Email QR Code Generator — Pre-filled mailto Links
Generate a QR code that opens an email draft addressed to you — with the subject and message body already filled in if you want. One scan to compose.
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How email QR codes work
An email QR code encodes a mailto: URI — the same type of link used in "Email us" buttons on websites. The full format with all fields looks like: mailto:[email protected]?subject=Hello&body=I%20wanted%20to%20reach%20out. When scanned, the device opens its default mail client with the To, Subject, and Body fields pre-populated.
On iPhone, this opens the Mail app (or whichever email app is set as default in iOS settings). On Android, it opens the default mail app — Gmail if that's configured, or a prompt to choose an app if multiple are installed. The user reviews the draft and taps Send.
Where email QR codes are effective
- Conference and event materials: Attendees scan a speaker's name badge or slide to send a follow-up email without typing the address.
- Print advertising: A call-to-action like "Scan to request a catalogue" with a QR code that opens a pre-addressed email is a low-friction response mechanism.
- Business cards: Some professionals prefer an email QR code over a vCard, particularly if the goal is correspondence rather than contact storage.
- Feedback prompts: "Tell us what you think" cards with a QR code that opens a pre-addressed email to a feedback inbox.
- Support contact: Product packaging or manuals where customers may need help — scan to open a support email draft.
When to use a form instead
Email QR codes depend on the user having a configured mail client, which is not universal — particularly on secondary devices, tablets, or among users who exclusively use webmail. For higher-stakes conversions (lead capture, event registration, product feedback at scale), a URL QR code linking to a web form is more reliable: it works in any browser without any app dependency and gives you structured, searchable data rather than unstructured email threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if someone uses Gmail or Outlook in the browser rather than a mail app?
This is the main limitation of email QR codes. The mailto: link only works if the device has a default mail client configured. On desktop, most users have either a native mail app or a browser default set. On mobile, iOS always has the Mail app available as a fallback even if another app is preferred. On Android, if no email app is installed or configured, the device may show an error or prompt to install one. For audiences who primarily use webmail, a URL QR code linking to a contact form on your website is a more reliable alternative.
Can I pre-fill the subject line and message body?
Yes. Both fields are optional — you can add a subject, a body, or both. The subject is useful for routing (support tickets, specific inquiry types). The body can include a prompt or template to guide the user. Keep in mind that users can edit or delete both before sending — pre-filling helps, but you're not controlling the final message. Keep pre-filled text concise; a long pre-filled body can feel presumptuous.
Is an email QR code different from a URL QR code with a mailto: link?
Functionally, no — the email QR code type in QRGlyph generates a mailto: URI, which is what you would get if you encoded a mailto: URL using the URL type. The difference is that the email form validates the email address field and helps you construct the subject and body without manually URL-encoding the values. The resulting code is identical.
Can I use this to collect email sign-ups or feedback?
You can, but a web form (via a URL QR code) is more reliable and gives you structured data. An email QR code works for low-volume feedback collection where you want responses in your inbox directly. For anything at scale — event sign-ups, newsletter subscriptions, customer surveys — link to a form on Google Forms, Typeform, or your own site instead.