Generate certificates in bulk

Activity Messenger allows you to generate certificates and send them via email or SMS. For example, you can generate course completion certificates from a list of participants. Activity Messenger replaces the mail merge functions you typically use with Word, Excel, and Outlook. Centralize your data and avoid data manipulation in Excel.

You can also print the certificates. Some swimming schools send swimming report cards and certificates in bulk at the end of the session, while others prefer to print a paper certificate and give it during the last class. Activity Messenger allows you to do both.

# Create a certificate

Choose from one of the existing samples or create a new one from scratch. Select the size and language of your certificate.

We offer three certificate formats, all designed for printing on 8.5 x 11-inch paper. You can choose between Landscape or Portrait orientation. Additionally, we support the Card format for badges (Avery 5392), which allows you to print six badges per page in Portrait orientation.

# Configuring a certificate 

A certificate consists of a background image and customizable text fields. You have the option to upload your own image or design it directly in Canva.

Text Blocks:

You can add text blocks of various sizes to include all necessary information. For example, create a block to display the participant's first and last name, or another to indicate the current stage in a course.

Merge Fields:

It is also possible to insert merge fields to automatically extract relevant information from the courses. For instance, you can use {Participant's First Name}. When creating the certificates, Activity Messenger will fill these fields with the appropriate data.

Add Images:

Use Canva to customize the background image of the certificate and add logos or other visual elements. Be sure to leave free spaces where you will place the merge fields.

# Apply a list

Test with a List:

Once your certificate is created, click on Apply to associate it with a list of participants.
Check that the certificate is correct by testing it with one or more participants.

Verify the Data:

Ensure that all information, such as the participant's name and current stage, is displayed correctly.
For example, for a swimming certificate, verify that participants are accurately progressing from Preschool 1 to Preschool 2, including the instructor's name.

# Automate certificate creation from assessments

Use Assessment Forms:

• If your certificates depend on an assessment, start by setting up an evaluation form for each course or activity.

For example, the instructor assesses criteria such as entering and exiting the water in a swimming class.

Merge Fields from the Assessment:

• Associate assessment questions (e.g., instructor's name, stage reached) with merge fields.
• These merge fields will then be used in the certificate to display results specific to each participant.

# Save mulitple certfifcates as a PDF file 

From the 'Apply to a List' window, click on the 'Download as PDF' button to save all the certificates. You will then be able to easily print them.

For badge cards, Activity Messenger will place 6 badges per page so you can print them on Avery 5392 card stock.

# Send a certificate via email or SMS

Click on Send to mail merge your certificates. The certificate will be attached to the email. If you send an SMS, Activity Messenger will send a link to the certificate. In both cases, the parent will be able to print it themselves.

# Include a certificate in an email template

You can add your certificates to your message templates. Use the Certificate block for this purpose. When sending the message via email or SMS, Activity Messenger will create a certificate for each recipient while ensuring that the merge fields (mail merge) are replaced accordingly.

# Test sending the certificate 

Conduct a test by sending a message to a participant to ensure that the merge fields are functioning correctly and that the information appears as expected.

# Sending mass certificates 

Once everything is in place, select the list of participants and send the certificate to each of them.

The message will include the certificate as an attachment with personalized data for each participant.