How to Create Mailto QR Codes (Free Generator + Use Cases)

A mailto QR code is a scannable code that, when scanned with a smartphone, opens the email app with a pre-filled draft. It’s perfect for bridging the gap between physical materials and digital communication.

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Generate Your Mailto Link First

Before creating a QR code, you need a properly formatted mailto link. Use our generator below:

Once you have your mailto link, go to the main generator to get both the code and the QR image.

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Why Use Mailto QR Codes?

1. Business Cards

Instead of hoping someone types your email correctly, let them scan and email instantly:

Traditional Card	QR-Enabled Card
”Please email me at…”	Scan → Email app opens
Manual typing required	Zero friction
Often lost or forgotten	Instant action

2. Conference Badges

At conferences and meetups, QR codes for email are game-changers:

Badge Design:
┌─────────────────────┐
│ JOHN DOE            │
│ CEO @ Startup Inc   │
│ ┌─────────┐         │
│ │ QR CODE │ Scan to │
│ └─────────┘ Email   │
└─────────────────────┘

Results from DevConf 2025:

• 3x more follow-up emails
• 85% of connections actually made (vs 30% with business cards)

3. Print Materials

Add mailto QR codes to:

• ✅ Flyers and brochures
• ✅ Product packaging
• ✅ Restaurant menus (for feedback)
• ✅ Real estate signs
• ✅ Event posters

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create the Mailto Link

Use our Free Mailto Generator to create a link like:

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Inquiry%20from%20Brochure&body=Hi%2C%0A%0AI%20saw%20your%20brochure%20and...

Step 2: Generate the QR Code

Our generator automatically creates a QR code for your mailto link. You can:

• Download as PNG
• Copy to clipboard
• Resize for print

Step 3: Test on Mobile

Always test before printing:

1. Open your phone’s camera
2. Point at the QR code
3. Tap the notification that appears
4. Verify the email draft looks correct

Step 4: Deploy

Add the QR code to your materials with clear instructions:

📧 Scan to Email Us

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Best Practices

✅ Do’s

1. Keep the mailto link short

   • Long URLs make QR codes denser and harder to scan
   • Use short subject lines
   • Keep body text minimal

2. Add context around the QR code

   • “Scan to contact us”
   • “Email for a quote”
   • Include an email icon

3. Test at print size

   • QR codes should be at least 2cm × 2cm (0.8 × 0.8 inches)
   • Test on multiple phones

4. Use high contrast colors

   • Black on white works best
   • Dark blue on white is acceptable
   • Avoid low-contrast combinations

❌ Don’ts

1. Don’t use transparent backgrounds

   • Reduces scannability

2. Don’t include sensitive information in pre-filled body

   • Anyone can scan the QR code

3. Don’t make QR codes too small

   • Minimum 2cm for print materials

4. Don’t expect 100% scan rates

   • Always include the email address as text backup

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Technical Details

QR Code Data

A mailto QR code simply encodes the mailto URL:

Data: mailto:[email protected]?subject=Hello
Type: URL

When scanned, the device recognizes the mailto: scheme and opens the default email app.

Error Correction

Our QR generator uses Level M error correction (15% redundancy), which allows:

• Minor damage tolerance
• Logo placement in center
• Scratches and wear resistance

Maximum Characters

mailto Length	QR Version	Modules
< 100 chars	Version 3	29×29
100-200 chars	Version 5	37×37
200-300 chars	Version 7	45×45
> 300 chars	Version 9+	53×53+

Tip: Keep your mailto link under 200 characters for optimal scannability.

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Use Cases Gallery

Real Estate Agent

FOR SALE
4 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,500 sqft

[QR CODE]
📧 Schedule Viewing

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Viewing%20Request%3A%20123%20Main%20St

Restaurant Feedback

Enjoyed your meal?
[QR CODE]
Tell us about it!

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Dining%20Feedback&body=Date%3A%20%0ARating%3A%20%0AComments%3A%20

Product Support

Need help with your device?
[QR CODE]
Scan for quick support

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Product%20Issue%20-%20Model%20X123&body=Issue%3A%0A%0ASerial%20Number%3A%20

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FAQ

Do mailto QR codes work offline?

Partially. The QR code can be scanned offline, and the email draft will be created. However, sending the email requires internet connectivity.

Which email apps are compatible?

All major email apps support mailto links from QR scans:

• ✅ Gmail (iOS & Android)
• ✅ Apple Mail
• ✅ Outlook
• ✅ Samsung Email
• ✅ Yahoo Mail

Can I track QR code scans?

Not directly (mailto links don’t support tracking). However, you can:

• Use unique email addresses per material ([email protected], [email protected])
• Include campaign IDs in the subject line
• Check email received timestamps

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Get Started

Ready to create your mailto QR code?

1. Go to our Free Mailto Generator
2. Fill in recipient, subject, and body
3. Download the QR code
4. Add to your materials

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Related Reading

• Why Mailto Links Cannot Have Attachments
• CC and BCC Parameters Guide
• Does Mailto Still Work in 2025?

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Last Updated: December 2025