50+ Free Certificate Backgrounds to Download

Certificate backgrounds give your designs an overall tone — they make them look more formal, fun, or creative. Essentially, the goal is to find a certificate background design that matches the award well.

Having many design options is necessary to achieve that (or you must spend hours creating a certificate background on your own).

Good news! You don’t need to create a certificate background from scratch. Take a look at this certificate background template collection and pick the perfect one!

Best certificate backgrounds to use in seconds

Here, you'll find many certificate background designs that work great no matter what program you're using. They all play nice with Microsoft Word and Figma. However, the most intuitive way to use them would be via Certifier. It allows you to customize every certificate background detail online (without downloading any software) and absolutely for free (no need to pay for monthly subscriptions).

Hey! 👋 Need to whip up dozens of certificates? Try using a bulk certificate generator like Certifier. It’s really straightforward – pick a certificate background, tweak the template, and send out personalized certificates all in one go.

01 Blue modern certificate background design with violet elements

Looking for certificates background that's both modern and sleek? Check out this blue landscape background for certificate with violet spirals and circles. It's editable, so you can easily add your details. The blank space provides plenty of room for your text and logos.

02 Light blue honeycomb certificate design background

If you want something simple, this light blue certificate background design is a great choice. It's got a honeycomb pattern for a unique backdrop that's not too flashy. You can use this certificate background template for achievements, recognitions, or appreciation. And, it's free to download and easy to customize!

03 Blue wavy certificate background design

If you're looking for a sleek and unobtrusive design, this light blue certificate background is an excellent option. It features a delicate wavy pattern that adds sophistication without being distracting. It will work well with any certificate elements – if you need inspiration, click the button to see how our designers used it.

04 Certificate background template with geometric corners

Add some fun to your certificates with this background certificate design. It’s ideal for schools, clubs, and informal events. Keep the rest of the certificate details simple to avoid clogging up the design.

05 Background certificate design with dynamic lines

Flowing lines and dynamic waves characterize this background design for certificates of recognition. It’s visually engaging and represents movement and progress (great for milestones or innovations in any field).

06 Bold certificate layout background

Dare to be different with this certificate background design. It uses sharp contrasts to create a striking visual layout. With this certificate background design, it is easy to divide the certificate into readable sections. If you've got a lot to fit, pick this one.

07 Certificate background design with gold details

This certification background features a golden vertical ribbon on a clean, white surface. With a simple but stylish design, it is ideal for any certificate that requires an elegant finish. It looks particularly good finished with a bold certificate border.

🖼️ Finish off the certificate design background with the right certificate border. Choosing the perfect border can really make your certificate stand out. It highlights the content inside and makes the design more professional.

08 Three-part brown certification background design

There’s beauty in simplicity with this brown certificate background design. It serves as a timeless canvas that works well for any type of recognition, from academic honors to professional milestones. You can add minimal elements to keep it sleek or dress it up as needed.

09 Background design for certificate with a blue horizontal stripe

This one beats others with the details – a bold blue stripe across the top, light certificate border and subtle patterns in the background. Click the button above to see how our designers used it to highlight first-aid skills. Now it’s your turn to make it yours.

10 Modern certificate background design with colored corners

Looking for a vibrant certificate design background? This one has geometric red and blue corners that add a pop of color. It’s fully editable and ready to use. The blank certificate background inside allows you to add any details you want.

11 Green and cream classic certificate of appreciation background

Need something professional? This cream certificate layout background is ideal for business or academic settings. Background patterns and green ribbon create a polished look. Use this recognition certificate background for any achievement or appreciation. Don't forget the golden badge to finish off the ribbon!

12 Dark elegant certificate background design

Certificates with dark backgrounds can be extremely effective, but you have to be careful. Use contrasting certificate fonts and a logo that doesn't get drowned in these purple depths.

13 Light violet backdrop recognition background design

We love this one! It’s the certificate background design, blank but finished with subtle violet highlights. Such a combination gives you many possibilities. You can add the logo at the top right, QR code at the bottom left, and still have a lot of space for certificate wording!

14 Green striped background certificate template

A certificate background design can work as a layout. The colors do all the work, and there is no need to add any additional separators. Look at this one. Any event would be perfectly suited to it.

15 Certificate background template with wave effect

It’s a flexible certificate background design that can give your credential a fresh and professional look. While it may seem simple, this subtle wavy pattern can be a cherry on top of the design (it also works well as a print version).

16 Flowing blue background certificate design

You need to look closely to catch the wavy pattern. But this elegant certificate background design can be especially useful if you want to divide the certificate into two parts. Put the certificate signature on the darker bottom line to make it stand out.

