---
title: "Add a Barcode to a Message"
slug: "add-a-barcode-to-a-message"
updated: 2025-09-01T14:20:48Z
published: 2025-09-01T14:20:48Z
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 a message using Engage Variables.

## Prerequisites

- A barcode must already be created and available in the *Barcodes Overview*. [Learn how to create a barcode](/v1/docs/create-a-new-barcode)
- The user must have permission to view the barcode (Permission 171 or higher).

## Procedure

1. Create a new message or edit an existing message in the *Compose Message* screen.

(Works for email and SMS messages.)
2. Click the **Engage Variables** button in the *Compose Message* screen. ![Insert Personalization](https://cdn.document360.io/554b9b98-6720-4d8b-9919-c7b203d72648/Images/Documentation/Variable.png)
3. In the **Engage Variables** panel, open the *Category* drop-down and select **Barcode**.

The list of available barcodes is displayed.
4. Click and drag the desired barcode variable into the message editor.

A placeholder is inserted where the barcode will appear.
5. Preview the message and test the barcode on the intended scanning device.

Make sure that the barcode supports the character string, has the correct resolution, and displays correctly.
6. Send the message.

During sendout, the selected barcode is dynamically inserted into the message.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> In text-based emails and SMS messages, only a URL to the barcode image is inserted, not the image itself.