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Mailto Link Generator

Build mailto links with pre-filled recipients, CC, BCC, subject lines, and body text. Copy the URL or HTML code and add it to your website, email, or documents.

About this tool

Mailto links are one of the simplest ways to let visitors contact you directly from your website or email. When someone clicks a mailto link, their default email client opens with the fields you have specified already filled in. This removes friction from the contact process and ensures emails are sent to the right address with the right context.

This generator builds properly encoded mailto URLs with support for all standard fields: recipient (to), carbon copy (CC), blind carbon copy (BCC), subject line, and message body. The tool handles URL encoding automatically, which is critical because special characters like spaces, ampersands, and line breaks need to be encoded correctly or the link will break.

Common use cases

Mailto links work great for contact pages, support buttons, feedback requests, and referral programs. You can embed them in your website HTML, in email buttons, in email signatures, or in email footers. They also work in PDFs, Google Docs, and most document formats.

Tips for effective mailto links

Keep the body text short since long URLs can cause issues in some email clients and browsers. The generally accepted maximum URL length is around 2,000 characters, and some older browsers may truncate longer URLs. If you need the recipient to fill in extensive information, consider using a web form instead and sending the submission via your transactional email system.

Pre-filling the subject line is especially useful for support requests. For example, a "Report a Bug" button could pre-fill the subject with "Bug Report" so your support team can filter and route these emails automatically. Use the BCC field to send a copy to your CRM or support ticketing system.

For email marketers, mailto links are useful in campaigns where you want subscribers to reply. A "Reply to give feedback" CTA with a pre-filled subject helps you track responses. Check your subject line before using it in the mailto link to make sure it reads well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mailto link?

A mailto link is a special type of hyperlink that opens the user's default email client with pre-filled information instead of navigating to a web page. The format is mailto:email@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Message. When clicked, it opens a new email composition window in apps like Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird with the specified fields already filled in.

Do mailto links work on mobile devices?

Yes. On iOS, mailto links open the default Mail app (or whichever email app is set as default in iOS 14+). On Android, the system shows a chooser dialog letting the user pick their preferred email app. Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail, and most other mobile email apps all support mailto links correctly.

Can I add multiple recipients?

Yes. In the To field, separate multiple email addresses with commas. For example: user1@example.com, user2@example.com. The same comma-separated format works for CC and BCC fields. The tool handles the encoding automatically.

Is there a character limit for mailto links?

While there is no official limit in the mailto specification, most browsers and email clients have practical limits. Internet Explorer had a 2,083 character limit for URLs. Modern browsers support longer URLs, but keeping your mailto link under 2,000 characters is a safe practice. The tool shows a warning if you exceed this limit.

Can I use HTML formatting in the body?

No. Mailto links only support plain text in the body field. HTML tags will appear as literal text in the email body, not as formatted content. If you need rich formatting, consider using a web form that sends a formatted email through your email service provider instead.

Will the BCC field be visible to the recipient?

The BCC address is visible in the sender's email client before sending, but recipients will not see BCC addresses. However, since the BCC is encoded in the mailto URL, anyone who inspects the link (e.g., by hovering over it or viewing the page source) can see the BCC address. Do not use BCC in mailto links for truly confidential recipients.

Do mailto links work with web-based email like Gmail?

It depends on the user's browser settings. Chrome can be configured to open mailto links in Gmail. Firefox has a similar setting. Many users have this configured automatically. However, if a user does not have any email client or handler configured, clicking a mailto link may do nothing or show an error. Always provide an alternative way to contact you.

Can I track clicks on mailto links?

Mailto links do not support tracking by default since they do not make an HTTP request. However, you can add a JavaScript click handler that fires an analytics event before opening the mailto link. In email campaigns, most email service providers track link clicks, but mailto links within an email will open the recipient's email client to compose a new message.

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