How to Use Dynamic Barcodes

What it is and when to use it

A barcode is a machine-readable code that appears on your mailer. Use it when you want to:

Enable direct response tracking via barcode scan (e.g., at a retail location)
Link the barcode to a unique identifier (e.g., recipient ID, offer ID, tracking code)

Supported format

Barcode 128 only. Other barcode formats are not currently supported.

Placeholder syntax

Use the following placeholder in your creative:

<barcode128>

How to set it up in the creative template

Insert the <barcode128> placeholder where the barcode should appear
Allocate adequate white space around the barcode (minimum 0.25 inches on all sides)
Ensure the barcode area has a clean, white background only (no color fills or patterns)

Design guidance

Space and sizing:

Minimum barcode dimensions: 1.0 inch wide × 0.5 inches tall
Ideal dimensions: 1.5–2.0 inches wide × 0.75–1.0 inches tall
White space: Minimum 0.25 inches of clear white space on all sides of the barcode

Background:

Must be placed on a solid white background only
Never place a barcode over images, colors, or patterns—this prevents reliable scanning
Ensure high contrast between the black barcode lines and white background

Placement:

Corner or edge of the mailer; avoid centering over images or busy areas
Ensure adequate clearance from other design elements

Platform configuration

When uploading a PDF with a dynamic barcode to the platform, you will see the following formatting fields:

Proofing Value

Formatting fields are editable while the creative is in draft (before submitting for proofing). After creatives are sent for proofing, formatting fields are locked. Any changes to formatting require a new upload.

Field: Proofing Value

Specifies the barcode value for proofing.

What it does: Sets a test barcode that appears on digital and physical proofs so you can verify rendering and scannability
Requirements: Must be 40 characters or less
When to use it: Always provide a proofing value with a scannable test barcode from your test library
What to expect: The proofing value appears only on proofs. Live mailings use real, unique barcodes from your datasheet

Important: When using both Dynamic Barcodes and Dynamic Promo Codes, include both variables in the same datasheet with matching field headers:

promocode	barcode128
SAMPLE456	123SAMPLE456

Proofing behavior

Digital proofs: Display the proofing value barcode so you can verify rendering and fit within your design space
Physical proofs: Print the proofing value barcode so you can test scannability on actual cardstock
Live mail: Uses real, unique barcodes from your datasheet—not the proofing value

Important limitations

Format: Barcode 128 only
Background: Must be on white background for readability
Proofing value: 40 characters maximum
Field mapping: Placeholder in PDF must exactly match field header in datasheet (e.g., <barcode128> in PDF, barcode128 as field header)

Common errors and fixes

Error	Cause	Fix
Barcode doesn't scan on the physical proof	Barcode is too small; print resolution is low; color background behind barcode	Increase barcode size; ensure it's printing on white background only; test with your scanner; check print quality settings
Barcode is distorted or lines are missing	Barcode is placed over a design element or background	Place barcode on a solid white background only; increase white space around it; move barcode to a cleaner area of the design
Barcode doesn't appear on live mail	Barcodes not uploaded to dynamic element bank; field not mapped	Verify all barcodes are in your element bank; confirm the field is properly mapped in the template; check that the placeholder syntax is correct
Proofing barcode value is wrong	Proofing value doesn't match your test data	Update the proofing value to a scannable code from your test library; regenerate proofs
Barcode is too large and crowds other elements	Design space not allocated properly	Reduce barcode size (minimum 1.0 × 0.5 inches); move other elements; redesign the layout to accommodate barcode white space