What is The Best Font for a Certificate? [2024 Update] - Hague Group (2024)

People most likely want to proudly display their hard-earned certificates, so this is something that should always be considered when designing them. From the certificate printing paper used to the typeface and ink, each of these elements will give the certificate a certain look and feel.

Above all it’s about finding a style that suits your organisation, and a font can help you to do just that. There are a wide range of fonts used in certificates but here is a rundown of a few different font styles you could use.

Fonts for Certificates: The Different Types:

Old fashioned fonts for Certificates

If you want your certificates to look traditional, you might want to choose an old fashioned style font. Old English Regular font is about as traditional as a font comes, based on the medieval ‘Blackletter’ style used throughout Western Europe from around the mid-12th century.

These font styles give certificates a prestigious feel and can be favoured by higher academic institutions to use in degree certificates.

Informal cursive fonts for Certificates

Cursive font, otherwise known as script fonts, are designed to represent handwriting. They are often conjoined, or ‘looped’, and are a less formal alternative that still look good on a certificate. They can be used by any number of organisations, although are favoured by organisations awarding non-academic awards.

Formal cursive fonts for Certificates

If you like the look of cursive fonts but want something more formal, there are options such as the Adine Kirnburg font. The looped font works well for school certificates, as it can look traditional but not rigid or old fashioned.

Classic Serif and Sans Serif Fonts for Certificates

Legibility is an important factor to consider when designing certificates. If there is a lot of text, such as a long descriptive section, it needs to be easy to read even if the font is quite small.

Classic fonts including Baskerville, Caslon and Garamond all ensure certificates look traditional but can still be easily read and are a great font to use for the certificate name.

What is The Best Font for Certificate of Appreciation?

Selecting the best font for a Certificate of Appreciation involves considering readability, formality, and the overall tone you wish to convey. The goal is to choose a font that reflects the significance of the achievement or recognition while being elegant and easy to read. Here are some widely recommended fonts for certificates of appreciation, categorized by type:

Serif Fonts

Serif fonts are often associated with traditional and formal documents, making them a popular choice for certificates.

• Garamond: Its classic and timeless look is perfect for a sophisticated certificate.
• Times New Roman: A traditional choice that conveys formality and respect.
• Baskerville: Known for its elegant and professional appearance.

Script Fonts

Script fonts can add a touch of elegance and personalisation, often used for names or titles.

• Great Vibes: Offers an elegant, flowing script that adds a personal touch.
• Edwardian Script: This is quite formal and decorative, suitable for more ornate certificates.
• Scriptina: Provides a sophisticated flair with its intricate curves.

Sans-serif Fonts

For a modern and clean look, sans-serif fonts can be an excellent choice, especially for more contemporary certificates.

• Helvetica: Known for its readability and simplicity, it’s suitable for a clean, modern design.
• Calibri: A more modern feel that’s still very legible and clean.
• Futura: Offers a geometric appearance that’s both stylish and professional.

Tips for Choosing a Font

• Combining Fonts: You can combine fonts to achieve a balance between readability and aesthetics. For instance, use a serif or script font for the name or title and a sans-serif font for the rest of the text.
• Legibility: Ensure the font is easy to read, especially from a distance, as certificates are often displayed.
• Match the Occasion: The font should reflect the level of formality and the field of achievement. For example, a more decorative script might be suitable for a creative field, while a traditional serif may be better for academic achievements.

What is The Best Font for Certificate Name?

When it comes to the specific section of the certificate name, which often highlights the recipient’s name or the award title, choosing a font that is both prominent and elegant is crucial. This choice should ensure the name stands out as a focal point of the certificate while maintaining the overall aesthetic and formality of the document.

You could go for a nice, flowing script font such as Edwardian Script or Great Vibes for a formal appearance. Or, for an air of timelessness, you could go for a Serif font such as Garamond. Alternatively, you could think outside the box and go for a memorable option such as Pinyon Script or Zapfino.

Tips for Choosing a Font for the Certificate Name

• Legibility: Ensure the font you choose is legible, especially for script and decorative fonts, as names need to be clearly readable.
• Font Size: The name should be one of the most prominent elements on the certificate, so consider using a larger font size for this section.
• Consistency: While the name can be in a different font or style, ensure it harmonizes with the overall design and other text elements on the certificate.
• Test Print: Always print a test copy of the certificate to check that the font looks as good on paper as it does on screen, particularly for intricate script fonts.

Further tips for general font usage on certificate printing paper:

• Try to avoid using all capitals with old fashioned and cursive fonts
• Use three or less typeface styles on a single certificate (not including your logo)
• Always make sure the certificate is formatted properly, and watch your character and word spacing

If you’d like to discuss your certificate requirements contact us and one of our expert team will arrange a free consultation. We have over 30 years’ experience in certificate printing services for some of the world’s most respected institutions and organisations, so can help you to find a look and feel you’re truly happy with.

Last Updated: 11th March 2024, 13:21