---
title: "Integrating Vouchers into Messages"
slug: "integrating-vouchers-into-messages"
description: "Insert coupons and barcodes into Mapp Engage messages and CMS templates: placeholder format, content elements, and availability rules."
status: "update"
updated: 2026-10-20T14:33:58Z
published: 2026-10-20T14:33:58Z
canonical: "docs.mapp.com/integrating-vouchers-into-messages"
---

> ## 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.

# Integrating Vouchers into Messages

Coupons and barcodes are inserted into messages as placeholders. During sendout, Mapp Engage replaces each placeholder with the code or barcode of the recipient. For how codes are assigned, see [Understanding Vouchers](/v1/docs/voucher-manager-basics).

---

## Insert Options by Editor

| Editor | Coupons | Barcodes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Message editor | **Mapp Engage Variables**, category **Coupon** | **Mapp Engage Variables**, category **Barcode** |
| CMS templates | Enter the placeholder | Enter the placeholder, or insert a barcode from the Content Store as a content element |

For step-by-step instructions, see [Add a Coupon to a Message](/v1/docs/add-coupons-to-a-message) and [Add a Barcode to a Message](/v1/docs/add-a-barcode-to-a-message).

---

## Placeholder Format

| Voucher | Format | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coupon | `<%coupon.listname%>` | `<%coupon.welcomecoupon%>` |
| Barcode | `<img src="<%barcode.ID%>">` | `<img src="<%barcode.104%>">` |

The coupon placeholder contains the name of the coupon list. The barcode placeholder contains the ID of the barcode, which the **Barcode** category of Mapp Engage Variables shows next to the name. You do not need to change the placeholders. For details, see [Coupon Variables](/v1/docs/mapp-engage-variables-coupon) and [Barcode Variables](/v1/docs/mapp-engage-variables-barcode).

---

## Barcodes as Content Elements

When you create a barcode with a fixed value, you can save it as a content element. The barcode is then stored in the Content Store and does not appear in the **Barcode** category of Mapp Engage Variables. Insert it like any other content element. See [Use a Content Store Element in an Email](/v1/docs/use-a-content-element-in-an-email).

---

## Show Content Based on Coupon Availability

You can show a section only while the coupon list still has codes, and show other content when it is empty. To do this, mark the content with InsertIf rules that use the function `ecx:isEmptyCouponList`. The coupon list must use the setting **Display Alternative Text**. For instructions, see [Adapt Message Content Based on Coupon Availability](/v1/docs/show-message-parts-using-available-coupons).

---

## Related Topics

- [Create and Manage Coupon Lists](/v1/docs/managing-coupon-lists)
- [Create a Barcode](/v1/docs/create-a-new-barcode)