---
title: "Add a Barcode to a Message"
slug: "add-a-barcode-to-a-message"
description: "Insert a barcode from the Voucher Manager into a Mapp Engage HTML email, including barcodes based on coupon lists."
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-21T08:50:56Z
published: 2026-10-21T08:50:56Z
canonical: "docs.mapp.com/add-a-barcode-to-a-message"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a Barcode to a Message

## Goal

Insert a barcode into an HTML email.

---

## Prerequisites

- The barcode exists. See [Create a Barcode](/v1/docs/create-a-new-barcode).
- If the barcode is based on a coupon list, the list contains enough codes for all recipients.
- You have one of the permissions 170, 171, or 172. With permission 170, you only see your own barcodes.

---

## Procedure

1. Create or edit an email message.
2. Click **Mapp Engage Variables**.
3. From the **Category** drop-down list, select **Barcode**. ⇒ The barcodes are shown with name and ID.
4. Drag and drop the barcode into the message. ⇒ Mapp Engage inserts the barcode variable, for example `<img src="<%barcode.104%>">`.
5. Preview the message and check the placement of the barcode.
6. Send the message. ⇒ During sendout, Mapp Engage replaces the variable with the barcode image.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Before you use a barcode in a campaign, test it with the scanner or device that will read it.

> [!WARNING]
> Warning
> 
> Barcodes are not supported in SMS messages. The **Barcode** category also appears in the SMS editor, but it inserts an HTML image tag, which an SMS cannot display.

---

## Barcodes Based on a Coupon List

A barcode based on a coupon list turns the coupon code of each recipient into a scannable image. Use it for offers that are redeemed offline, for example at the checkout in a store.

- In the **Barcode** category, select the barcode that you created from the coupon list.
- Each recipient receives the barcode of their own code. The codes are assigned in the same way as coupon codes. See [Understanding Vouchers](/v1/docs/voucher-manager-basics).
- To hide the barcode in forwarded messages, mark it with an InsertIf rule. See [Insert a Link to Forward an Email Message](/v1/docs/insert-a-link-to-forward-an-email-message).

---

## Related Topics

- [Barcode Variables](/v1/docs/mapp-engage-variables-barcode)
- [Barcode Types](/v1/docs/supported-barcode-types)