Top 12 Canva Certificate Maker Alternatives

There is no doubt that Canva rules the world of fast design. Recently, however, it has come to light that it might not be the best option for creating certificate designs. Take a closer look at Canva alternatives and find out why.

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Author

Sergey Butko

Updated: January 25, 2024

14 min read

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Do you need to create a new certificate for an upcoming event? Or maybe you just want to reward your students or employees?

Your mind might immediately go to Canva.

That's no surprise. A lot of people use it to create all kinds of designs. But when it comes to creating certificates, is Canva truly the best?

Let’s explore some excellent alternatives available today – the ones that will outshine any Canva-based creations.

Whether you're looking for some certificate templates or you want to make one from scratch, you'll definitely find something here that aligns with your needs (and style).

Ready? Let's get started! 🎨

Canva certificates leave… something to be desired 

Canva certificates seem too good to be true – free, simple to make, and often beautifully designed.

But before you give in to the temptation of creating bulk batches of certificates for any occasion, it's worth asking yourself whether Canva is really the best possible choice.

☹️ Here are a few Canva creator downsides to consider:

  • You can’t send certificates in bulk in seconds.

  • You can’t integrate the tool directly with recipients' data via, e.g., Google Sheets or Google Forms.

  • You can’t generate a QR code to get easy access to the digital version of certificates (with Certifier, you can).

  • You can’t manage all issued credentials in one place.

  • You don’t get access to delivery and social media sharing analytics.

Final verdict: The Canva platform is great for designing graphics, banners, and thousands of other visuals for business, but it doesn’t make it perfect for creating and managing certificates. And, it will take too much time and effort to manually change every certificate data (especially if there are dozens or hundreds of people to send certificates to).

➡️ Trying to create Canva certificates manually anyway? Check it out: How to Create Certificate in Canva - Step-By-Step Manual

Best Canva alternatives for creating certificates

With so many options out there, searching for the right certificate maker tool can be challenging. We hope that this list of noteworthy Canva alternatives will make this quest easier and helps you find what's right for you.

Hey there! You can find the comparison table down below to simplify your decision even more ⬇️

#1 Certifier – top-notch certificate maker

Searching for the best certificate maker on the market? Look no further than Certifier. With their years of experience in the certificate-making world, they not only provide slick design templates and layouts but also allow users for complete customization.

Certifier professsional Canva certificate designer.

The platform makes automating your workflow a breeze – you can create certificates in bulk and send them to multiple recipients without having to worry about missing anyone.

Also, it goes a step further and allows for certificate analytics, providing insight into sharings statistics, recipient engagement, and the generated PPC revenue. And for those who want even more control over the design process, Certifier also includes professional editing features such as advanced formatting and precision layout control. 

And the best part? It won't break the bank and is incredibly easy to use. So even though it’s a complex solution for certificate creation, you will master it from the first use.

Highlights ✨

  • Easy-to-use and super-intuitive interface

  • Generating certificates in bulk

  • Sending custom emails

  • Certificate management and analytics

  • Branding options

  • Social media sharing

  • Extensive library of expert-designed certificate templates

  • Free plan with extensive features

  • QR codes

  • PDF export

  • API & integrations

Pricing 💸

Certifier is a cost-effective option (prices range from $19 to $499). It also provides a forever-free plan that covers all the most important features, including API integration.

#2 Visme – professional certificate maker

For those looking for a simple certificate maker alternative to Canva, Visme is a good choice. It's helpful for businesses that want an aesthetically pleasing yet distinctive certificate design.

Visme - professional certificate maker.

The tool includes dozens of fonts, icons, and stock photos that are ideal for putting the finishing splash on any certificate. Plus, Visme ensures your certificates look sharp on all devices.

It is worth noting, however, that the tool lacks distribution or analytics capabilities. Thus, generating and sending certificates in bulk would remain a challenge.

