20 Best Free Microsoft Word Certificate Templates (Downloads for 2023) (2024)

Motivate your employees or students with a certificate that highlights their achievement. A pre-designed certificate format in Word makes that easy to do.

While the idea of designing a certificate sounds daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Certificate templates for Word can help.

It’s easy to create certificates when you use a program you’re already familiar with and use daily. We’re talking about Microsoft Word.

Let’s look at a few premium Microsoft Word certificate template examples. Get these from Envato Elements. Then we’ll explore free certificate templates for Word found online.

10 Awesome Premium Certificates on Envato Elements for 2023

Envato Elements is one of the best places to search for a premium certificate template. It’s got hundreds of certificate templates to choose from.

Check out this premium certificate design in MS Word. Looking for the best employee certificate format in Word? This might be a good fit. It’s a multipurpose certificate Word in A4 paper size format. Quick and easy to customize via Smart Objects. Free fonts used and well organized layers. Edit in Photoshop, Illustrator, or Word.

The best employee certificate format in Word is the one that feels unique. This retro award certificate template in Word is a good example. It comes in vertical and horizontal A4 paper size and is print-ready. Edit in Photoshop (.psd), Illustrator (.ai), or Microsoft Word (.docx).

Looking for a modern and creative editable certificate template for Word? The Modern Certificate template is a great choice. It features a simple and colorful geometric background. It’s easy to edit and customize to your needs.

Edit this template in Word. Use it for training, achievement, event attendance, and more.

This Word certificate template features a bright and vibrant design. Use this template for certificates of achievement or as a certificate of recognition. Open it in Microsoft Word. Customize colors and fonts to your liking before adding the final personal details.

Use this Word certificate template to appreciate the work of your employees. It’s a 100% customizable award certificate template for Word, Photoshop, or Illustrator. Plus, all objects are resizable and editable.

Place your designs with Smart Objects, add your info, save and you’re done! It comes in vertical and horizontal A4 formats.

Looking for an editable certificate template in Word? Try this one out.

This certificate template for Word has three color options in A4 size format. Choose between landscape or portrait mode. It’s a good certificate design in MS Word to appreciate your student’s effort. It includes files in PSD, AI and MS Word as well as a help file for guidance.

If you want a simple and clean certificate template, this template’s a great choice. It’s got an interesting two-column layout. Find plenty of space to include a person’s name and your official logo. The template can easily be edited using tools found in Microsoft Word.

Here’s another simple and minimal certificate template for Microsoft Word. This template features a black and grey design. But you can customize the colors to your liking in Word. The template can be used for any type of certificate.

Check out this Word certificate template. You’ll get a certificate template design for Word in both landscape and portrait format. You can easily customize the colors to your liking and use it for any type of certificate.

Looking for an award certificate template in Word? Try out this certificate format in Word. It comes in vertical and horizontal formats and it’s easy to customize. You’ll get an A4 editable certificate template for Word with organized layers.

Download the Best Premium Certificate Templates

We’ll showcase free Microsoft Word certificate templates that you can download. They’re a good option when you’re starting out or have a limited budget to work with.

Find hundreds of premium Microsoft Word certificate templates over on Envato Elements. There’s a compelling offer. For a single monthly fee download unlimited templates and other design assets.

Edit them how you like. Then use them in unlimited projects.

20 Top Free Online Word Certificate Templates to Download for 2023

Looking for a free editable certificate template for Word on the web? Check Envato’s free offerings first. Try out various premium template files. Find more than only MS Word certificate template free downloads!

Here’s the deal:

If your budget is limited, a premium certificate template might be out of reach for you currently. There are plenty of free certificate templates for Word to create a certificate in no time.

Here are the 20 best free online certificate templates for MS Word from around the web.

Check out this free certificate template for Microsoft Word. It’s a good choice if you want to make an award certificate. It’s got a simple black and white design that you can customize to your liking.

Try this free template if you need to make a certificate of achievement. Use it in corporate as well as school settings.

This free Microsoft Word certificate template is a good certificate of achievement. It uses a blue color scheme, but you can change it to any other color.

This certificate template comes with a subtle green and ivory color scheme. It’s a good certificate of achievement in an eco-friendly industry. If you’re not a fan of these colors, you can change them to your liking.