✍🏻 Do you want to know how to add digital certificate signatures to your background design? Here, you get the easiest way to do so. Check how to create digital signature.

17 Simple background for certificate of recognition

This certificate template background combines two things – color separators and subtle patterning. It’s perfect if you want to get the special space for a certificate QR code, badge, or any other element that needs to take center stage.

18 Icy background design for certificate

The background for certificates looks like ice cracks. It’s simple, effective, and easily adjusted to every purpose. Add your logo, text, and other elements to make it personal. The blank design is editable and ready for use.

19 Effective certificate background design with flowing lines

Put a modern twist on your certificate background with these flowing lines. The light pattern gives it a contemporary design that’s perfect for any achievement or recognition. It’s blank and editable so that you can get creative with your text and logos. This one is sure to stand out!

20 Checkered page certificate background

This certificate template background looks like torn straight out of a notebook. It's perfect for school events and gives off a fun, casual vibe. Imagine handing these out at your next honor roll certificate ceremony or class project presentation. This background certificate design is sure to be a hit with students and educators alike!

21 Certificate of appreciation background with decorative pattern

Want something elegant but discreet? This purple lines backdrop recognition background design is just what you need. A soft pattern adds class without overwhelming the content. Add your details and make it shine!

22 Minimalist modern certificate background design

This certificate background has gentle white waves. It's super adaptable and great for any certificate. Perfect for adding your text and logos without it looking too busy. Make any award certificate look classy with it.

23 Background design certificate with grey abstract lines

This certificate background template with sleek grey lines is perfect for any award. The simple, clean design makes it look professional and polished. Add the details and business logo, and it’s good to go. Ideal for any occasion (architecture events in particular).

24 Sleek free certificate background in dark colors

Would you like to make the certificate content shine? This dark violet background for certificate design seems to be perfect for that. You can put white elements and it’s ready to send out. PS. In case you wish to make it digitally, Certifier can help you a lot.

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25 Orange lightening bolt certificate template design

Want something fun? This certificate background design with orange lightning bolts is just the thing! It's bold and fun, great for sports awards or creative achievements. It's sure to catch everyone's eye. At the same time, it works as a border!

26 Vibrant geometric certificate background design

This certificate background design is a burst of energy. It’s bold geometric shapes and the left side filled with pink, yellow, black, and blue shapes, create an outstanding design to use. The large white space on the right is perfect for your text and logos. It's yours to fill out!

👋 Remember that all the certificate background templates here are also available in Figma and MS Word format. It's up to you what format you want to download the background in. If you want to customize every detail, you'll love Certifier.

27 Simple pattern certificate background template

Elegant and professional, this certificate background template has it all. The crisp white background features delicate patterns, highlighted by a dark green accent strip at the bottom. It’s the perfect backdrop for formal recognitions.

28 Smooth stripes certification background design

If you prefer a modern and clean look, this certificate design background with a bold purple stripe is perfect. It offers a simple yet effective design (just look at how the stripes nicely complement each other). The clean layout guarantees the content stands out sharply.

29 Certificate of recognition background design with blue accent

Soft waves convey movement. That's why we consider this certificate background design to be a contemporary option for dynamic programs and teams. A bold blue title bar at the top can be used as a placeholder for certificate ID. Click the blue button above to see the example.

30 Pink certificate of appreciation background with floral corners

A pink floral pattern in the corners adds a soft touch without being overwhelming. It’s suitable for any occasion and works as a beautiful and timeless frame. Keep fonts simple here, as too many or too fancy can overwhelm the overall design. See more tips on how to design a certificate.

31 Light blue certificate template background

Imagine a background for a certificate with light blue and plus symbols. It's clean, modern, and perfect for health-related certifications. This certificate background is subtle enough not to overshadow the text. Whether it's for health and wellness achievements or just a stylish touch, this design fits the bill.

32 Elegant certificate background with floral swirls

Add your design a classy twist with this certificate background template. Rich patterns give awards a fancy, refined look. You can add a frame, put your elements, and the certificate is ready to go. If you want to automate the certification process, Certifier can help you out a lot.

33 Framed certificate of recognition background template

This simple certificate background, with a ribbon for your logo at the top right, is suitable for presenting official recognition. A basic dark frame highlights the content. Without the pattern, it's perfect for printing!

34 Certificate of recognition background design

Here's a top pick for milestones or promotions: the creative blue and pink certificate background. The clean and minimalist right side is ready for your custom touch. Highlighted blue tags at the bottom are perfect for the certificate ID or the date of issue.

