user data, and you host it yourself. It covers core URL shortening and analytics needs, though it lacks Bitly’s enterprise features like team management.
? Is it completely free?
Yes—Digicut is open-source under the MIT License. It’s free to use, modify, and self-host. There are no subscription fees, though you’ll need to cover server hosting costs if you deploy it externally.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Digicut
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (no external data tracking)
- ⊕ Lightweight and resource-efficient
- ⊕ Easy to set up with Docker
- ⊕ Full control over data and links
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for self-hosting
- ⊖ Lacks enterprise features like team collaboration
- ⊖ No built-in authentication (can be added via reverse proxy)