Microsoft Publisher retires October 2026 — keep creating online.
Editable template
Online Publisher Certificate Template
Need a Publisher-style certificate template? Open this editable layout, add the recipient name, award title, date, and presenter details, then export a print-ready PDF — no Microsoft Publisher required.
Use Publisher-style layouts online. You can also open old .pub files.
Best uses for this certificate template
- 1
Achievement certificate
Award academic, athletic, or community achievement with a formal certificate that names the recipient and the specific accomplishment.
- 2
Volunteer recognition certificate
Thank volunteers for their time and service with a personalized certificate they can frame or keep as a keepsake.
- 3
Attendance certificate
Recognize perfect or improved attendance for students, workshop participants, or program graduates.
- 4
Course completion certificate
Issue professional-looking completion certificates for training programs, online courses, workshops, or certifications.
- 5
Student award certificate
Issue classroom awards for reading, math, science, art, or character — works for elementary through high school.
- 6
Church ministry appreciation certificate
Recognize Sunday school teachers, choir members, deacons, or ministry volunteers with a dignified appreciation certificate.
- 7
Employee recognition certificate
Celebrate employee milestones, years of service, or exceptional performance with a printable certificate ready to frame.
Online Publisher Certificate Template
Use Publisher-style layouts online. You can also open old .pub files.
What you can edit
- Recipient name
- Award or certificate title
- Date
- Presenter name & title
- Signature line
- Organization name
- Description text
What to include on a certificate
A well-formatted certificate should clearly identify who receives it, what it recognizes, when it was issued, and who authorized it. Lead with the recipient's full name in the largest type on the page, followed by the award title, a brief description of the achievement or service, the date, and the presenter's name and title. A signature line — whether for a wet signature or a scanned signature image — adds the formal finish that makes a certificate feel official and worth keeping.
Publisher-style certificate templates without Publisher
Microsoft Publisher has long been popular for creating certificates in schools, churches, and small organizations — its landscape layout, serif fonts, and decorative borders made it the standard. Microsoft Publisher reaches end of life in October 2026. Publish365 offers the same editable certificate layouts in your browser, with no software to install. You can also open an existing .pub certificate file, update the recipient details, and export a fresh PDF — no conversion service needed.
Related certificate templates
Click any template to open it in the editor — customize, then export a print-ready PDF.
How to customize this certificate
- 1Choose a certificate layout. Browse the certificate templates and pick a formal or decorative layout that fits your organization's tone — landscape or portrait, serif or clean.
- 2Add the recipient name. Click the recipient name field and type the full name of the award recipient. This is typically the largest and most prominent text on the certificate.
- 3Fill in the award title and description. Replace the placeholder award title with your own — 'Certificate of Achievement,' 'Volunteer Appreciation,' 'Perfect Attendance,' etc. Add a one- or two-line description of what the award recognizes.
- 4Add the date, presenter name, and signature. Enter the date the certificate is issued, the presenter's full name and title, and optionally upload a scanned signature image to the signature line.
- 5Export a print-ready PDF. Download a PDF sized for standard 8.5×11 paper. Print on certificate paper, cardstock, or standard paper — then sign, frame, or distribute.
Frequently asked questions
What certificate types are available?+
Award certificates, completion certificates, appreciation certificates, attendance certificates, volunteer recognition certificates, classroom awards, and baptism or dedication certificates — all sized for standard 8.5×11 paper.
Can I add a custom signature to the certificate?+
Yes. Scan or photograph a handwritten signature, save it as a PNG with a transparent background, and upload it to the signature image zone on the certificate. Resize it to fit the signature line.
Can I issue multiple certificates with different names?+
Yes. Update the recipient name field for each certificate, export a PDF, and repeat. Many teachers and award coordinators maintain one certificate template and re-issue it with a new name each session.
What paper should I use for printing certificates?+
Certificate paper (usually 24 lb bond with a subtle texture or border), cardstock (65 lb or heavier for a premium feel), or standard 20 lb copy paper for informal awards. Most office supply stores carry parchment-finish certificate paper that works on any home or office printer.
Can I open an existing Publisher certificate (.pub) file?+
Yes. Upload your existing .pub certificate file to Publish365 and it will open as an editable document. You can then update the recipient name, date, and other details and export a fresh PDF.
Is this affiliated with Microsoft?+
No. Publish Media Software is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. 'Microsoft Publisher' is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.