18 Best Free Certificate Templates for 2021 (Printable Editable Downloads)

Motivate your employee or students by recognizing a job well done. Try giving out certificates of achievement. Create a good looking certificate quickly and easily using an editable certificate template. 

While certificates are great, creating them from scratch is time-consuming. That’s why premium printable certificate templates come in handy. Not to mention they already have great designs. This means your award certificate will look more professional. In this article we'll share the best premium certificate templates. We'll also share a collection of free certificate templates.

Download The Best Premium Certificate Templates (2020/2021)

Later in this post, you’ll see free certificate templates. But before we dive into the free templates, let’s look at a few premium certificate templates. While premium templates are an investment in your business, they also give you more customization options as well as a more polished look. 

One of the best places to find premium certificate templates is Envato Elements. It offers hundreds of beautiful premium certificate templates designed for every occasion. Best of all, download as many editable certificate templates as you want, all for one low monthly fee. This means you save money in the long run. 

Another benefit of Envato Elements is that you get access to thousands of design assets such as:

• certificate templates


• web templates


• mockups


• stock photos


• icons


• more 

In other words, Envato Elements has everything you need to create a cohesive and branded online and offline presence for your business. 

Another place where you can find premium certificate templates with professional designs is GraphicRiver. It's part of Envato Market. GraphicRiver offers hundreds of certificate templates that you buy individually for a low cost. This is a great choice if you need to download and customize an award certificate template quickly.

Now let’s explore a few premium certificate template examples that you can buy from Envato Elements and GraphicRiver. 

Find Premium Editable Certificate Templates on Envato Elements 

As mentioned earlier, Envato Elements has hundreds of professionally designed certificate templates. All of them are available for one low monthly fee. That’s right, you can download as many templates as you need and customize them to your needs. 

Here are five outstanding certificate templates from Envato Elements:

1. Certificate - Elegant Certificate and Diploma Template

The Certificate template is a great choice if you need a multipurpose certificate or a diploma template. Use it for giving out certificates of achievements or recognition and diplomas. The template has well-organized layers for easy editing. It can be customized in Photoshop or Illustrator.

2. Certificate Template - Stylish Certificate Template

This certificate template has a stylish and elegant design that can be edited in Photoshop. You can easily customize the colors and add your own text thanks to well-organized layers. 

3. Certificate Template Vol. 4 - Modern Certificate Template

If you’re looking for a modern certificate design, try this certificate template. Use it for all kinds of certificates. Edit the design in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Word.   

4. Certificate - Awesome Certificate of Completion Template

Consider this awesome certificate template if you’re looking for a certificate of completion. The template can be edited in Illustrator and comes with well-organized layers.  

5. Certificate - Simple Certificate of Achievement Template

Try this simple certificate of achievement template if you prefer minimal design. The template is easy to edit to match your preferred colors and fonts. Plus, you can customize it using InDesign.

Find More Premium Certificate Templates on GraphicRiver

To buy design assets individually, check out our certificate templates with professional designs on GraphicRiver. If you've got a certificate design or type in mind and know exactly what you’re looking for, GraphicRiver is the perfect choice. 

Here are five awesome certificate templates from GraphicRiver:

1. Certificate - Classic Certificate Template

Use this classic certificate template for all kinds of certificates. It’s easy to edit and has well-organized layers. You can easily edit this template in Illustrator or Photoshop. This template comes in both landscape and portrait orientation.

2. Modern Certificate - Outstanding Certificate Template

This certificate template has a modern design. It can be edited in Photoshop or Illustrator. It comes in three color variations and both landscape and portrait orientation. 

3. Certificate - Clean Certificate of Achievement

Use this certificate template whenever you need to present a certificate of achievement to someone in your company or class. The template has a clean design. It comes in three color variations that are easy to customize.  

4. Certificate - Bold Certificate Template

If you like a bold and colorful design, try this certificate template. It comes in three color variations, but you can easily change the colors to your liking. The template is easy to edit in Photoshop and Illustrator.

5. Certificate - Traditional Certificate Template

Try this traditional certificate template if you want a classic and timeless design. You can customize colors and add your own fonts using Illustrator or Photoshop. The template comes in landscape orientation.

18 Best Free Certificate Templates From Around The Web

Premium certificate templates certainly give you a polished look. But sometimes premium templates are simply not in the budget. In that case, a free certificate template is a good choice. 

Here are of the 18 best certificate templates available for free download: 

1. Free Certificate of Achievement Template

This free template is a good choice for a certificate of achievement. It comes in a vector format. So, you can customize it using any vector software that you’re familiar with such as Illustrator. When it comes to professional certificate templates—free download files like this are definitely worth a look.

2. Certificate Design Template Free Download

This impressive certificate template download is available for both Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop. Use it as a free editable certificate of appreciation template or a certificate of completion template free for use. 

3. Free Certificate of Achievement Template

Here’s another certificate of achievement template that can be downloaded for free. The template uses a bold red color scheme. But you can change the color to match your preferences using Photoshop. 

