Summary: This guide explains what ICS (iCalendar) and mailto: protocol handlers are, how they function on Tithely Sites to seamlessly add events to calendars or draft emails, and details the varying behavior across desktop and mobile devices to ensure a smooth user experience.
Before You Begin
- Protocol handlers direct the browser or device to take a specific action when a link is clicked.
- ICS links (using webcal:// or ical:// protocol) manage calendar events.
- mailto: links initiate the process of drafting an email.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Click the ICS Link (e.g., from an event page). [This initiates a web request using the webcal:// or ical:// protocol.]
2. Observe the device behavior.
- iOS (Safari): Automatically opens the link in the Apple Calendar app.
- Android (Chrome, Firefox):
- Prompts the user to select a calendar application (e.g., Google Calendar, Outlook).
- Desktop (Chrome/Edge): Typically prompts the user to download the ICS file.
3. Click the mailto: Link (e.g., on a contact page). [This initiates the process of drafting an email.]
4. Observe the device behavior.
- Mobile (iOS/Android): Opens the default mobile email app (e.g., Apple Mail, Gmail) with the email pre-filled.
- Desktop (All Browsers): Opens the default email client set on the user's system (e.g., Outlook, Apple Mail, or a configured web-based email service).
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- Why does clicking the ICS link download a file instead of opening my calendar app? Your desktop browser (like Chrome or Edge) may be set to default to downloading ICS files. You or the user may need to check the browser settings to change the default handler to open ICS files in the preferred calendar application.
- The mailto: link opens the wrong email program: The link opens the default email client set on the user's operating system or in the browser's settings. Users must adjust the default settings on their device or browser to ensure the link opens in their preferred app (e.g., switching the default from Outlook to Gmail).
- What is the best way to help users with these links? Provide clear instructions on your site and encourage users to configure their browser and device settings so that ICS and mailto: links are handled by their preferred applications.