The safest approach is to design at the final print size. Cert Generate preserves the pixel dimensions of your uploaded JPG or PNG, so the source template determines the sharpness of every downloaded certificate.
Common certificate dimensions
| Format | Physical size | Portrait at 300 PPI | Landscape at 300 PPI |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 2480 × 3508 px | 3508 × 2480 px |
| US Letter | 8.5 × 11 in | 2550 × 3300 px | 3300 × 2550 px |
These pixel sizes are common targets for high-quality printing. Confirm the printer’s requirements before producing a large batch, especially if they request bleed or a specific color profile.
Design for safe printing
- Keep names, dates, logos, and signatures at least 10–15 mm from the edge.
- Do not place essential text inside decorative borders that may be trimmed.
- Leave a wide blank name area for recipients with long names.
- Use high-resolution logos and seals rather than screenshots.
- Print one test certificate before printing the full group.
PNG, JPG, and PDF
PNG is best when you want crisp text and graphics without additional image compression. JPG usually creates a smaller file but can introduce visible compression around fine text. Cert Generate currently exports PNG, JPG, and ZIP archives of PNG files; PDF export is not available.
Digital certificates
For email or messaging, a smaller landscape certificate can load faster, but it should remain readable on a phone. Test the full certificate at normal screen size. Do not reduce the source so far that names, dates, or signature labels become difficult to read.
Generate without changing your template size
Upload the final JPG or PNG to the generator. The preview scales to fit the screen, but the downloaded certificate uses the original template dimensions. Position the name carefully and inspect one export at 100% before completing the batch.