4. Free Certificate Template

Customize this free certificate template with your choice of fonts and colors. It comes in a landscape orientation and uses a modern design.  

5. Certificate of Completion Template Free Download

Try this template if you’re looking for a certificate of completion for free download. You can use it to highlight the completion of a course or special training. Edit the template can in Illustrator. It comes in a landscape orientation. 

6. Free Versatile Certificate Template

This versatile certificate template is free to download. It can be used for all kinds of certificates, from achievement to recognition certificates. Customize colors and fonts to your liking and edit it in Photoshop.  

7. Free Certificate Template

With a modern design and a bold color scheme, this certificate template is a good choice for achievement certificates. Edit the template in any vector application.  

8. Free Certificate of Achievement Template

This certificate of achievement template for free has a classic design. Edit it in Photoshop. Customize colors and fonts. Then, send the certificates to be printed. 

9. Free Certificate of Scholarship Template

If you want a certificate of scholarship, this template is a good starting point. It can be edited in PowerPoint and uses a landscape orientation. 

10. Free Employee of The Month Certificate Template

Use this certificate to reward and recognize your best employees. You can easily edit this template in PowerPoint and issue it to your employee of the month. Be sure to customize it with your brand colors and your logo. 

11. Free Certificate of Training Template

If your company does regular employee training this certificate will serve you well. It comes in a landscape format and can be customized in PowerPoint with your colors and fonts. 

12. Gift Certificate Template for Free Download

Try this free printable gift certificate template to show appreciation to your employees or if you want to drum up new business. The template can be customized in Word.  

13. Free Editable Certificate of Recognition for Administrative Employees

Show appreciation and motivate your administrative employees with this free certificate template. This certificate of recognition template for free uses a simple and clean design. Customize it with your choice of fonts and colors in Word. 

14. Free Certificate Template Download

Use this free certificate template for school and academic projects. It's the perfect certificate template free download for teachers, clubs, and organizations that have academic goals and achievements. It could work as a great certificate of completion template free option.

15. Certificate Design Template Free Download

If you're looking for a versatile free editable certificate of appreciation template, this one is worth a look. This free certificate template is simple and clean, making it a great fit for a wide variety of projects. Check out this free certificate download today.

16. Certificate Template Free Download (Free Printable Certificates)

This free printable certificate template focuses on participation but can be customized for any alternative you prefer. Easily edit this free certificate download in Microsoft Word. This is a great free certificate template download to check out.

17. Free Certificate of Participation Template

Use this free certification template to prove attendance and participation for a work-related seminar, training or a webinar. The certificate of participation free template uses landscape orientation. Customize it with Word. 

18. Free Award Certificate Template (Free Printable Certificates) 

If your business usually gives out holiday bonuses, this award certificate for free is a good way to make that moment more special. The template has an elegant design using black and gold color scheme, complete with a stylish ribbon banner. Edit the template in Word with your company colors and fonts. This template uses a portrait orientation. 

How to Customize a Premium Editable Certificate Template in Adobe Photoshop

So, you've found the perfect editable certificate template. What's next? Let's walk through some ways you could quickly and efficiently edit your next certificate template.

Here's the certificate template download we'll use in this walkthrough. Customize the editable certificate template in Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, or Adobe Illustrator.

You're welcome to use this editable certificate template to follow along. Or work with any template of your choosing (including free printable certificates). We'll try this one out in Adobe Photoshop:

1. Work With Photoshop Layers

Layers are one of the most powerful aspects of working in Adobe Photoshop. To open up your Layers panel, go to Window > Layers, at the top of the software.

Here's a sample of what your Layers panel looks like.

Browse through each of your layers here and toggle visibility on and off on each on the different pieces (by clicking on the eye symbol at the left of each layer—give it a try!). 

Think of this as a means of isolating different parts of your layout design. 

2. Customize the Text

To customize the text in your certificate template, turn to the Type Tool in your Tools panel. It's highlighted in the screenshot, below.

With your Type Tool selected, click on the text in your layout. This should automatically make the applicable text layer active for you. Once active, type and edit as you would in most standard word processing software.

If you've got trouble selecting the text layer, turn to your Layers panel. Double click on the text layer to make the text active, and then begin to edit. 

3. Change the Fonts

You may also want to change the fonts in your certificate template. The Character panel makes this easy in Adobe Photoshop.

To open up your Character panel, go to Window > Character in the menus at the top of your software. 

Make sure the appropriate text layer is selected in your Layers panel. 

Then, you can make changes to the type in the Character panel, like changing the font or the font size. If you don't see the changes, then the text layer isn't selected.

4. Change the Font Colors

You can also change the font colors in the Character panel. Note this colored box, at the bottom of the Character panel, highlighted below. Click on this to open up the color picker.

Preview the color change to your text before committing by simply clicking on a new color in the large, color selection space. Use the sliders to change attributes like the hue. 

