Frequently asked questions
Reveal URLs makes the destination of links in email visible before you click them. It is a reading aid, not a service that certifies websites as safe.
What does Reveal URLs do exactly?
It shows the URL a link actually names and highlights applicable cases where the visible link text names a different destination. Browser extensions and Thunderbird annotate mail in place; Gmail and Outlook show findings in their supported panels.
Why would I use it?
Mail often displays reassuring link text while hiding the destination. Seeing the destination makes misleading links easier to notice before opening them.
How does it help me to prevent clicking on links in phishing emails?
It lets you compare the visible claim with the destination before clicking. A warning is a useful prompt to stop and inspect the link, but no warning is not a safety guarantee: read the revealed URL and use normal caution.
Does it check the website or redirect of the URLs of links?
No. Reveal URLs does not assess whether a site is safe and does not follow redirects. It shows and compares the URL named by the link itself, including a tracker or redirector when that is the link destination.
Is there a plugin for my browser or mail client?
Reveal URLs supports Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Safari, plus Gmail, Outlook and Thunderbird. See the manual for current store links. Request another browser or mail client through the Codeberg issue tracker.
Why is there no extension for Apple Mail?
Apple Mail's available MailKit extension surfaces do not provide a usable way to annotate the reading pane or show a findings panel for ordinary messages. The technical feasibility investigation is documented in the Apple Mail feasibility plan.
Why was it made?
It was made to make email-link destinations visible, so people can make a more informed decision before following a link that may be misleading.
Why is it free?
The project is published under the AGPL-3.0-only licence so link transparency can remain accessible and its behaviour can be inspected. It does not trade a free price for a promise that a link is safe.