Digital badges are a fantastic way to recognize achievement, but sometimes your learners want something they can print and frame. If you use Parchment Digital Badges, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips: the ability to generate custom certificates that automatically pull data from your badges.
As an Instructional Designer, I’ve seen how personalized branding can make learning feel more professional and meaningful. If you are using Parchment Digital Badges, you can take your recognition to the next level by creating custom Print Certificates that automatically pull in your learners' data.
Here is a simple guide to help you design a flawless certificate without the technical headaches.
Why Use Print Certificates?
Print Certificates offer an extra layer of recognition for your institution. The best part? They save you time. Instead of typing out names manually, Parchment Digital Badge’s system automatically fills in fields such as:
- Recipient Name
- Badge Name
- Issue Date
- Issuer Name and Image
Setting Up for Success
Before you start designing, there are a few "must-haves" for your file:
- The Right Format: Your final file must be saved and uploaded as an .svg.
- The Right Tool: We highly recommend using Adobe Illustrator. You can use other SVG editors if you have access to one, but this is our team’s go-to. Print Certificates require a specific structure that this tool handles best through layers.
- Size and Layout: You can choose between landscape or portrait layouts in either US Letter or A4 sizes.
Design Rules to Live By
To ensure your certificate generates perfectly every time, follow these design standards:
- Embed and Expand
- If you use logos, signatures, or background images, they must be embedded into the file. Simply selecting an image and clicking Embed in the properties tab does the trick. Additionally, any shapes or design effects like drop shadows must be expanded (Object > Expand) to ensure they render correctly.
- The "One Layer" Rule
- This is the most common place where designs go wrong. All items on your certificate must be kept in a single layer. While you can use sub-layers for organization, having more than one main layer will cause the auto-generated fields to fail. Also, never rename the layers of the auto-generated fields; those names are required for the data to pull through.
- Handle Your Text Carefully
- All static text (like the words "Certificate of Achievement") must be converted to outlines. In Illustrator, select your text and choose Create Outlines from the Quick Actions menu. This allows you to use any font you like for the static parts of your design.
Pro Tip: For the auto-generated fields, we recommend sticking to Arial or Times New Roman. While you can change the color and size of these fields, avoid ungrouping the text from its border, or the field will break.
Test Before You Launch
Once your design is ready, head to the Print Cert Validation and Preview page to upload your .svg.
- If it’s successful: You will see a preview where the placeholder boxes are replaced with example data, like "Example Recipient".
- If it’s unsuccessful: You won't see a preview, and no fields will appear in the data table. If this happens, double-check that all images are embedded and everything is on one layer.
Final Step
If this is your first time uploading a Print Certificate, reach out to your CSM for directions on final steps.
Need Help?
If you need a hand creating a brand-new print certificate or want an expert to fine-tune an existing one, our Design Services team has you covered. Reach out to your AE or CSM to learn more about Parchment Digital Badges Instructional Design consulting hours to support your print certificate needs.
Let’s Chat! What kind of achievements are you celebrating with digital badges and certificates lately? Share your success stories or design questions in the comments below!
