Certificate fonts, previewed with your name
Seven open-source typefaces that cover almost every certificate, from engraved capitals to copperplate script. Type a name to see how each one handles it.
- Jordan EllisCinzel Title
Roman inscriptional capitals, modelled on carved lettering such as Trajan's Column. The go-to for formal titles.
- Jordan EllisUnifrakturMaguntia Title
Blackletter (Fraktur). Instantly reads as "diploma". Use for one or two words only: it is hard to read in sentences.
- Jordan EllisPinyon Script Name
A formal copperplate script with long, elegant entry strokes. Best for names at large sizes.
- Jordan EllisGreat Vibes Name
A rounder, friendlier script that stays legible at smaller sizes than Pinyon.
- Jordan EllisEB Garamond Body or name
A revival of Claude Garamond's 16th-century roman. Superb for citations and for names when a script is too fussy.
- Jordan EllisJosefin Sans Title or body
A geometric sans with 1920s proportions. Pairs with art deco and modern corporate designs.
- Jordan EllisFredoka Kids
Rounded, soft and bold. Readable by early readers; great for classroom and preschool certificates.
Pairings that work
A certificate needs three voices: title, name and citation. Contrast the name against the other two.
Sizes that print well
| Element | Letter / A4 landscape | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Name | 36–60 pt | The focal point; scripts need extra size to stay legible. |
| Title | 28–44 pt | Capitals look bigger than their point size; track them out 5–10%. |
| Presentation line | 14–18 pt, italic | A quiet bridge between title and name. |
| Citation | 12–16 pt | Body-text size; never set long citations in script. |
| Signer name / role | 10–12 pt | Small but clear under the signature line. |
Questions people ask
What is the best font for a certificate?
For a traditional look, pair engraved capitals for the title (Cinzel, Trajan) with a formal script for the name (Pinyon Script, Great Vibes) and a classic serif for the citation (Garamond). For modern certificates, use one geometric sans in two weights.
What font size should a name be on a certificate?
On Letter or A4 landscape, names usually print at 36–60 pt, titles at 28–44 pt and citation text at 12–16 pt. Keep the name clearly the largest element.
What font do diplomas use?
Most traditional diplomas use a blackletter (Old English or Fraktur style) for the institution name and title, with a roman serif for the remaining text.
Are these fonts free to use?
Yes. All fonts shown are open-source under the SIL Open Font License, free for personal and commercial printing.