Highlights ✨

  • Pre-made templates

  • Easy drag-and-drop design tool

  • Library of icons and photos

  • PDF export

Pricing 💸

Visme pricing plans start at $29 per month. The vendor also provides a free plan, but it’s limited to a few basic features. A customized plan is also available for larger enterprises.

#3 VistaCreate – online certificate maker

VistaCreate is an online certificate maker designed to give everyone the opportunity to communicate their achievements in the most professional and visually pleasing way.

VistaCreate - online certificate maker.

With templates, you can customize every aspect on your own, including a wide selection of themes, colors, images, and fonts. All of this means that with just a few clicks, you can produce ready-to-print certificates.

Currently, it is not possible to export the certificate as a vector image or .svg file.

Highlights ✨

  • A collection of free fonts, animations, backgrounds, and objects

  • Share button for direct posting to Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

  • The ability to resize ready certificates

Pricing 💸

VistaCreate offers just two pricing options – a free one and Pro for $13 per month. You can try the platform for 14 days for free.

#4 Fotor – customizable certificate maker

Fotor, generally a program for photo editing, is ready to help you create a great document quickly and with ease. Even though certificate features are just an add-on there, you don’t have to worry about design – you can simply choose from templates available or customize them with your own images, fonts, and text. Canva-like.

Fotor - customizable certificate maker.

As with everything, Fotor has some flaws. The only access to premium content offers an extensive range of certificate design templates. Also, the UI design needs some tweaks to keep pace with its competitors.

Highlights ✨

  • File management

  • The simple process of creation

  • Editable certificate templates

Pricing 💸

Fotor prices start at $8.99 and go up to $19.99 per month. A free plan is also available, inducing basic edit adjustments and limited collage layouts. 

#5 PhotoADKing – simple certification program

The PhotoADKing graphic design program is well worth considering when creating certificates, even though it isn't the next Canva. An intuitive user interface, based on the features of typical graphic programs, does not require advanced skills.

PhotoADKing - simple certification program.

However, if you focus primarily on certificate templates, there might be better choices than this platform. The PhotoADKing selection of templates is quite outdated, and there are many better options available out there.

Highlights ✨

  • Simple drag-and-drop editor

  • Certificates divided into categories

  • Vector clipart

  • 3D shapes and texts

Pricing 💸

PhotoADKing is fairly cheap. The most expensive option costs just $5.75 per month. A free plan (limited to 10 designs) is provided. 

#6 Ellty – a user-friendly graphic design tool

It's an easy-to-use online editor that makes creating content for the certificates a cinch. With Ellty's intuitive interface and robust features, you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at how much control you have over the editing process.

Ellty - a user-friendly graphic design tool.

Ellty is a relatively new editing software. So consequently, templates and all designs are appealing and well-crafted – tailored to the needs of today’s users. 

Highlights ✨

  • Text effects

  • Managing files with folders

  • Free fonts, backgrounds, and elements

Pricing 💸

There are two subscription plans available. Free one (limited to 5 downloads) and Pro for $12.99 per month (a 7-day free trial is provided). 

#7 BannerBear – a tool for new design experience

BannerBear was developed to be the single source for all your design needs. With BannerBear, you get a unique and seamless experience with a witty style and a funny approach.

BannerBear - online certificate maker.

The downside? You paid a pretty penny for some of the additional features. Although it offers much and gives you a shot at creating great work, it's one of the most expensive solutions on this list

Highlights ✨

  • Advanced customization options

  • High-quality templates

  • Auto-generation via API

  • Many integrations available

Pricing 💸

BannerBear is one of the most expensive solutions available here. Plans start at $49 – the highest one costs $299 per month. You can try each plan for free.

#8 Venngage – editor for design challenges

Venngage is a good alternative to expensive design programs like Canva (but it’s not so cheap either). It offers a variety of products that make designing fun and easy. Including options for teams and collaboration in real-time.

Venngage - editor for design challenges.

