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On a webpage, how do you change a text based email address to an URL link?

  • 3 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by tbutts

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I use to have an add-on that would take email addresses displayed as text in webpages display them as URL link. When I would click the URL link, it would open a new email message. What is the name of this add-on or how do I get this feature working in my browser again?

I use to have an add-on that would take email addresses displayed as text in webpages display them as URL link. When I would click the URL link, it would open a new email message. What is the name of this add-on or how do I get this feature working in my browser again?

Chosen solution

I don't recall using one, but I have heard about add-ons that "linkify" any URL in the page so it is clickable. Maybe they would also "linkify" an email address?

As a workaround, you could use bookmarklet. That's a script which you save as a bookmark so you can click the bookmark when you want to run it. Here's how:

(1) Select and copy the following script (it's actually one long line):

javascript:var eml=window.getSelection(); window.location.href="mailto:"+eml; void 0;

(2) Right-click a convenient location on your Bookmarks Toolbar or Bookmarks Menu and choose New Bookmark.

(3) Paste the script into the Location field. Then in the name field, you can type mailto or any name you like.

(4) Click the Add button

Here's an example for testing. Select the email address using the mouse:

example@example.com

Then click the bookmark. Success?

By the way, this script doesn't check that what you selected is a valid email, or remove excess spaces on either end, so it definitely could be improved...

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All Replies (3)

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First I would recommend changing the mailto setting in the Application section of the Firefox Options to the desired email.

You can also look at the network.protocol-handler.external.mailto prefs on the about:config page.

If network.protocol-handler.external.mailto prefs are user set (bold) then right-click and Reset them to the default value.


I am sorry but I could not find an add on that converts emails into mailto links of webpages.

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Chosen Solution

I don't recall using one, but I have heard about add-ons that "linkify" any URL in the page so it is clickable. Maybe they would also "linkify" an email address?

As a workaround, you could use bookmarklet. That's a script which you save as a bookmark so you can click the bookmark when you want to run it. Here's how:

(1) Select and copy the following script (it's actually one long line):

javascript:var eml=window.getSelection(); window.location.href="mailto:"+eml; void 0;

(2) Right-click a convenient location on your Bookmarks Toolbar or Bookmarks Menu and choose New Bookmark.

(3) Paste the script into the Location field. Then in the name field, you can type mailto or any name you like.

(4) Click the Add button

Here's an example for testing. Select the email address using the mouse:

example@example.com

Then click the bookmark. Success?

By the way, this script doesn't check that what you selected is a valid email, or remove excess spaces on either end, so it definitely could be improved...

Modified by jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

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The add-on is Linkification. Thank you for your help.