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Certificate Creation

Generate certificates automatically for course completions, achievements, or any recognition program. Perfect for education, training, or awards.

Scenario​

You run an online course platform and need to generate certificates for students who complete courses. Each certificate should be personalized with the student's name, course name, and completion date.

Data Structure Needed​

Your data source should have fields like:

  • Student Name: Full name of the student
  • Student Email: Email address
  • Course Name: Name of the completed course
  • Completion Date: Date course was completed
  • Certificate Number: Unique certificate identifier
  • Instructor Name: Name of the instructor
  • Grade/Score: Final grade or score (optional)
  • Course Duration: Hours or duration of course

Template Setup​

Certificate Header​

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

This is to certify that

Student Information​

{{studentName}}

has successfully completed the course

Course Information​

{{courseName}}

Completed on: {{completionDate}}
Certificate Number: {{certificateNumber}}
Instructor: {{instructorName}}

[Signature]
[Date]

Configuration Walkthrough​

Step 1: Connect Data Source​

Connect to your student/course management system:

  • Airtable: If tracking students in Airtable
  • Google Sheets: If using spreadsheets
  • API: If data comes from an LMS or platform

Step 2: Create Template​

Create a Google Doc template with:

  • Professional certificate design
  • Border or decorative elements
  • Placeholders for student and course information
  • Space for signatures (if needed)
  • Logo (use image placeholder)

Step 3: Map Placeholders​

Map each placeholder:

  • {{studentName}} → Student Name field
  • {{courseName}} → Course Name field
  • {{completionDate}} → Completion Date field
  • {{certificateNumber}} → Certificate Number field

Step 4: Configure Results​

Set up where to save certificates:

  • PDF folder: "Generated Certificates/PDFs"
  • PDF filename: {{studentName}}_{{courseName}}_Certificate
  • Google Doc folder: "Generated Certificates/Docs"

Step 5: Set Up Email​

Configure email notifications:

  • Recipients: {{studentEmail}}
  • Subject: Certificate of Completion - {{courseName}}
  • Body: Congratulations message with certificate details
  • Attach PDF: Yes

Step 6: Set Up Triggers​

Choose how to trigger:

  • Manual: Generate when students complete courses
  • Webhook: Trigger from your LMS when course is completed
  • API: Call from your application

Tips and Variations​

Different Certificate Types​

Create different templates for:

  • Course completion: Standard completion certificates
  • Achievement: For specific achievements
  • Participation: For workshop participation
  • Excellence: For outstanding performance

Conditional Content​

Add conditions for:

  • Grades: Show grade section only if grade exists
  • Honors: Include honors section for high achievers
  • Special recognition: Show special messages for certain achievements

Visual Design​

  • Professional layout: Use a clean, professional design
  • Logo placement: Include your organization logo
  • Border design: Add decorative borders
  • Signature area: Include space for digital signatures

Batch Generation​

  • Generate certificates for all students who completed a course
  • Process multiple courses at once
  • Organize by course or date

Advanced Features​

Digital Signatures​

If using digital signatures:

  • Include signature image placeholders
  • Map to signature URL fields
  • Position signatures appropriately

QR Codes​

Add QR codes for verification:

  • Generate QR code URLs in your data
  • Include as image placeholder
  • Link to verification page

Multi-Language​

For international programs:

  • Use conditions to show different languages
  • Create separate templates per language
  • Map to language-specific fields

Best Practices​

  • Unique certificate numbers: Ensure each certificate is unique
  • Professional design: Make certificates look official
  • Complete information: Include all relevant details
  • Automated delivery: Send certificates automatically
  • Archive properly: Keep organized records of all certificates

Next Steps​

Ready to set up certificate generation? Follow the Quick Start Guide to get started, or explore other Use Case Examples.