---
title: "How to create a certificate template"
description: "Certificate templates define how your certificates look. Course authors then attach a template to a course."
source: "https://docs.blend-ed.com/product/platform-setup/how-to-create-a-certificate-template/"
---

# How to create a certificate template

**Who can do this:** Super Admin, Admin, or Staff with the Platform Settings permission

Certificate templates define how your certificates look. Course authors then attach a template to a course.

## Before you start
Switch on **Custom Certificates** under **Platform Settings > Features**.

![How to create a certificate template screenshot 16](/_astro/image10.DT6ZBwS9_2gLGuN.webp)

The Certificates tab won’t appear until you do.

See [How to turn platform features on and off](/product/platform-setup/how-to-turn-platform-features-on-and-off/).

## Steps
**Step 1:** Go to **Platform Settings > Customisation** and open the **Certificates** tab.

![How to create a certificate template screenshot 17](/_astro/image11.BM3eFsOi_Z2mfD8s.webp)

**Step 2:** Existing templates are shown as thumbnails. Click **+ Create Template**.

![Certificates tab showing existing templates](/_astro/image12.yHvrlplW_Z1bfcrB.webp)

**Step 3:** The editor opens with controls on the left and a **live preview** on the right.

**Step 4:** Upload a **logo** and set its alignment: **Left**, **Center**, or **Right**.

**Step 5:** Under **Title Configuration**, set:

- **Title Text** — for example, *CERTIFICATE of Completion*
- **Title Size** — a slider from Small to Large

![Certificate template editor with the live preview](/_astro/image13.CR81Jf-X_ZWF07l.webp)

**Step 6:** Under **Add Elements**, add an image or a background image. Both accept JPG, JPEG, and PNG.

![How to create a certificate template screenshot 20](/_astro/image14.BIH3Ho0c_1s6hxs.webp)

**Step 7:** Under **Miscellaneous**:

- Tick **Show Date of Issue** to print the issue date.
- Set **Signature Positions** to **Left Row** or **Right Row**.

![How to create a certificate template screenshot 21](/_astro/image15.Sh9VF94r_Z1Kw1rW.webp)

**Step 8:** Click **Save Template**.

![How to create a certificate template screenshot 22](/_astro/image16.CnwB6J4M_ZTffsD.webp)

**Note:** When Show Date of Issue is on, the date sits opposite the signatures, and the centre signature option is disabled. Turn the date off if you want signatures centred.

**Tip:** Check the preview at every step. A background image that looks fine on its own can make the learner’s name unreadable, and the preview is where you’ll catch it.

## What happens next
Course authors select your template when configuring a certificate for their course. See [Adding a Certificate to Your Course](/product/course-creation/adding-a-certificate-to-your-course/).

## Related articles
- [How to turn platform features on and off](/product/platform-setup/how-to-turn-platform-features-on-and-off/)
- [How to set your organisation’s contact details](/product/platform-setup/how-to-set-your-organisation-s-contact-details/)