Types of Printable Certificates and How to Use Them

Making a certificate for an employee, volunteer, or student using printable certificates is an excellent gift idea because it is an inexpensive process that allows you to show your appreciation in a highly personal way!  Printable certificates are available in more forms than you may think, so it is important to be aware of your choices in order to pick the best type of certificate for your project.

In general, you’ll find printable certificates in the standard 8.5”x11” paper size.  Using an 8.5”x11” size certificate is convenient because all you have to do is stick it in your printer and print your design without worrying too much about your page format.  However, you can also find printable certificates available in smaller sizes such as 2UP and 3UP certificates which have two and three certificates per sheet respectively.  Smaller certificates serve particularly well when making awards for young students or making gift certificates for community or business events.  The only tricky part about using 2UP and 3UP awards is that you’ll need to adjust your design so it prints out correctly on each certificate; using a certificate template with the appropriate layout can help to facilitate the process of printing multiple certificates per page.

Naturally, you’ll see printable certificates in a vast selection of designs, especially when searching for them on the web.  If you’re interested in a classic look, parchment certificates are the type for you.  Certificates with parchment backgrounds look very professional and they also feature impressively detailed border designs in basic colors such as gold, blue, and green.  Non-parchment certificates are the most casual type of certificate designs, so you can also find them in the largest variety of colors and themed designs.  Foil certificates are pleasing to the eye because they add a bit of a flash to a traditional certificate design; they are sure to make your recipients feel proud!

Nothing makes a personalized certificate quite so special as your own embellishments, and with a little creativity, you can quickly and easily make your awards unique for all of your recipients.  For example, adding the logo for your company, organization, or school is one small step you can take to help your awards feel all the more authentic.  From there, making digital additions such as clip art or images can further enhance the celebratory mood of the occasion.  After you’ve printed your awards, adding items such as ribbons, seals, or stickers and using a document cover or frame will improve the overall presentation of your certificates.

Creating custom awards with printable certificates will leave a lasting impression on your award recipients.  Make DIY certificates to have fun and save money at the same time!