What Are the Best Tools to Create Certificates? Expert Review

If you’ve been searching for the best tools to create certificates, you’ve probably realized one thing—there’s no shortage of options, but not all of them deliver what you need. Some tools shine at design, others nail automation or bulk delivery and a few try to cover it all.

That’s why we’ve put together this expert-reviewed roundup of the crème de la crème. 

Inside, you’ll find honest insights into each tool’s strengths, limitations, pricing and expert take. 

We’ve included everything from full-featured certificate management platforms to simple editors, AI-powered tools and everything in between. This toolbox will help you find a tool that fits and scales.

Let’s start right off the bat.

TL;DR

We’ve rounded up the best tools to create certificates, from all-in-one platforms to simple editors.

Each tool includes pros, cons, pricing and our expert verdict.

Certifier is the top pick for flexible, scalable certificate creation.

01 Certifier

Certifier is one of the best tools to create certificates at scale—designed for course creators, HR teams, training providers and educators. 

It’s a comprehensive certificate management platform that supports both certificate and digital badge creation with deep customization and automation options.

Best features of Certifier

Customizable certificate templates: The template gallery counts thousands of templates that are free, editable, white-label and professionally designed.

Drag & drop certificate editor: Easily update any design element. Upload your own logos, custom fonts or graphics.

Digital certificate wallet: Recipients can store and access certificates in a secure wallet, all in one place.

Automated reminders: Set automatic notifications for renewals or expirations and track them.

Branded Issuer’s Portal: Manage, track and download reports from a dedicated dashboard.

Pathways for the learning process: Guide learners through structured steps. Pathways show progress and unlock new credentials.

Built-in QR code certificate verification: Add a scannable QR code so anyone can instantly verify the certificate’s authenticity.

Certifier’s limitations

The free plan allows you to customize and issue 250 certificates. Compared to other tools to create certificates, that’s quite a lot, but for more, you need to upgrade to a higher plan.

Pricing

Free plan available. Paid plans start at $33/month with access to branding, automation and analytics. See Certifier pricing in detail to compare options.

Expert verdict

10/10

It’s the best program to create a certificate if you’re looking for automation, verified credentials and a professional setup. Great for scale and control.

02 ChatGPT

ChatGPT is an AI content assistant that helps with writing and brainstorming. It’s a powerful tool to generate certificate text, create course descriptions or even plan layouts when used alongside design platforms. However, it’s not a dedicated certificate tool.

Best features of ChatGPT

Fast content generation

Smart rewriting and proofreading

Prompt-based customization

Easy tone/style adjustments

Brainstorming partner for certificate wording

ChatGPT’s limitations

No certificate-specific features

Needs manual copy-paste into design tools

It generates visuals, but it’s very imprecise, tending to detail hallucination

Pricing

Free basic tier available. Pro plan with GPT-4 access is $20/month.

Expert’s verdict

5/10

It’s one of the best tools to create certificate text, not full certificates. Pair it with the best tools to create certificates to streamline your workflow.

03 Sertifier

Sertifier is a digital credentialing platform made for educators and training programs. It lets users send digital certificates and badges in bulk.

Best features of Sertifier

Editable certificate and badge templates

Recipient tracking and email delivery

Integration with LMS and automation tools

Analytics dashboard

White-labeling options, but you need to pay extra

Sertifier’s limitations

Fewer design options compared to other Sertifier alternatives

Limited font and layout flexibility

Less intuitive UI for beginners

Free plan includes only up to 5 recipients

Pricing

A free, limited plan included. Paid plans start around $75/month.

Expert’s verdict

7.5/10

A solid choice for formal training and bulk issuing, but not the best program to make a certificate if visual design and creative control matter to you.

04 Canva

Canva is a graphic design platform known for drag-and-drop simplicity. It’s a go-to choice for beginners creating single-use certificates or small-batch designs. However, remember that it doesn’t come with certificate management features.

Best features of Canva

Thousands of certificate templates

Easy-to-use design editor

Real-time collaboration

Logo and brand kit upload

Export options (PDF, JPG, etc.)

