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Mailto Link Generator
Create mailto links with pre-filled email fields. Generate HTML links that open the user's email client with customized recipient, subject, CC, BCC, and body content.
Tool Introduction
Our Mailto Link Generator is a powerful tool that helps you create customized mailto links for your websites or applications. These links, when clicked, automatically open the user's default email client with pre-filled information, making it easier for users to send emails with specific content or to designated recipients.
How to Use Mailto Link Generator
- Fill in the email fields you want to pre-populate:
- To: Primary recipient email address(es)
- CC: Carbon copy recipient(s)
- BCC: Blind carbon copy recipient(s)
- Subject: Email subject line
- Body: Main email content
- Choose your preferred output format (URL, HTML link, or button)
- Copy the generated code and use it in your project
- Test the link to ensure it works as expected
Understanding Mailto Links
Basic Syntax
A mailto link follows this basic structure:mailto:[email protected]?subject=Hello&body=Message&[email protected]&[email protected]
Parameters
to
: Primary recipient(s)cc
: Carbon copy recipient(s)bcc
: Blind carbon copy recipient(s)subject
: Email subject linebody
: Email message content
Examples
Basic email link:
mailto:[email protected]
With subject:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=Website%20Inquiry
With multiple recipients:
mailto:[email protected],[email protected]
With subject and body:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=Hello&body=How%20are%20you%3F
Complete example with all parameters:
mailto:[email protected][email protected]&[email protected]&subject=Meeting&body=Hello%2C%0A%0ACan%20we%20meet%20tomorrow%3F
Important Notes
- All parameters must be properly URL-encoded (spaces become %20, newlines become %0A, etc.)
- Multiple email addresses should be separated by commas
- Line breaks in the body can be added using %0A
- Special characters (like &, ?, =) must be encoded when used in parameter values
- The order of parameters doesn't matter, but the email address must come first after "mailto:"
Edge Cases and Limitations
- Some email clients might have character limits for the entire mailto URL
- Not all email clients support all parameters (especially BCC)
- Mobile devices might handle mailto links differently than desktop browsers
- Very long body text might be truncated by some email clients
- Some special characters might not be properly handled by all email clients even when encoded
Best Practices
- Always encode parameters to handle special characters and spaces
- Keep mailto links reasonably short to ensure compatibility
- Test links across different email clients and devices
- Provide a fallback method for users whose email clients don't support mailto links
- Consider mobile users when designing mailto link interactions
FAQs
What is a mailto link?
A mailto link is a type of HTML link that opens the user's default email client with pre-filled information like recipient address, subject, CC, BCC, and message body.
Why use a mailto link generator?
Mailto links can be complex when including multiple parameters like CC, BCC, and formatted body text. Our generator ensures proper encoding and formatting of all parameters.
Can I include multiple email addresses?
Yes, you can add multiple email addresses for To, CC, and BCC fields by separating them with commas.
Will the generated link work in all email clients?
The mailto link will work with any email client set as the default mail handler on the user's device. However, some parameters might not be supported by all email clients.
Can I include line breaks in the email body?
Yes, line breaks in the body text are automatically encoded properly to display correctly when the email client opens.
Is there a limit to the link length?
While there's no strict limit, it's recommended to keep mailto links reasonably short as very long URLs might not work properly in some browsers or email clients.
How do I handle special characters in the email body?
Special characters in the email body need to be URL-encoded. Our generator automatically handles this encoding for you. For example, spaces become %20, line breaks become %0A, and special characters like & become %26.
Can I style the mailto link button with custom CSS?
Yes, when using the HTML button output, you can add your own CSS classes or inline styles. The generator provides a basic button structure that you can customize with your own styling to match your website's design.
What happens if a user doesn't have a default email client?
If no default email client is set up, the browser will typically prompt the user to choose an email application or suggest setting up one. For web-based users, services like Gmail or Outlook Web might open in a new tab.
Are mailto links secure?
Mailto links themselves are not encrypted. The parameters (including email addresses and content) are visible in the URL. For sensitive information, it's better to use a secure contact form instead of mailto links.
Do mailto links work in mobile apps?
Yes, mailto links typically work in mobile apps and will open the device's default email client. On iOS and Android, this could be the native mail app or another email app the user has set as default.
How can I track if users click on mailto links?
While mailto links themselves don't provide tracking, you can track clicks using JavaScript event listeners or analytics tools. However, you can't track whether an email was actually sent, only that the link was clicked.