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AI Out-of-Office Message Generator

Get a clear, professional auto-reply that handles expectations while you're away.

3 free generations per day. No signup.

How to use this generator

1
Set the dates precisely
Use the actual return date, not a vague 'next week'. Senders need to know exactly when to expect a reply, especially across time zones and weekends. Be unambiguous.
2
Decide on a backup contact
If anyone covering for you can handle urgent items, name them with their email. If nobody is covering, say so plainly — don't fake availability that doesn't exist.
3
Keep the reason vague enough
'On vacation' or 'on leave' is plenty. Skip medical details, family drama, or destination bragging. The auto-reply hits everyone — including future clients and recruiters.
4
Set it before you log off
Activate the auto-reply the night before, not the morning of. Early-bird senders email at 6am, and a missing reply on day one looks unprofessional even if your dates are right.

Tips for a great message

  • State exact start and return dates — 'next week' invites confusion
  • Name a backup with their email for urgent matters
  • Set it the night before you leave, not day-of
  • Skip personal details like destinations or medical reasons
  • Keep it under 80 words — long auto-replies feel performative
  • Update the message if your return date shifts mid-trip

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting to set it at all and ghosting senders for a week
  • Using a vague return like 'soon' or 'next week'
  • Sharing too much (medical specifics, exact travel itinerary)
  • Promising 'limited email access' then replying constantly
  • Not naming a backup contact when one exists
  • Forgetting to turn it off when you return

Example openings

Vacation · Friendly
"Thanks for your message — I'm out of office through May 20 and will reply when I'm back at my desk."
Conference · Professional
"I'm at the SaaStr conference May 12-14 with limited email access. For urgent matters, please contact Jordan Lee at jordan@company.com."
Parental leave · Warm
"I'm on parental leave through August 4. For anything time-sensitive, please reach out to Sam Chen at sam@company.com — see you in a few months."

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to say why I'm out?
No. A generic 'I'm out of office' or 'on leave' is plenty. Sharing reasons is optional and sometimes unwise — auto-replies hit clients, prospects, and strangers, and oversharing can read as unprofessional or invite unwanted commentary.
Should I mention my exact return date?
Yes, always. 'Next week' or 'soon' creates ambiguity, especially across time zones. Give the precise date you'll be back and responding to email so senders can plan around it without follow-up nudges.
What if I check email a little while I'm away?
Don't say so. Promising 'limited access' creates the expectation you'll reply, defeating the purpose of the auto-reply. Either be fully off or don't set one. Pick a lane and stick to it.
Should I give a backup contact?
If someone is genuinely covering urgent items, yes — name them with their email. If nobody is covering, don't invent one. Saying 'I'll respond on return' is honest and sets the right expectation.
How early should I activate it?
Set it the evening before your first day off, not the morning of. Early-bird senders may email at 6am, and a missing auto-reply that day reads as inconsistent or careless.
Do I need a different tone for clients vs colleagues?
Most companies use one auto-reply that hits everyone — so default to a professional, warm tone that works across audiences. Some email clients let you set internal-only and external versions if you need finer control.