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If you're issuing certificates for course completions, training programs, or events, you've probably looked at Certifier.io. It's a solid platform, but once you start scaling, you'll hit the annual certificate limits, and the pricing adds up fast.

With Orshot, you get a certificate generation API with no annual caps, lower costs, and complete design flexibility. You can test it right now with our free certificate generator - no signup needed.

Try Orshot Free (60 renders, no card needed)

Is This You?

You might be looking for a Certifier alternative if:

  • You're hitting annual certificate limits and don't want to upgrade to an expensive tier
  • You need to generate 1,000+ certificates per month and Certifier's pricing doesn't make sense
  • Your certificate designs look too templated and you want more control
  • You need multi-page certificates (course booklets, detailed credentials) that Certifier can't create
  • You're a developer who wants full API control over certificate generation
  • You want to automate from Google Sheets or your existing LMS without complex integrations
  • You're paying for add-ons (premium branding, custom fonts) that should be included

How Orshot Solves These Problems

What You NeedOrshotCertifier
No certificate limitsPer-render pricing, generate as many as you needAnnual limits (250 free, then capped)
Affordable at scale$30/month for 3,000 renders$67/month for ~1,000/month
Professional designsCanva/Figma-like Orshot StudioBasic certificate builder
Multi-page certificatesYes, carousel templates for bookletsNo
Import existing designsClone from Canva, Import from FigmaStart from scratch
Custom fontsIncluded in all plansAdvanced plan only ($339/mo)
Google Sheets automationBuilt-in via n8n or MakeRequires workarounds
Full API controlDynamic parameters, any element customizableStandard API
Video certificatesMP4/WebM/GIF generationNo

For Developers: The Certificate API

If you're integrating certificate generation into your app or LMS, here's what the API looks like:

const response = await fetch("https://api.orshot.com/v1/studio/render", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    Authorization: "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY",
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    templateId: "your_certificate_template_id",
    modifications: {
      recipientName: "John Smith",
      courseName: "Advanced JavaScript",
      completionDate: "December 24, 2025",
      certificateId: "CERT-2025-001",
    },
    response: {
      format: "pdf",
    },
  }),
});

Every template becomes an API endpoint. Pass in recipient name, course details, date - get back a PDF or PNG. Full API docs here.

For Non-Developers: Automate from Google Sheets

Don't want to write code? Connect your spreadsheet directly to certificate generation using n8n or Make.

Here's the workflow:

  1. Add recipient data to Google Sheets
  2. n8n triggers on new row
  3. Orshot generates the certificate
  4. PDF link appears in your sheet

Step-by-step tutorial here.

Design Certificates That Don't Look Generic

Orshot Studio works like Canva or Figma:

  • Upload your own fonts - Match your brand typography (included free, Certifier charges $339/mo for this)
  • Smart Stacking - Elements auto-adjust when names are longer or shorter
  • Save brand assets - Reuse logos, colors across all templates
  • Make any element dynamic - Change text, images, colors via API

Need multi-page certificates? Create course booklets or detailed credentials with carousel templates.

What Will You Save?

Your VolumeWith CertifierWith OrshotYou Save
250 certs/yearFree (limited)Free (all features)Features
1,000 certs/month$67/month$30/month$444/year
5,000 certs/month$209/month$75/monthSignificant

Plus, you stop paying for add-ons. Custom fonts, premium templates, bulk generation - all included.

Who Uses Orshot for Certificates?

Course creators & educators - Generate completion certificates automatically when students finish. Connect to Teachable, Thinkific, or your custom LMS via API.

Corporate training teams - Issue compliance certificates, training completions, and onboarding credentials. Bulk generate from HR spreadsheets.

Event organizers - Participation certificates for webinars, conferences, workshops. Use Dynamic URLs so attendees can generate their own.

Certification programs - Professional badges and credentials. Export as PNG for LinkedIn, PDF for printing.

Switching from Certifier Takes ~30 Minutes

Step 1: Recreate your template (15-20 min)

Open Orshot Studio and rebuild your certificate design. Or take a shortcut:

Step 2: Update your integration (10 min)

If you're using Zapier or Make, swap the Certifier action for Orshot. Same data mapping concept.

For API integration, update the endpoint. See the API docs.

Step 3: Test and go live

Generate a few test certificates. If something looks off, tweak in Studio. Most people are fully switched within an hour.

Start with a Template

Don't want to design from scratch? Pick a certificate template and customize:

Browse more certificate templates

Connect to Your Existing Tools

Orshot integrates with everything you're already using:

  • n8n - Free, open-source automation (Google Sheets tutorial)
  • Make - Visual workflows (integration guide)
  • Zapier - 5,000+ app connections
  • Direct API - For custom integrations
  • Dynamic URLs - Generate via URL parameters, no code needed
  • CLI - Batch generate from command line

Common Questions

How many certificates can I generate?
No limits. You pay per render. Generate 100 or 100,000 - same pricing model.

Can I add verification QR codes?
Yes. Add a QR code element to your template. Generate unique certificate IDs via API and encode them in the QR.

What formats do you support?
PDF (for printing), PNG/JPG/WebP (for digital sharing), even MP4 for animated certificates.

Can I use my own fonts?
Yes, on all plans. Upload any font file. Certifier restricts this to their $339/mo tier.

Is there a free trial?
60 free renders, all features included. No credit card required. Start here.

Ready to Switch?

  1. Try it nowFree Certificate Generator (no signup)
  2. Sign up60 free renders, all features included
  3. Migrate your template → 15-30 minutes in Studio
  4. Connect your workflow → Same integrations you're already using

Questions? Use the chat button or email us. We'll help you migrate.

Get Started Free →

Automate marketing with Orshot!

"My brands can now post 100 times per day on auto-pilot thanks to Orshot"
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Elciudadano.cl
CreatorCore
Mihai Cirstea
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