Canva’s limitations

No certificate analytics, tracking or bulk issuing

Manual delivery only

No built-in credential verification

Pricing

Free plan available. Canva Pro starts at $14.99/month/person.

Expert’s verdict

8/10 

One of the best tools to create certificates in a small batch. Perfect for minor projects, but not ideal for issuing or managing certificates at scale.

05 Edraw AI

Edraw AI is an online diagramming tool that claims to be a certificate maker. It lets users create certificate layouts through an intuitive interface and offers smart formatting for text and visuals.

Best features of Edraw AI

Drag-and-drop interface

AI-assisted layout suggestions

Export in multiple formats

Real-time co-editing

Edraw AI’s limitations

No bulk issuing

Lacks automation tools

No certificate templates

Hardly any certificate-related graphic elements

Pricing

Free trial available. Premium plans from $11.9/month.

Expert’s verdict

8/10

Edraw.AI works well for diagram design, but it's not built as a certificate maker. You can technically create certificates using its editor, but you'll need to design them from scratch. Unlike other platform—which offers ready-to-edit certificate templates—Edraw.AI doesn’t support certificate creation out of the box. 

It’s a decent choice for a one-off certificate, but for issuing to larger groups, it’s better to look at other tools to create certificates.

06 Venngage AI

Venngage AI is a visual design platform that uses AI to transform plain content into branded certificates, infographics and more—suitable when you want an aesthetically pleasing certificate design with minimal effort.

Best features of Venngage AI

AI‑powered design suggestions

Vast template library

Brand Kit support (logo, colors/fonts)

Export to PNG, PDF, PPT

Collaboration features

Venngage AI’s limitations

Not focused on certificate issuance or tracking

Exports are manual, no delivery automation

Pricing

Certificate maker from Venngage is completely free.

Expert’s verdict

8/10

A strong option for visually-led certificate design. Not ideal for automated delivery and issuance, but absolutely to be considered one of the best tools to create certificates.

07 CertifyMe

CertifyMe is a credentialing platform that enables secure creation and issuance of digital certificates and badges, with recipient tracking, customizable branding and LMS integration.

Best features of CertifyMe

Bulk issuance and CSV uploading

White-label options

Real-time analytics

Social media sharing features

LMS and API integrations

CertifyMe’s limitations

Some advanced features (like advanced API) require the Enterprise plan

Setup may be complex for one-off users

Pricing is not fully transparent upfront

Pricing

Free trial available. You need to contact sales to get to know the prices.

Expert’s verdict

8.5/10 

One of the best program to create a certificate with solid credentialing features. Worthwhile for institutions issuing at scale. Small teams may find the free tier handy. 

However, if you plan to upgrade, the pricing isn’t clearly outlined—so it’s hard to know what to expect.

08 Accredible

Accredible is a full-featured credentialing platform for issuing beautiful certificates and badges at scale. Many universities, corporations and training providers find it to be the best program to create a certificate.

Is it true for you?

Best features of Accredible

Visual certificate and badge builder

Real-time verification and credential revocation

Analytics and recipient dashboards

White‑labeling and branding

API and automation features

Accredible’s limitations

High price for solo users and small organizations

Most features require annual contracts

Learning curve for full functionality

Primarily designed for medium-to-large teams

Pricing

Free trial is available, but it comes with limited functionality. Paid plans start at $996/year. 

Expert’s verdict

8.5/10

One of the best tools to create certificates and badges at scale with full branding and verification. Great for growing programs with a budget. However, if you’re a small team, there might be a better, more cost-effective fit for you.

09 Certificate Magic 

Certificate Magic is a free certificate maker focused on simplicity. Users can select from various preset designs (formal, sports, kids, fun) and instantly download print-ready certificates.

Best features of Certificate Magic

100% free for unlimited certificates

No registration required

Fast personalization and download

Simple, ad-free user interface

Certificate Magic’s limitations

Limited design customization compared to pro tools

No digital issuing or verification

No batch generation and automation

No analytics, integrations or credential tracking

No upgrade options

Pricing

It’s one of the tools to create certificate that’s completely free for all users.

