There are many ways to obfuscate (hide) your email address on your website. My favorite method is using a JavaScript obfuscator to generate code to hide email addresses from robots.
However, be advised if a site visitor does not have Java enabled, they too, may not be able to read your email address with certain types of JavaScripts. For this reason, I have included other tools in my “Best” list that do not require your visitors to have Java enabled – you only use Java to generate the code which can be interpreted by non-Java folks.
Most websites today use some sort of JavaScript to make things happen and I am not overly concerned about losing out on a few emails from people who live in the dark ages without JavaScript enabled.
But that’s just me.
Best 5 Free Email Obfuscator Tools
For website owners who want options, options, options, here are five fabulous, free email obfuscator tools:
- CodeHouse.com: My all-time favorite, easy-no-brainer, JavaScript generator for obfuscating email addresses is free! Type in your email address and the text you want displayed on your website (never display the email address itself as the link text) and hit “submit.”
In a fraction of a second, your JavaScript code is generated for you. Cut and paste it into your HTML code and laugh as robot spammers try and hack your email address!
Skill Level Required: Beginner – must be able drop code into your HTML code.
- Spam-Me-Not Email Obfuscator: This simple, but powerful tool was created by Andreas Neudecker. You can choose from a variety of sophisticated email obfuscation options that are then automatically coded for you.
Skill Level Required: Beginner. If you can type in an email address, you can use this tool.
- Enigma SEO Consulting: This free email obfuscator tool can seem a little complex if you have absolutely no clue what you are doing. But do not let it scare you off – just fill in forms to generate your code. You can select from several obfuscating options.
Skill Level Required: Beginner – must be able drop code into your HTML code.
- Heal Your Church: Another simple, free email obfuscator. This tool discusses in technical detail what an obfuscator does as well as how spam robots attack your site. The tool is simple, but the information on the site is intended for more hard-core spam thwarters.
Skill Level Required: Beginner – must be able drop code into your HTML code. This site offers technical information that may appear overwhelming to novice obfuscators, but the tool is relatively simple tp use.
- PHP Form Obfuscator: I had to toss in one for the hard-core programmers. This is a php form that uses an encryption key to disguise passwords and email addresses. Using randomized field names that change, and word substitutes for “PASSWORD” this form makes it tough on robots!
Skill Level Required: Advanced; knowledge of php.
Are you a blogger unable to access code? Do you refuse to touch HTML code?
Then try using this format for email addresses. Although not the most secure method, it may help:
emailaddress[at]mydomain[dot]com
Facebook and other social media automatically convert email addresses to this format, so it must have some benefit to deterring low-end robots.
