How to create and issue bulk certificates using Canva

Olivier Rousseau
30 December 2022 2 min read

Need to issue a lot of certificates at once? Look no further than Canva! This popular online design platform makes it easy to create and issue digital certificates.

You can create custom designs that are sure to impress. Let’s take a look at how you can use this platform to create and issue bulk certificates.

 

Online Registration platform

Activity Messenger also replaces your Class Management and Online Registration Software such as JackRabbit, IClassPro and DanceStudioPro.

Read: How Activity messenger compares to alternatives

Creating the certificate design

The first step in creating your certificates is to make sure you have a great design. Canva offers a variety of certificate templates that you can customize with your own text, images, logos, and more.

You can also choose from thousands of stock images, fonts, and illustrations in their library. Once you have your design ready to go, it’s time to take the next step—issuing digital certificates in bulk.

Creating bulk certificates

This can be done in 3 easy steps:

  • Select the certificate design you created.
  • From the editor panel select Apps and then select bulk create.
  • Add bulk information manually or from a CSV uploaded list.

Issuing bulk Certificates by Email or SMS

Canva doesn’t offer an option to send certificates by SMS or Email. You have to use a separate tool, which makes the certificate creation process complex and time-consuming. That is, unless you work with a software that integrates with Canva, Activity Messenger.

Keep designing in Canva but streamline your certificate distribution process with personalized emails & SMS. 

With Activity Messenger you can:

  • Produce certificates at scale (using mail merge)
  • Automatically add names from a list of recipients
  • Send digital certificates via Email/SMS
  • Include feedback from instructors
  • Add placeholders such as class level, date, session, etc
  • Print certificates in bulk

Here is an example of a swim school certificate template created in Canva. This can be used for any time of certificate.

How to create Bulk Certificates using Mailmerge on Canva

Canva makes it easy to create beautiful, professional-looking certificates. And Activity Messenger is there to bridge the gap between a beautiful certificate and the ability to personalize and sending it out at scale.

Using mail merge or placeholders, you can create your certificate templates for free in Canva and automatically fill in all the recipient information using Activity Messenger forms or our one-click import tool.

Here are the most common mail merge options used in Canva Certificates

  • Name of participant
  • Date
  • Location
  • Session
  • Current Level
  • Next level
  • Name of Teacher/Trainer

Include feedback from the instructor in your certificate

In some cases, if a participant completes a class or level, it’s important to provide feedback on how they can improve. 

Activity Messenger provides instructors with customizable assessment forms. This is an efficient way to send out personalized comments & feedback to each student and will also include with their certificate.

To do this, you’ll need to create an evaluation form.

Once filled by the instructor, Activity Messenger will generate the certificate, evaluation form and send both out in a single email/SMS to the participant.

How to send a certificate via email

Sending digital certificates via email is made simple with the help of Activity Messenger.

Once you’ve created your certificate using Canva, simply import your list of recipients.

Next, you’ll want to:

  • Design a beautiful email template (replaces mailchimp)
  • Personalize the body of the email with mail merge placeholders
  • Attach the certificate in the body of the email
  • Test placeholders/mail merge (in yellow)

 

Once the email template is created, you can easily send the certificates in bulk by email or SMS.

How to print bulk certificates with mail merge

Maybe you don’t want to email your personalized certificates and prefer to hand them out in person instead. No worries, we have you covered.
Here’s how to quickly print certificates with mail merge

  1. Create the certificate in Canva
  2. Add mailmerge/placeholder options
  3. Import a list
  4. Test the placeholders
  5. Click on download PDF

How you can use certificates as a marketing tool

Certificates can serve a more strategic purpose beyond acknowledging participants’ accomplishments. By sending bulk certificates that include your logo, you improve your client’s experience – but it’s also an effective marketing tool. Kids love to show off their achievements, so chances are that proud parents will hang certificates up around their homes.

They’ll stay as visible reminders to sign up for the next session and spark conversations with friends and families about how amazing little Sophia’s music class was. This can also act as a physical reminder in the home for busy parents who might forget to re-enroll for next session.

Encourage your participants to share their certificate on social media

Every time a participant finishes a class, achieves a new skill, or moves to another level, it’s also an opportunity for you to amplify your brand’s reach. Present them with a personalized certificate that they’d be proud to show off. Encourage them using a contest (win a free session if you share on social media) to share their certificates online and tag your club or studio.

This serves as a powerful testimonial and word-of-mouth marketing tool. When friends and family see this on their favorite social media platform, it plants a seed, potentially drawing in new clients.

Import lists from your class management software

Activity Messenger allows you to import lists of participants, families and classes from class management softwares such as IClassPro, Amilia & JackRabbit. The system automatically imports the participants name, date of birth, class name, emails, mobile phone numbers and more.

Conclusion

Make your certificate production process easier using Activity Messenger’s integration with Canva! No need to manually create multiple versions of certificates – all you have to do is design, personalize and send out certificates by email or SMS. You’ll be able to customize countless batches of certificates quickly with minimal effort with increased the level of individualization too.

Related articles:
How to create an online registration form with Stripe & Canva
How to create a newsletter using Canva (Mailchimp alternative)
Google forms alternative (Canva & ChatGPT integration)
How to create an engaging & interactive Survey using Canva 
How to create email templates with Canva
Create fillable forms with Canva

FAQ

What is bulk certificate?

Bulk certificate is a collection of certificates issued simultaneously to multiple recipients to acknowledging completion or participation in courses, training, or events. This particularly efficient for large groups where individual certificate generation is time-consuming.

How do I create a certificate template?

The best way to create a certificate template is to use a free toll such as Canva. Launch Canva and search for “Certificates” to see all the different certificate templates and start creating your own.

Can I send a certificate in an email?

Yes, you can send certificates via email. This is a convenient and efficient method, especially for digital certificates. You can attach the certificate as a PDF or include a secure link in the email for the recipient to download it. To send bulk certificates, you will need a tool like Activity Messenger.

 

Written by Olivier Rousseau Olivier is a kids sports programs owner who has been operating for over a decade with locations in Montreal, Quebec city & Ottawa. He also helps Gymnastics Club, Swim Schools and Dance Studios streamline their operations. He is the co-founder of Activity Messenger an online registration platform for the sports & leisure industry.

Design, generate and send digital certificates with Activity Messenger

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