QR-code anatomy

Email QR code generator

TL;DR — An email QR code encodes a mailto: URL with a pre-filled subject and body. Scanning opens the user's email app with the message ready to send.
Make a email QR →

What an email QR contains

A mailto URI: mailto:contact@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Hi%20there. The phone's default email app (Mail on iOS, Gmail on Android) opens with all fields filled in. The user just types their message and hits send.

You can pre-fill the body with structured text — useful for support requests where you want users to include a serial number or order ID. The user can edit anything before sending.

Where email QRs work well

The pattern shines anywhere a low-friction 'contact us' is the goal:

  • Customer-support stickers on physical products (pre-fill subject with the SKU)
  • Trade-show booths with a 'request a demo' QR that pre-fills the subject
  • Restaurant tables with a 'feedback' QR that pre-fills 'Table 7 feedback' as the subject
  • Real-estate yard signs that pre-fill 'Inquiry about 123 Main St'

Frequently asked

Can the email QR force a specific subject line?

It can pre-fill it — the user can still edit before sending. There's no way to lock the subject, since the user is composing the email in their own client.

Does it work if the user has no email app set up?

On iOS the user gets prompted to set one up; on Android they're routed through Gmail (which most accounts have signed in by default). Worst case the URL opens in a browser-based mail client.

What to do next