The Design studio can be used to generate QR and barcode images which can then be sent out in customer emails.

This image can include something personal like a member number (for easier identification), a personal reward voucher number or an order number. These images could then be used by an external system, like a POS, to easily pass information directly from a customer’s mobile phone screen.

How to use

Adding a code is just as easy as adding an image. 

1. Start by dragging the Barcode element to the canvas. 
   
2. You will now see a QR code in the canvas (read further down about other code types). Input the code value, it could either be personalized or a static text. The "Show value" toggle will include the value as text in the image, this only applicable for barcodes. The setting tab also include a Link parameter that can be used if the image should be clickable in the email.
   
3. Click the styling tab to change the type of code and make styling adjustments. Read further down about things to consider.

Type of codes

The following coding standards, commonly used in retail, are supported:

* An extra check digit will be added at the end when a barcode is generated.

** QR codes can be still be read on a damaged or dirty screen. An error correction adds more pixels to the QR code to enable it to be restored if needed. The scale goes from low to high: L, M, Q, H.

Width and height

The physical size of the barcode or QR code can be set to match the layout of the email. A quiet zone (space) will always be added around the code to let scanners read it. Be careful when scaling codes; they can’t be too small as the number of pixels on the phone’s screen may not be sufficient to represent the code.

Colors

Scanners function best with high contrast so be sure to have a good contrast between the color and the background. 

Preview the code

The image will only show the actual code image when the email is previewed with data.

Scanning

There are different scanners available and not all of them can handle all codes, or successfully scan all phone screens. Again, to be sure, you should verify the code by testing with your real scanners.

The scanner will send the value stored in the code to the connected system. Many scanners emulate a keyboard when sending a value to a connected system. There is no logic stored in the code so the receiving system needs a way to know what this value represents and how to process it.

Article last reviewed 17 November 2025 08:05