The Complete Guide to Mailto Links
Mailto links are a powerful HTML feature that allows website visitors to send emails directly from their default email client. When implemented correctly, they can significantly improve user experience and increase engagement with your audience.
What Are Mailto Links?
Mailto links are a type of HTML link that opens the user's default email client with pre-filled recipient, subject, body, and other email fields. They use the mailto: URI scheme followed by email parameters.
Basic Syntax:
<a href="mailto:example@domain.com">Send Email</a>
Benefits of Using Mailto Links
- Improved user experience: Users can email you with just one click without manually copying your address
- Higher conversion rates: Reducing friction in the contact process increases the likelihood of visitors reaching out
- Pre-filled information: You can pre-populate subject lines and message bodies to guide user inquiries
- Universal compatibility: Mailto links work across all major browsers and operating systems
- No backend required: Unlike contact forms, mailto links don't require server-side processing
Advanced Mailto Link Parameters
Beyond the basic recipient address, mailto links support several parameters to customize the email composition:
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| subject | Pre-fills the email subject line | mailto:?subject=Hello |
| body | Pre-fills the email body content | mailto:?body=Message%20text |
| cc | Carbon copy additional recipients | mailto:?cc=other@example.com |
| bcc | Blind carbon copy additional recipients | mailto:?bcc=hidden@example.com |
| multiple recipients | Send to multiple addresses (comma-separated) | mailto:one@example.com,two@example.com |
Best Practices for Mailto Links
Provide Fallback Options
Some users may not have an email client configured. Always display the email address as text alongside the mailto link as a fallback.
URL Encoding
Properly encode special characters in subject and body parameters using percent-encoding to ensure compatibility across all browsers.
Line Breaks in Body
Use %0D%0A (URL-encoded CRLF) to create line breaks in the email body content for better formatting.
Mobile Considerations
On mobile devices, mailto links typically open in the device's native email app. Ensure your content is mobile-friendly.
Common Issues and Solutions
Mailto Links Not Working
If a mailto link doesn't work, it's usually because the user doesn't have an email client configured or their browser is blocking the action. Provide a visible email address as a fallback.
Special Characters Breaking the Link
Always URL-encode special characters like spaces (become %20), ampersands (%26), and equals signs (%3D) to prevent them from breaking your mailto links.
Unexpected Email Client Behavior
Different email clients handle mailto links slightly differently. Test your links across multiple clients (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) to ensure consistent behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple recipients to a mailto link?
Yes, you can include multiple email addresses by separating them with commas in the recipient field: mailto:first@example.com,second@example.com
How do I add line breaks in the email body?
Use %0D%0A (which represents a carriage return and line feed) to create line breaks in the body parameter. Our tool automatically handles this encoding for you.
Can I include HTML in the mailto link body?
No, mailto links only support plain text in the body parameter. HTML tags will be treated as plain text and displayed literally in the email.
Do mailto links work on mobile devices?
Yes, on mobile devices, mailto links typically open the device's native email application with the pre-filled information.
Creative Uses for Mailto Links
Pro Tip: Combine with Other Tools
For a comprehensive strategy, use our Mailto Link Generator with the Email Permutator and Spam Checker to create effective, compliant, and targeted communication.