FormURL vs forms.gle
forms.gle is the short link Google Forms makes when you tick Shorten URL in the Send dialog. It’s free and instant, but the address is random characters, and Google doesn’t show how many people open it. A FormURL link uses words you choose and comes with a QR code, and with a free account you can see how many people opened it and point it at a different form later.
Side by side
| Feature | FormURL | forms.gle |
|---|---|---|
| The address | Words you choose: formurl.com/to/open-day | Random characters |
| QR code | Yes, download as PNG | Not built in |
| When someone opens the link | Shows the form embedded on a FormURL page | Opens the form on Google |
| See how many people opened it | Yes, with a free account | No |
| Point it at a different form later | Yes, with a free account | No |
| Form tools | Google Forms first; other form tools open directly | Google Forms only |
| Price | Free | Free |
When forms.gle is enough
If you’re pasting the link into a chat where nobody reads the address, and you don’t need to know how many people opened it, forms.gle is quick and built in.
Use both
You can paste a forms.gle link into FormURL. FormURL finds the full form behind it, so the form still opens embedded under the words you chose.
Questions
What do people see when they open a FormURL link?
Your Google Form itself, embedded full-screen, with a small “Powered by formURL” footer. Their answers go straight to Google Forms.
Can I change a forms.gle link’s words?
No. Google picks the characters. With FormURL you choose them, and you can change them later once you’re signed in.
Do I need an account?
No. Your first FormURL link needs no account.