A download key is a special URL that gives someone access to a project’s files. On itch.io you can either generate a single key or generate them in bulk. Download keys use very long URLs to make them hard to guess, but that's not so great if you want to print out access codes on paper to hand out.

Starting today you can now generate Short download keys when creating key is bulk. They're only 12 characters long and can be accessed from a shorter itch.io URL. The short URLs look like itch.io/get-RANDOMSTUFF and they'll redirect to the full download page when visited. We only use random characters that are easily distinguishable (eg. no O and 0), so they'll be readable with whatever font you use to print.

Find the checkbox on the bottom of the bulk key tool:

Any bulk key groups that have short URLs will have a separate link to download all the short URLs into a text file.

Improved bulk download key browsing

Along with this update we've improved bulk key management by adding a new screen where you can view all the bulk keys, grab their URLs individually, see who has claimed them, and track if they have downloaded or received an external key. 

Enjoy