For a simple certificate template design, consider using this template. It features a black and white color scheme and is a good choice for a school certificate.

Start working with this MS Word certificate template for free download. Show employees your appreciation with this certificate design in MS Word. It also works as a training certificate format in Word.

Looking for a modern certificate template in Word for free download? Check out this free certificate template in Word. Download this award template, add your text, and you’re all set!

Administrative professionals are at the core of many businesses. This free Word template is an option to recognize their hard work. It works as a computer certificate format in Word for free download.

Here is a gift modern certificate template in Word for free download. This design is built for nurseries and flower gardens. It can be customized with amounts and key details inside Word.

Participation can be recognized with this MS Word certificate template. You can adapt it to fit any business with a few clicks. It’s one of the best free certificate templates for Word you’ll find online.

This free certificate template has a modern color scheme. It comes with a total of three gift certificates per page. It’s one of the best free certificate templates for Word you’ll find online.

This free Microsoft Word certificate template is a great choice. It works as a company training certificate. It’s got a bright orange color scheme, but you can customize it to your liking.

Looking for a computer certificate format in Word for free download? Celebrate your employees with the help of this certificate template. It features a grey color scheme with a decorative chain.

Make a gift certificate template for the upcoming holiday season. This certificate Word template for free download is a good place to start!

Love a corporate blue and orange color scheme? Check out this modern certificate template in Word for free download. This certificate template in Word for free download is a good choice.

This is great if you’re looking for fund and free certificate templates for Word. Recognize everyday kindness with this confetti certificate template free download for Word. Add your details, save changes, and you’re ready to print!

Consider this free certificate of excellence template. It’s perfect to show appreciation for your employees or students. It’s got a subtle beige and blue color scheme that you can customize.

Looking for a training certificate format in Word? This certificate template for Word is a good choice. Celebrate students who have secured a scholarship.

This is great if your company has a sports team. This certificate Word template free download will come in handy. Use it to reward employees who have shown exceptional team spirit.

This free certificate template is perfect to make your team feel special. It works well in different kinds of settings. Customize the colors and fonts, and quickly add a company or team image.

How to Customize an Editable Certificate Template for Word (With Premium Designs)

Easy customization is the hallmark of an editable certificate template Word file. In fact, you can customize them in just five quick steps! Let’s learn how.

Let’s get started!

1. Customize Text

Customizing text is amazingly easy with a premium certificate template for Word. Begin by simply highlighting any block of text.

Customize premium templates like this fast by adding text of your own.

Then, start typing. That’s all it takes. Repeat throughout the certificate as needed.

2. Change Font Colors

Changing font colors is a quick and easy way to add style to your certificate. With a block of text selected, find the Font section of the Home tab. There, click on the Font Color dropdown arrow.

A menu will appear, and you can add theme colors, along with custom tones and gradients. Click one to apply it.

3. Add a Different Background

An editable certificate template for Word like this has a beautiful colorful background. But that doesn’t mean you have to use it as-is! It’s easy to change background colors to fit your needs.

Click on the colorful background, then go to the Picture Tools > Format menu. In the Adjust group on the Home tab, click the Color dropdown. From there, you can browse various background options. Click a thumbnail to preview and apply.

4. Change a Shape Format

Shape formats are a cool Word feature that helps you customize certificates fast.

With a shape selected, work in the Picture (or Drawing) Tools > Format menu. Open the Picture Effects menu.

Browse through your options and click to apply new shapes. You’ll find even more choices in the Picture Styles and Artistic Effects menus.

5. Change Shape Colors

Default shape colors are easy to change. Begin by selecting any shape or object on your Word certificate. Return to the Picture (or Drawing) Tools > Format menu, then click on the Shape Fill dropdown.

From the color chooser, you can easily try out new and unique colors. Click your favorite to apply.

5 Quick Microsoft Word Document Design Tips for 2023

Premium Microsoft Word templates give you unmatched flexibility. They help you build impressive certificates in no time! You won’t find that with a certificate template Word free download.

Let’s explore five quick tips to help you make incredible certificates quickly.

1. Add a Colorful Backdrop

Let’s face it: solid white backgrounds can be a little boring. Spice things up and create a special certificate with a colorful background instead.

This helps you create a certificate the recipient will be proud of. It’s quick, easy, and looks great.