35 Blank certificate background with subtle lines

This one’s for fans of simplicity. The diagonal lines add a bit of texture without being too flashy. As it’s more like a blank certificate background design, it’s an easily customizable and versatile option for any event. Just add your text and logos, and you’re set!

36 Certificate of recognition background with classical pillar

Feel the weight of tradition with this classical design on your certificate background. Its light and subtle design highlights text beautifully, making it great for educational or institutional awards. Enjoy it!

📐How to choose a certificate size? There are two options – certificate background portrait or landscape. All the designs here cover the most common sizes, such as A4 or US Letter. You can easily set up the appropriate size within the Certifier editor.

37 Dark background recognition program design

Stylish and modern, this dark blue certificate background will fit right in. A subtle geometric pattern gives it the flair needed to set a serious tone. Tailored for corporate awards or professional certifications. It's a perfect pick for a backdrop that demands attention and respect.

38 Traditional beige certification background with arch pattern

Whether you're handing out a certificate of appreciation or celebrating an outstanding achievement, this design works seamlessly. It’s soft enough to be flexible but distinct enough not to go unnoticed. Edit, tweak, and make it yours — this certificate background design is ready for everyone.

39 Dragon symbol certificate background design

This is a background that looks like it belongs to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A powerful symbol of strength, the dragon image at the center is ideal for scholarship certifications. We see it as a certificate background design for achievements in an academic association (or any other you wish!).

40 Yellow certificate background template with a laurel wreath

Celebrate victories and honor achievements with a design as timeless as the laurel wreath itself. This certificate background spotlights text against a clean, uncluttered setting — a noble frame for the stars of your event.

41 Background certificate design with blue geometric corners

Picture your achievements with ice-blue geometric shapes. This certificate background frame is like a breath of fresh air, adding a modern spin with its cool blue accents at the top left and bottom right. It transforms each award into a sleek statement. It's worth a shot.

42 Abstract certificate background template

Get ready for an explosion of colors! This certification background design is a playground of pink, blue, and green abstract shapes swirling around to capture the excitement of creative accomplishments. Perfect for events like art competitions or vibrant school activities.

43 Subtle wavy patterned background blank certificate design

This certificate background design doesn’t shout – it whispers success, making it an ideal backdrop for any custom certificate. Soft flowing lines create a tranquil sea of white, just waiting to be filled out with details.

44 Certificate background design with diamond pattern

Wrap up recognitions in this subtle certificate background design. With its warm beige tones and discreet diamond texturing, this background nods to classic elegance. It’s the perfect setting for diplomas, service awards, or any occasion where dignity is the order of the day.

45 White certificate background template with geometric lines

Simple geometric lines add just enough texture pattern to be sent out digitally or printed. This editable, blank certificate background is a versatile powerhouse, ready to be tailored to the celebration where the focus is on the message.

46 Dynamic background recognition program design

It’s the modern certificate background design that makes the difference. Thanks to it, the certificate looks polished and tweaked without being boring. Create online completion certificate with this certificate backdrop. You won’t regret it.

47 Grey recognition certificate background

This certificate background looks like subtle flames or a dragon head. The image is subtly stamped into the design. It's perfect for awards that celebrate strength. Choose this certificate background template however you wish.

48 Abstract brown certification background design

This certificate background design uses warm colors and geometric shapes in the corners to create a fun look. It fits perfectly with course details arranged in a linear manner (see the use case by clicking above).

49 Pastel modern certificate background design

Here’s the outstanding certificate background design. We love these pastel colors and how they can go with any branding. Use the horizontal pink ribbon to include some extra details, like points, hours, or the date of issue.

50 Gradient fade certificate background design

Pink or red? You can't decide. Gradients can be used to match them smoothly. The blurred effect adds a fresh and modern touch, making this certificate background design editable (and attractive!).

51 Classic certificate of appreciation background with blue ribbon

You should try the certificate layout background. The blue ribbon at the bottom divides the credential into two sections. You can use it to include information about course dates, points, hours, or whatever you wish to add. Those details won’t get lost somewhere in the background.

Find the perfect certificate background

And there’s more to come! With the Certifier tool, you have access to a wide array of certificates background. Adjust them easily and deliver an entire batch with just a few clicks. No more personalizing and sending certificates by hand — it's all about simple, automated customizable options now.

Why not give it a try? Enjoy Certifier and send up to 250 personalized certificates for free. Just sign up, and you’re ready to go!

📚 For more information about certificate background details, check out our other article that covers how to choose the right certificate background color based on the credential purpose.