What an email QR code does
An email QR code opens a new email. Your address, subject line and message are already filled in. The person scanning only needs to press Send, or add a few words first.
It is useful for:
- Feedback on a counter or receipt: “Tell us how we did.”
- Bookings and quotes on a poster or van.
- Support on a product box or manual.
- Sign-ups at an event: “Email us to join the list.”
How to make one
- Choose Email at the top.
- Type the address that should receive the emails.
- Add a subject, like “Table booking” or “Order 1234”, so you can sort the replies.
- Add a short message to get people started, for example “Hi, I would like to book a table for…”.
- Check for the green Scans well note, then download.
Spaces, line breaks and symbols such as & and ? in the subject or message are encoded for you.
Tips
- Keep the message short. A long message makes the code busier and nobody reads it anyway.
- Use a clear subject. It helps you find these emails later.
- Say what to expect next to the code: “Scan to email us — we reply within a day.”
- Test it on your own phone before printing, and check the email arrives.
Common mistakes
- A typo in the address. Every email then bounces. Copy and paste the address instead of typing it, and send yourself a test.
- An inbox nobody reads. Point the code at an address someone checks every day, or set up forwarding.
- No reason to write. “Email us” on its own gets few replies. Say what people get: “Email us for a free quote” or “Email to join the guest list.”
- Asking for private data in the message. Do not pre-fill fields that ask for card numbers or passwords. People are rightly wary of that.
Example uses
A bakery puts a code on its counter that opens an email with the subject “Cake order” and the message “Hi, I would like a cake for … people on … (date)”. Customers fill the gaps and send. The bakery sorts all orders by the subject line.
Questions people ask
What happens when someone scans an email QR code?
Their phone opens its email app with a new message. Your address is already in the To field, and the subject and message are filled in if you added them. They can change the text before sending.
Does the email send by itself?
No. The person always sees the email first and chooses to send it. Nothing is sent without them pressing Send.
Which email app opens?
Whichever app is set as the default on their phone, such as Mail on iPhone or Gmail on Android.
Can I add more than one address?
This tool makes a code for one address, which works on every phone. If you need several people to receive it, use a shared address or a group that forwards to them.
Will spammers find my address?
Anyone who scans the code can see the address, the same as if it were printed. Use a work or shared address rather than a private one on public posters.