AOL WebMail

Web Mail Plug-ins are basically gadgets that fit into the Web Mail toolbar running along the right hand side of the Mail page. Each gadget offers one-click access to favorite content, features or applications found on other AOL properties or on third-party sites. Plug-ins can span the gamut from helping a user better organize their mail, to communicating with friends, to just providing a fun diversion. Our goal is to work with partners, developers, advertisers and even competitors to populate our new Plug-in Gallery with as many gadgets as possible, so that our users can enjoy one-click access to all of their favorite Web activities in a truly open Web Mail environment.

Web Mail Plug-ins are a combination of HTML and Javascript that add features or new functionality to the mail, contact or calendar experience. AOL Web Mail Plug-ins use the Google Gadget specification. Any Google Gadget can run as a Web Mail plug-in. Plug-ins support both a minimized view of 198 pixels wide by 400 pixels tall and a maximized or canvas view of 897 pixels wide by 400 pixels tall. The maximized view allows for compelling, immersive experiences.

Web Mail Plug-ins run in two modes: trusted and standard. Standard plug-ins are normal gadgets and can only communicate with their container. Trusted plug-ins have access to a Javascript API that provides information about what action the user is currently performing allowing them to provide contextually relevant information. For example, a plug-in that integrated a social network with the mail experience could automatically show the profile of the sender of a message when in the read mail view.

Where can I see Web Mail Plug-ins in action?

Go to http://webmail.aol.com. If you don't already have an account you can get one for free.

How can I create a Web Mail Plug-in?

To sign up to develop Web Mail Plug-ins, please contact OpenMail@corp.aol.com. We'll get back to you with more information on the program, specs and other important details.


When writing a gadget, plug-in, or other mini-application, it is often useful to direct users to the full featured experience of AOL Web Mail.  And soon, Web Mail itself will be a platform for custom panels and other integration opportunities.  There are three ways to link your external application with Web Mail right now:  reading a message, composing a message, and viewing the inbox. 

• Reading a Message: The Mail List Open Service already returns URLs that allow users to read their full message on Web Mail.  Simply exposing these links to the user allows for one-click access to messages.
• Composing a Message: Users can be composing a new message in one click, by using this url - http://webmail.aol.com/compose-message.aspx
• Viewing the Inbox: Linking directly to the Web Mail inbox is as simple as using this url - http://webmail.aol.com

Web Mail has an extensive collection of help articles, a thriving help community and a blog maintained by Web Mail developers.

• Official help site: http://help.aol.com/help/product/email/
• Yedda Community Help: http://yedda.com/partners/aol/mail/help/aol_mail_faq
• Official Web Mail Blog: http://mailblog.aol.com