How to create a QR code for an email address
An email QR code lets someone scan with their phone and instantly open a pre-filled email — your address, subject line, and even a draft message body are all filled in automatically. You can create one for free at oneclickqrcode.com using the Email QR type.
What is an email QR code?
When someone scans an email QR code, their phone opens the default email app with a new message ready to send. The "To" field is already filled in with your email address. If you've set them, the subject and body are pre-filled too.
Under the hood, the QR code encodes a mailto: link — the same kind of link you've probably seen on websites. The format looks like:
mailto:you@example.com?subject=Hello&body=I%20found%20you%20via%20your%20flyer
The phone recognizes this format and routes it to the email app. It works on iPhone (opens Mail or the default email app), Android (opens Gmail or the default), and any other device with an email client.
When to use an email QR code
Email QR codes are useful when you want people to contact you and want to make it as frictionless as possible:
Customer feedback
Print a QR code on receipts, packaging, or table tents that opens a pre-filled email: "How was your experience at [Business Name]?" Customers scan, type their feedback, and hit send. Much easier than asking them to find your email address and write from scratch.
Event networking
Put an email QR code on your conference badge, booth banner, or handout. People scan it and get a pre-filled email like "Great meeting you at [Conference Name]!" — all they have to do is hit send. It's faster than exchanging business cards for a quick follow-up.
Support requests
Add a QR code to product packaging or user manuals that opens an email to your support team with a pre-filled subject line: "Support request — [Product Name]." The customer doesn't need to hunt for your support email or remember to include the product name.
RSVP or sign-ups
For events where you want RSVPs by email, a QR code with a pre-filled subject ("RSVP — [Event Name]") removes friction. Guests scan, hit send, done. No form to fill out, no website to navigate.
Business cards
Instead of (or alongside) a contact QR code, you could use an email QR code. When scanned, it opens a draft email to you. This is particularly useful if you want people to email you rather than save you as a contact.
Printed materials
Flyers, posters, brochures, stickers — any printed material where you want people to reach out by email. A QR code is much faster than asking someone to manually type firstname.lastname@longcompanyname.com.
How to create an email QR code (step by step)
1. Go to oneclickqrcode.com
Open oneclickqrcode.com in any browser. No account needed.
2. Switch to Email type
Click the icon to the left of the input field. A dropdown appears with five options: Link, Text, Wi-Fi, Email, and Contact. Select Email.
The input area changes to show email-specific fields.
3. Enter your email details
Fill in the following:
- Email address (required) — the address you want people to email. Double-check for typos — a wrong address means every scan goes to the wrong place
- Subject (optional) — a pre-filled subject line. This is useful for routing emails or providing context. Examples: "Website inquiry," "RSVP — Summer BBQ," "Support request"
- Body (optional) — a pre-filled message body. Keep it short — it's a starting point for the sender, not a full email. Example: "Hi, I found your QR code on your flyer and wanted to get in touch."
The QR code preview updates in real time as you type.
4. Customize (optional)
Once you've entered an email address, the customization panel expands:
- Colors — match your brand. Keep high contrast for reliable scanning
- Pattern — square, dots, or rounded
- Corners — square, dots, or rounded
- Logo — drag and drop your logo for a branded look. See our guide on adding a logo to a QR code
5. Download
Choose your format based on how you'll use it:
- Printing — SVG or PNG at 1024px+. See our QR code size guide for recommendations
- Digital sharing — PNG at 512px
- Need transparency — toggle "No background" (works with PNG and SVG)
Tips for effective email QR codes
Pre-fill the subject line
A blank subject line means people might skip writing one, and your email gets lost in the noise. Pre-filling it also helps you:
- Filter and sort incoming emails. If every scan produces emails with "QR Inquiry" in the subject, you can set up a filter
- Provide context to whoever receives the email. "Question about your menu" is more actionable than "(no subject)"
- Track which QR code generated the email. Use different subject lines for different placements: "From flyer — Spring 2026" vs. "From business card"
Keep the body short
The pre-filled body is a starting point, not a finished message. A single line works best:
- "Hi, I saw your QR code and wanted to reach out."
- "I'd like to learn more about your services."
- "I'm interested in booking — please send me details."
If the body is too long, people might feel like they can't edit it, or it'll look overwhelming on their phone's compose screen.
Use a professional email address
Use your actual business email, not a personal Gmail. hello@yourbusiness.com or info@yourbusiness.com looks professional. randomname2847@gmail.com does not.
Test the QR code yourself
Scan it with your own phone before printing. Check that:
- The email app opens correctly
- The "To" address is right
- The subject line appears as intended
- The body text is there and readable
- Special characters (accents, ampersands, etc.) display correctly
Print instructions alongside the QR code
Don't assume people know what happens when they scan. Add a label:
- "Scan to email us"
- "Scan to get in touch"
- "Questions? Scan to send us a message"
Email QR code vs. contact QR code
Both let people connect with you, but they work differently:
| Feature | Email QR code | Contact QR code |
|---|---|---|
| What happens on scan | Opens email composer | Opens "Add to Contacts" |
| What gets saved | Nothing — it sends an email | Contact info saved to phone |
| Includes phone number | No | Yes |
| Includes company name | No (unless in email body) | Yes |
| Best for | Immediate communication | Long-term contact saving |
| Pre-filled message | Yes (subject + body) | No |
Use an email QR code when you want someone to write to you right now.
Use a contact QR code when you want someone to save your details for later.
You could use both — one on the front of your business card (contact) and one on the back (email with a pre-filled "Nice meeting you!" subject).
Privacy and security
Your email address is in the QR code
The email address is encoded directly in the QR code. Anyone who scans it (or reads it with a QR code decoder) can see the address. This is by design — it's meant to be shared.
If you're worried about spam, consider:
- Using a dedicated address for QR codes (
qr@yourbusiness.com) that you can filter or shut down later - Using a contact form URL instead (create a Link QR code pointing to a contact form on your website)
Nothing is uploaded
Everything at oneclickqrcode.com runs in your browser. Your email address, subject, and body text never leave your device. The QR code is generated locally.
FAQ
Does the QR code work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Both open the default email app when scanning a mailto: QR code. On iPhone, it typically opens Mail (or whatever you've set as default). On Android, it opens Gmail or the default email client.
Can I change the email address after printing?
No. The address is baked into the QR code. If your email changes, you'll need to generate and print a new QR code.
Is there a character limit for the subject and body?
The tool limits the subject to 100 characters and the body to 200 characters. This is intentional — QR codes with too much data become dense and harder to scan at small sizes. Keep it concise.
Can I add CC or BCC recipients?
Not with the current tool. The Email QR type supports To, Subject, and Body fields. If you need CC/BCC, you could create a Text QR code with a full mailto: link that includes those parameters, but it's rarely necessary.
Will the email actually send automatically?
No. The QR code opens the email composer with pre-filled fields. The person still has to tap "Send." Nothing is sent without their action.
Does creating the QR code cost anything?
No. It's completely free at oneclickqrcode.com. No watermarks, no limits, no account required.
Create your email QR code free at oneclickqrcode.com — just enter your email address, optional subject and body, and download. No sign-up needed.
Founder of oneclickqrcode.com