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Out of office message generator

Going away? Add your name and the date you are back, plus a colleague to contact if you like. Get a clear, polite auto-reply with a subject line.

Private. Runs in your browser; nothing you type leaves your device.

Optional. A colleague who can help with urgent requests while you are away.

Optional. Usually your backup contact's work email address.

How to use it

  1. Pick the reason you are away. Choose a vacation, a holiday, parental leave or a conference. Each version sets expectations about how quickly you will reply.
  2. Add your dates and a backup. Enter your name and the date you are back. Add a colleague's name and an email address for urgent requests if someone has agreed to cover for you.
  3. Paste it into your auto-reply. Copy the subject and message into your email's automatic reply setting, set it to start when you leave, and turn it off on the day you return.

Example

What was entered

Your name
Jordan Lee
Date you are back
October 19, 2026
Backup contact's name
Dana Cole
Email for urgent requests
dana.cole@northwind.example

Vacation

Subject: Out of office until October 19, 2026

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I am on vacation and will be back on October 19, 2026. I will have limited access to email while I am away and will reply as soon as I can after I return. For anything urgent, please contact Dana Cole. Urgent requests can be sent to dana.cole@northwind.example.

Best regards,
Jordan Lee

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Frequently asked questions

What should an out of office message say?

Say that you are away, when you will be back, and who to contact for anything urgent. Keep it short and polite. You do not need to share where you are going or why beyond a simple reason such as a vacation or a conference.

Should I include a backup contact?

Yes, if a colleague has agreed to help while you are away. Ask them first, then add their name and an email address for urgent requests so senders are not left waiting until you return.

Should I give the date I leave or the date I return?

The return date matters most, since that is when senders can expect a reply. These messages name the day you are back, so pick the first day you will actually read email.

Is anything I type saved or sent?

No. The message is filled in on this page, in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to Applystead or anyone else, and nothing is saved after you leave the page.