Free certificate seal maker

Design a gold, silver, or brand-color seal for your certificates. Add your organization name and award text, then download a transparent PNG or SVG.

Runs in your browser. Nothing you type is uploaded.

Step 1

Write the text

Curved text is set in capitals and shrinks to fit the ring.

Center

Step 2

Choose the look

Edge
Color
Ribbon color
Seal preview

Start from an example

Preview: Gold starburst seal with a star in the center and navy ribbon tails

PNG download: 1200 × 1542 px, transparent background.

How it looks on a certificate

Certificate of Achievement

Alex Morgan

For outstanding work in the Foundations of Design program

Morgan LeeProgram Director
18 September 2026Date awarded

Actually free Unlimited seals and downloads, no watermark.
Private by default Drawn in your browser, never uploaded.
Print-ready Transparent PNG up to 2400 px, or a vector SVG.

What to write on a certificate seal

Most certificate seals have three short parts: the issuing organization around the top, the award or purpose around the bottom, and a symbol, year, or initials in the center. Keep each ring to roughly 12 to 28 characters so it stays readable when the seal is printed about 2 inches wide.

CertificateTop ringBottom ringCenter
Course completionBright AcademyCourse CompletedCheck mark
Employee awardNorthwind LogisticsEmployee of the YearStar
GraduationBright AcademyClass of 2026Graduation cap
Event attendanceDesign Summit 2026Certificate of AttendanceLaurel wreath
MembershipRiverside Rowing ClubMember Since 2026Initials (RRC)
CompetitionScience Fair 2026First PlaceLaurel wreath with “1st”

How to add a seal to a certificate

  1. Write the seal text. Put the issuing organization on top and the award, program, or year on the bottom. Only use a name you have the right to use.
  2. Match the style to the award. Gold suits top honors, silver and bronze suit second and third place, and a custom color ties the seal to your brand. The stamp style fits simpler, informal documents.
  3. Download a transparent PNG. The 1200 px file prints sharply up to 4 inches wide at 300 DPI. Choose the SVG for professional printing or very large formats.
  4. Place it near the bottom. Insert the image in Canva, Word, Google Docs, or Google Slides and set it between the signature and the date, about 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide. In Word, set the picture’s text wrapping to “In front of text” so you can move it freely.

Need the rest of the certificate? Design one with the free certificate maker, create a signature, or add a verification QR code.

Beyond the seal

A seal makes it look official. Verification makes it trustworthy.

Anyone can copy a seal image onto a fake certificate. CertificateJoy gives every certificate you issue a unique ID, a hosted verification page, and a QR code, so employers and clients can confirm it is real in seconds. See how to verify a digital certificate.

Issue verifiable certificates

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a seal for a certificate?

Type your organization’s name for the top of the seal and the award or purpose for the bottom, then pick a center symbol, an edge style, and a color. Download the seal as a transparent PNG or SVG and place it near the bottom of the certificate, between the signature and the date, in Canva, Word, Google Docs, or any design tool.

Does the seal have a transparent background?

Yes. PNG downloads have a transparent background, so the seal sits cleanly on any certificate color or pattern. The SVG is a vector file that stays sharp at any size. Its lettering uses Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier New, so choose the PNG if your design app swaps in a different font.

What size should a seal be on a certificate?

On a US Letter or A4 certificate, seals are usually about 1.5 to 2.5 inches (40 to 65 mm) wide. For print at 300 DPI, a 2-inch seal needs 600 × 600 pixels, so the default 1200 px PNG prints sharply up to 4 inches wide. Use the SVG for larger prints.

Where does the seal go on a certificate?

The most common spot is the bottom center, between the signature and the date. A lower corner also works, especially for a seal with ribbon tails. Keep the seal clear of the recipient’s name and the signature so both stay easy to read.

Can I make a notary, government, or university seal with this tool?

No. This tool is for decorative award and recognition seals that carry your own organization’s name. Notary seals must follow the rules of the state or country that commissioned the notary, and government, court, and university seals are protected. Recreating them without authorization can be illegal. This is general information, not legal advice.

Does a seal make a certificate official or verifiable?

No. A seal gives a certificate a formal look, but anyone can copy a seal image. What lets people check a certificate is a record the issuer controls: a unique certificate ID, a verification page, and a QR code that links to it. CertificateJoy adds all three to every certificate you issue.

Can I print the seal as a gold foil sticker or an embossed seal?

For a foil-like look, print the PNG on metallic or gold sticker paper. For real foil stamping or a custom embosser, give the SVG to a print shop or seal supplier, since both need a plate or die made from your artwork.

Is this seal maker free for commercial use?

Yes. It is free with no signup, watermark, or attribution, and you can use your seals on certificates you give away or sell. Only put a name on a seal if you have the right to use it.

Is anything I type uploaded?

No. The seal is drawn and exported in your browser. The text you type and the seals you make are not uploaded to or stored on any server.