Expert’s verdict

7/10

If you want a fast, ultra-simple certificate to print or send as a PDF, CertificateMagic can’t be beat for value. However, it lacks digital, automation, verification and advanced customization features found in more advanced credentialing platforms.

10 SimpleCert

SimpleCert is a streamlined certificate management system that lets you design custom templates, upload recipient lists and send certificates via email. It includes analytics and integrates with APIs like Google Forms.

Best features of SimpleCert

Full online management system

Custom certificate & email templates

Bulk sending and CSV uploads

Delivery tracking and recipient portal

API integration (e.g. Google Forms)

SimpleCert’s limitations

Editor can be clunky and occasionally freeze

Only one free template included; extras cost $29 each

Compared to SimpleCert alternatives, email customization is limited—some fields are locked

No digital wallet for recipients to store their certificates

Lacks post-send engagement tracking (like open or click rates)

No built-in integrations—only available through Zapier

Pricing

It starts with a free plan that includes up to 50 certificate credits per year. If you need more, SimpleCert sells credit packs that let you pay only when you send. Prices begin at $29 for 150 credits and go up to $119 for 1,000 credits.

Expert’s verdict

7.5/10

Simplecert is a good tool to create certificates for occasional needs, but template costs and a slightly outdated editor may slow you down. Great for small programs, not ideal for growing teams or complex workflows.

11 Credly (by Pearson)

Credly is a popular choice for large organizations that need to issue digital badges and certificates. It’s trusted by a vast network of training providers and certifying bodies. You can connect this best program to make a certificate easily with other tools.

Best features of Credly

Intuitive badge and credential builder

Secure credential verification

Real-time analytics and performance tracking

LinkedIn sharing functionality

Integrations with major LMS platforms (Moodle, Teachable, SumTotal)

Issuer dashboards for full credential program control

Credly’s limitations

High pricing that may not work for smaller teams

Bulk issuing and reporting can be complex to manage

Setup requires time and guidance

No flexible plans for low-volume use

Pricing

There’s no free trial or plan. Credly doesn’t publish pricing on its website. However, you can check the Credly pricing here.

Expert’s verdict

8/10 

For many, it is considered the best program to make a certificate. Trusted by top-tier brands and institutions, Credly offers deep integrations and strong analytics. But for smaller teams or low-volume programs, it may feel too complex—and too expensive.

12 Virtualbadge

Even though the name highlights badges, Virtualbadge.io also helps you issue digital certificates. It’s a user-friendly platform built for small and medium-sized teams. 

Are you looking for a quick setup and a clean recipient experience? It's a strong contender, then.

Virtualbadge.io’s best features

Built-in certificate and badge editor

Batch generation via CSV upload

Automated email delivery

QR code verification

Analytics and engagement tracking

Social media sharing

Simple API and Zapier integration

Virtualbadge.io’s limitations

Editor has limited built-in design elements, so you may need to prep custom visuals ahead of time

Custom sending domain and validation page only come with the Enterprise plan (pricing not transparent)

Basic white-labeling only removes their footer—deeper branding features cost extra

Analytics are fairly basic—no expiration controls or real-time tracking like Certifier offers

Customer support may respond slowly, sometimes taking up to a day even via live chat

Pricing

There’s a free trial to test this tool out. The lowest starts at $35/month and you can issue up to 50 certificates or badges. Features scale with higher-tier plans.

Expert’s verdict

7.5/10 

Virtualbadge.io is a solid choice for teams that want simple and shareable credentials. 

The automation and social features are helpful, but design limitations and higher costs may be deal-breakers for users who need scale, speed or advanced customization.

Choose YOUR best program to make a certificate

And that’s a list of the best tools to create certificates you can find online. Each platform brings something different to the table: sleek design, automation, analytics or simplicity—whatever your priorities, there’s a tool here that fits.

How to choose one? Think about what you need now. But leave room to grow, because once your audience expands or your process shifts, flexibility makes all the difference.

Certifier covers the full journey. From free certificate templates and custom designs to bulk generation, automation and secure delivery—it’s built for small starts and big scale.

Sign up for Certifier, our pick for the best program to create a certificate, and see how easy it is to issue professional certificates, without limits.