At a glance
- Format written
mailto:link, withsubjectandbodywhen filled- Encoding
- Subject and message are percent encoded, so spaces become
%20 - Error correction
- Level M
Fields
Email Address Required
Where the email goes. With this empty, Generate does nothing.
Subject Optional
Pre-fills the subject line.
Message Optional
Pre-fills the body. The person can edit it before sending.
What the code contains
Address only
mailto:hello@example.com
With subject Table booking and message Hi, a table for 2 & a high chair?
mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Table%20booking&body=Hi%2C%20a%20table%20for%202%20%26%20a%20high%20chair%3F
Commas, ampersands and question marks in the message are encoded too, so they cannot break the link.
What it does not do
- It does not send anything. The phone's mail app opens, and the person decides whether to send.
- It cannot add CC, BCC or attachments.
- On a phone with no mail app set up, the code may do nothing useful.
Message length and size
Every space in the subject and message becomes %20, three characters instead of one, so email codes grow faster than you expect.
| Content | Grid | Smallest print width |
|---|---|---|
| Address only | 25 × 25 | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Address, subject and a one line message | 45 × 45 | 21.2 mm (0.8 in) |
| Address, subject and a 300 character message | 73 × 73 | 32.4 mm (1.3 in) |
Keep the message to a short first line such as Hi, I would like a quote for and let the person finish it.
Common mistakes
A space before or after the address
Copying an address from a document often brings a space with it. The tool trims it, so this is safe. Typed as " hello@example.com " with a two line message, the code contains:
mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hi%20there&body=Line%20one%0ALine%20two
The line break is kept as %0A, so the message arrives on two lines.
Expecting the code to send the email
It only opens a draft. If you need the message to reach you without the person pressing send, use a form instead, for example with the feedback generator.
Using a personal address on printed material
Anyone who scans can read the address, and printed codes stay around for years. A shared address such as hello@ or bookings@ is easier to keep and hand over.
Questions
Will the email code work if the phone has no mail app?
On a phone with no mail account set up, the phone may ask which app to use or do nothing useful. Most phones have one, but print your address under the code as a backup.
Can I add CC or an attachment?
No. The generator writes the address, subject and message only.
Is the email sent from my address?
No, it is sent from the address of the person who scans, after they press send. The code only fills in where it goes.