> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://niaxus.gitbook.io/rosure/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://niaxus.gitbook.io/rosure/setup-and-configuration/images-and-media/markdown.md).

# 07 Enabling the Contact Form

* **id:** contact
* **Section number:** 07

1. This project uses Composer for dependency management and PHPMailer for handling email sending in the contact form. Ensure the `vendor/` directory contains the PHPMailer library.
2. Store sensitive data (e.g., email credentials) in the `.env` file located in the `env/` folder. Use the following format:

```
SMTP_HOST=smtp.gmail.com
SMTP_USER=your-email@example.com
SMTP_PASS=your-email-password
SMTP_SECURE=tls
FROM_EMAIL=your-email@example.com
FROM_NAME="Your Name or Portfolio Name"
```

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note**: The `.env` file should never be placed inside the `public_html` or any publicly accessible directory. Always move it outside of the public directory to ensure security, and update the `$dotenv` path in the `send_email.php` script accordingly 👇:

```php
$dotenv = Dotenv\Dotenv::createImmutable(__DIR__ . '/../');
```

{% endhint %}

3. **Understanding `SMTP_SECURE`**

   The `SMTP_SECURE` variable specifies the encryption protocol for securing the connection to the SMTP server. Common values include:

   * **`tls`**: Recommended for most servers, including Gmail, as it provides strong encryption while using the default SMTP port (587).
   * **`ssl`**: Uses a different port (usually 465) and provides an additional layer of encryption during the connection.

   Using the correct encryption type is crucial for establishing a secure connection with the SMTP server. Always confirm the required protocol with your email provider.
4. **Generate SMTP Password**: For Gmail users, generate an **App Password** to use as `SMTP_PASS` instead of your primary email password. For other email providers, follow their guidelines for generating secure credentials
5. **Edit Configurations**: Update the send\_email.php script to load the .env file and retrieve the credentials securely as well as edit the body of the email ($email\_body) if you wish:

```php
<?php
use PHPMailer\PHPMailer\PHPMailer;
use PHPMailer\PHPMailer\Exception;

require '../vendor/autoload.php';

$dotenv = Dotenv\Dotenv::createImmutable(__DIR__ . '/../');
$dotenv->load();

$config = [
    'smtp_host' => $_ENV['SMTP_HOST'],
    'smtp_user' => $_ENV['SMTP_USER'],
    'smtp_pass' => $_ENV['SMTP_PASS'],
    'smtp_secure' => $_ENV['SMTP_SECURE'],
    'from_email' => $_ENV['FROM_EMAIL'],
    'from_name' => $_ENV['FROM_NAME']
];

// Capture form data
$name = htmlspecialchars($_POST['name'] ?? 'Name not provided');
$email = htmlspecialchars($_POST['email'] ?? 'Email not provided');
$message = htmlspecialchars($_POST['message'] ?? 'Message not provided');

$mail = new PHPMailer(true);

try {
    $mail->isSMTP();
    $mail->Host       = $config['smtp_host'];
    $mail->SMTPAuth   = true;
    $mail->Username   = $config['smtp_user'];
    $mail->Password   = $config['smtp_pass'];
    $mail->SMTPSecure = $config['smtp_secure'];
    $mail->Port       = 587;
    
    $mail->setFrom($config['from_email'], $config['from_name']);
    
    // Add the recipient email address here
    $mail->addAddress('your-email-here'); 

    $mail->isHTML(true);
    $mail->Subject = 'New Message from Rosure Portfolio';
    $mail->Body    = "
        <h2>New Message</h2>
        <p><strong>Name:</strong> {$name}</p>
        <p><strong>Email:</strong> {$email}</p>
        <p><strong>Message:</strong></p>
        <p>{$message}</p>
    ";

    $mail->send();
    echo "Message sent succesfully.";
} catch (Exception $e) {
    http_response_code(500);
    echo "Error sending message: {$mail->ErrorInfo}";
}
?>

```

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**: Replace `your-email-here` in the `$mail->addAddress()` function with the email address where you want to receive the messages. This step is critical for ensuring the contact form works as expected.
{% endhint %}

5. **Test the Form** (**Running the Project Locally)**

If your project is not yet deployed online, you can run it locally using one of the following methods:

1. **Using XAMPP:**
   * Place the project folder inside the `htdocs` directory of XAMPP.
   * Start Apache and MySQL from the XAMPP control panel.
   * Access your project in the browser using the URL:\
     `http://localhost/<your-project-folder>/public`
2. **Using PHP's Built-in Server:**
   * Navigate to the `public` folder of your project in the terminal.
   * Start the server with the command:

     ```bash
     php -S localhost:8000
     ```
   * Open your browser and navigate to:\
     `http://localhost:8000`