2. Insert Custom Artwork

Adding custom artwork or clipart is a fun way to recognize special achievements. You can easily find and apply designs that fit your specific needs. And it only takes a few clicks.

3. Put Names Front and Center

Everyone likes to see their name in print. Of course, that’s the point of a certificate! Make someone feel special by putting their name right on a certificate.

Bold, clear fonts are essential. They’ll stand out on any wall, desk, or shelf.

4. Add a Cool Border

Borders add a dash of professional elegance to any certificate.

Premium templates often include them. They’re less common with a certificate template Word free download. Either way, you can add borders to create a stylish certificate for any occasion.

5. Use Custom Fonts

Certificates tend to be heavy on text. So, it’s essential for key details to stand out. Adding custom fonts is a perfect way to ensure they do.

Many premium editable certificate templates for Word packs already include custom fonts. Explore thousands of custom fonts included with your Envato Elements subscription.

5 Top Trends for Microsoft Word Certificates

Certificates are timeless, but the designs in them are always changing. Trends shape the world of design, and your recipient is sure to appreciate a trendy design.

These tips are perfect for certificate design. Let’s look at five trends we see in Word designs, and show you templates that include them.

1. Build With Print in Mind

Even in a digital world, print is timeless. Your recipient is going to love seeing their printed certificate. More than ever, printed certificates are the go-to format.

Certificate template Word free downloads just don’t include print-ready designs. Tap into the premium Word certificate templates in this tutorial. Create certificates that look great when brought to life.

2. Colorful Designs Catch Eyes

If you’re going to build a great certificate, it needs to stand out.

An emerging trend is to load the slide with bright color palettes that stand out on a wall. Picture it on a recipient’s desk: it immediately draws in a viewer.

The best certificate is the one that gets seen. Add bright color palettes to draw a viewer in and start a conversation about accolades.

3. Sealed for Success

Nothing looks more professional than a “seal” of approval. A badge or gold seal is a great way to show seriousness and polish on a certificate. With the help of a template, you can add this to your certificate.

Try out a seal design like the one in the screenshot above. You won’t find that type of authenticity in certificate template Word free downloads.

4. Focus on the Name

If you’ve created a certificate to honor someone, put their name front-and-center. It must be the largest element on your editable certificate template Word design.

5. Get Back to Basics

This tip is worth taking into consideration. It pays to take the opposite approach sometimes too and focus on a monochromatic design.

This approach works for the same reason that bright designs do: they stand out. Focus on black-and-white, or limited color designs, to stand out from other certificates.

Common Microsoft Word Questions Answered (FAQ)

Got questions about editable certificate template Word designs? We’ve got answers.

You might ask these questions while working with certificate template Word free downloads. Let’s answer five questions to improve how you use editable certificate template Word files.

1. Does Word Support Exports to OpenOffice?

Many users prefer the totally free tools OpenOffice or LibreOffice for documents. Of course, you might get asked to export your Word files to do that. The tutorial below walks you through the simple steps.

Don’t forget that you can export certificate template Word free downloads, too. Follow the same steps for a totally gratis project.

2. Does Word Support Data Tables?

You might think of Excel as the only Microsoft app that uses tables to organize data. Most documents benefit from structured tables. These make it easy to organize content into neat rows and columns.

3. Does Word Support Letterheads?

Printing letters with your editable certificate template Word designs? You likely need a letterhead, the information on a letter with address, name, and other details.

4. How Can You Save Time in Microsoft Word?

If you came to this article, you’re probably in search of time-saving tips. You’ve already seen that editable certificate template Word designs fit that bill. They give you pre-built elements.

Another time-saving tool is macros. These are great for automating steps. It makes it easy to repeat those steps with just a click.

5. Does Word Support InDesign Files?

InDesign is a popular tool for layouts and creating printed designs. Here’s some great news: your InDesign files work in Microsoft Word with only a few minor tweaks.

You can open an InDesign file in Microsoft Word. This expands the certificate template Word free download options. That’s thanks to the support for .INDD files.

Use Certificate Templates to Quickly Design a Great-Looking Certificate

A good certificate template can whip up a certificate design in MS Word for any occasion.

Are you serious about creating a branded and professional certificate format in Word? Start with a premium certificate template from Envato Elements. With this option, you’ll also get access to thousands of other design assets that you can use to elevate your brand.