Step One: Decide Who Is Being Thanked
Before you open the editor, write down three things: the name of the person, the reason you are thanking them, and who will sign. This certificate has places for all three, so having them ready makes the job a five minute task. It is a good design for staff, volunteers, coaches and sponsors, because the thumbs up medal says thank you in a language everyone understands.
Step Two: Look at the Layout
The certificate is Letter size landscape, 11 x 8.5 inches. A navy panel covers the top, cut at an angle, with a thin gold line along its lower edge. In its right corner sits a white LOGO and slogan placeholder. On the left, a vertical navy ribbon hangs from the top, ending in a swallow tail, and a round white medal in a navy ring is pinned to it. Inside the medal is a thumbs up icon. A deep gold wave sweeps along the bottom edge, with a navy and grey line above it.
In the centre, CERTIFICATE is printed in navy slab capitals, with of appreciation below it between two short dashes. Next comes This certificate is proudly presented to, and the recipient name in gold capitals on a navy banner with notched ends. The sample reads MARTHA WILIAMS. A short paragraph follows, and the Date and Signature lines complete the page. Fonts include PT Serif, Bitter and Merriweather.
Step Three: Fill In the Name Banner
The name sits on a navy ribbon banner, so long names need a little care. If a name is very long, reduce the font size slightly so that it fits inside the notched ends. Capitals read well here, but mixed case is fine for names like McDonnell. Check the spelling twice. A misspelt name on a certificate is the one mistake that people remember.
Step Four: Write the Paragraph
Keep it to three lines. Say what the person did and thank them for it. Use plain language. Avoid stacking adjectives. One sincere sentence is better than three formal ones.
Step Five: Replace the Logo
Click the white LOGO placeholder and replace it with your organisation’s logo. A white or light logo suits the navy panel. If you do not have a light logo, place a small white box behind a dark one.
Step Six: Print
- Use matte paper of 120 to 160 gsm, or light card stock of 200 gsm.
- Print one test copy to see how the navy and gold look.
- Print at the best quality setting.
- Sign in blue or black ink on the Signature line.
The design leaves generous white space in the middle, which helps if you want to handwrite a short personal note above the signature.
Ways to Use the Ribbon Medal
The thumbs up medal on the ribbon is a friendly, informal symbol. It suits teams, clubs and community groups that prefer a warm tone to a formal one. If you present certificates in a meeting, pin a real ribbon or a small badge to the certificate for a playful touch.
Where to Look Next
For a similar thumbs up theme in gold and charcoal, see the gold curve certificate of appreciation. For an employee focused design in red and gold, try the employee appreciation certificate. More are in appreciation and award certificates.