Once you're happy with your color choice, click OK. Photoshop will apply the color for you.

5. Move Design Elements

Remember that most editable certificate template designs, like this one, are fully customizable. These edits are just the beginning. Let's take a look at some other things you could do to the layout here. 

In this case, let's reposition parts of the design. Turn to your Layers panel. Select a layer with content you'd like to move. If you're not sure what's on the layer, you can always toggle visibility on and off to check.

Then, select the Move tool in your Tools panel.

With the applicable layer selected and the Move tool active, click and drag to move the design element to a new place in your composition.

Tip: Select more than one layer by holding down Ctrl on a PC or Command on a Mac while you select them.

5 Top Tips to Make Great Certificate Designs for 2021

You’ve just seen different certificate designs. Here are a few tips that'll help you make a great certificate design using templates:  

1. Pay Attention to the Color Scheme

Your color scheme should reflect the type of certificate you’re giving out as well as your workplace. If you’re giving a certificate of achievement or recognition, a more traditional color scheme is better for the certificate design. But if you’re handing out a certificate for fun, a more playful color scheme would be better suited. 

2. Make Sure the Recipient’s Name Is Spelled Correctly

Before printing out the certificate, double-check that the recipient’s name is spelled correctly. This saves you the trouble of having to edit and reprint the certificate. It'll also prevent an awkward situation from happening. 

3. Avoid Cluttering the Layout

You've got limited space when working with a certificate design. Avoid adding unnecessary elements that won’t add anything important to the information. They'll make your certificate look cluttered. Leave plenty of space between lines of text and be sparing with your words.

4. Limit Your Fonts

Use no more than two or three fonts. Any more than that'll make your certificate look unprofessional. Too many fonts will also make it hard to read.   

5. Choose Quality Paper

Choose heavier paper stock when printing your certificate. Heavier paper stock feels more substantial. It'll have a more positive effect on the recipient than getting a certificate printed on regular paper.

Find Even More Editable Certificate Template Designs 

Looking for even more editable certificate template designs? Check out these inspiring collections. There's both free certificate template designs and premium certificate template download files to check out. Download one today or enjoy more certificate template design inspiration:

• 
  Google Docs
  
  
  22 Best Free & Premium Google Docs Certificate Template Designs (Download 2020)
  
  
  Brenda Barron


• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  20 Best Word Certificate Template Designs to Award Achievement in 2020
  
  
  Nona Blackman


• 
  Business
  
  
  25+ Best PowerPoint Certificate Templates (Free PPT + Premium for 2020)
  
  
  Sarah Joy

5 Benefits of Using a Premium Certificate Template

So, why use a premium editable certificate template? Why not stick with a free certificate template download instead? In fact, why use a template at all?

The price tag has obvious appeal when it comes to a free certificate template. But when it comes to professional certificate templates—free download files may lack the same options, support, and even quality. You may also need to devote extended time to customization for free certificate template. The free template will likely be more difficult to find an exact fit for what you need.

Here are some notes to consider as you decide what kind of certificate template download is best for your project:

1. 
   Premium templates save time. Starting a design from scratch is great, and perhaps the most cost effective price tag. But nothing is truly free. Your time is an investment—and using a template can help save you a lot of time.


2. 
   Customize and make it your own. Templates aren't just stagnant designs that you can't change. You can completely remix the layout and make it something completely new if you'd like to. You could simply insert your content or use it as a base to jumpstart your design process.


3. 
   There's more options. If you're looking for an editable certificate template in a particular format, premium templates will likely have more versatile options. From Microsoft Word to Adobe Photoshop to InDesign, it'll be easier to find what you need—and at a professional quality too.


4. 
   It's easier to find what you need. Premium templates are typically easier to find. Simply search for what you need, and listings come up. When looking for a free certificate template download, you'll be more likely to find a loose fit that you'll need to adjust accordingly.


5. 
   Reuse and remix your templates. You can reuse many certificate template designs more than once. Change them around, alter the layout, and use them in other projects too. They can end up being a valuable part of your professional toolkit.

Benefits of Envato Elements (The Power of Unlimited Use)

If you're looking for premium content at a bargain price, check out Envato Elements. One flat fee gets you unlimited downloads from a huge collection of professional content. 

That's hundreds of editable certificate template designs, but it also includes graphics, photographs, fonts, and much more. They're all included.

Sign up for Envato Elements today and download as much as you need, all for one low price. It's a cost effective way to try out as many premium templates as you like, without worrying about the price tag.

Create an Outstanding Printable Certificate With Templates

Creating an outstanding certificate design isn't difficult when you've got a solid template to start from. Search for the perfect certificate template on Envato Elements. Download thousands of certificate templates and other assets for one low monthly fee. 

Or, if you only need a single certificate template, head on over to GraphicRiver and download your editable certificate template design. 

Editorial Note: Our staff updates this post regularly—adding the best new certificate templates with modern designs.