Undoubtedly, it is the tool that puts the most emphasis on companies. Individuals who don't want to be limited by enterprise-only features might not find this the best option since it limits what's available on the cheapest plans.

Highlights ✨

  • Real-time collaboration

  • Brand kit for easy branding

  • Hi-Res PNG exporting

Pricing 💸

The most popular Venngage business plan costs $39 per month (per user). For individuals, plans vary between $0-$16 per month (per user). The plan for larger teams and enterprises starts at $499 per month (for +10 seats). 

#9 Adobe Express – a fast tool for visual design

Adobe Express can easily make you feel almost like a professional modern graphic designer. It allows users to access its template library, intuitive drag-and-drop tools, and curated color palette tool – providing a unique twist on the traditional Canva alternative.

Adobe Express - a fast tool for visual design.

So whether you’re creating beautiful gift certificates or certificates of award – this tool will make it easy for you.

Highlights ✨

  • Unique templates and design assets

  • Basic editing effects

  • Adobe Stock images collection

  • Mobile app available

Pricing 💸

The prices range from $0 to $9.99 per month. The trial period lasts for 30 days.

#10 Adobe Photoshop – complex tool for professionals

Adobe Photoshop is often perceived as the premier tool for professionals – and with good reason. Known for its extensive features and expensive price tag, it's definitely no amateur software. 

Adobe photoshop - complex tool for professionals.

It is important to note that the tool is complex and provides unlimited features, but it requires a long learning curve and might be too overwhelming for seasonal users. A quick look at the interface might seem daunting, but to those already familiar with it – such as professional photographers and digital artists – Adobe Photoshop's potential knows no bounds.

Highlights ✨

  • Highly advanced editing options

  • Limitless creating process

  • A wide variety of quick intro tutorials available

Pricing 💸

Photoshop single app costs $20.99 per month. Creative Cloud All Apps – $54.99 per month. You can try the service for free.

 

#11 Google Slides – the new face as certificate designer

Using Google Slides for certificate making has quickly become an affordable and popular alternative to the more expensive Canva Pro. 

Google Slides - the new face as certificate designer.

When it comes to designing, it offers basic features, but it does work pretty well when it comes to creating standard certificates. Best of all is that this tool is easy to use, so anyone can quickly become a master certificate maker.

➡️ Learn how to create certificates with Google Slides in detail: How to Make Google Slides Certificate in 5 Steps

Highlights ✨

  • Easy access and collaboration features

  • Connecting seamlessly to other Google apps

  • Simple to use

Pricing 💸

For personal use, the tool is free. Business Standard costs $12 per user per month.

 

#12 Figma – intuitive UI/UX design tool with custom options

Figma offers an easier, faster way to make certificates that look just as good. It's incredibly user-friendly and has all the features you need to create stunning documents. Even better, it doesn't require a huge investment – just a moderate subscription fee to access a vast library of design assets.

Figma - intuitive UI/UX design tool with custom options.

So if you want to create creative, eye-opening designs, don't forget Figma as the go-to certificate maker.

Highlights ✨

  • Extensive design options

  • Real-time collaboration

  • Management of files and projects

  • Mobile app available

Pricing 💸

Starter Figma for 3 designs is free, but if you want to upgrade the plan, it costs from $12 to $45 per editor per month.

Comparison table: Canva alternatives

Comparison table: Canva vs. alternatives.

It’s your choice now

While Canva can arguably provide a decent service when it comes to certificate-making, there are equally effective options that can offer greater affordability and customization.

If you never thought you'd have the resources to create an attractive-looking certificate before, now might be the time to consider one of these solutions above.

Start with Certifier and its wide range of custom certificate templates. Turn in your most basic certificates and give them a special touch. Do you want to sign up for a forever-free plan today? 🔥

Sergey Butko avatar

Sergey Butko

Tech entrepreneur. Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe. At Certifier, Sergey’s work focused on revolutionizing the way credentials, certificates, and badges are issued and managed through cutting-edge APIs and software infrastructure.

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