Want to automatically create a certificate in WordPress from form entries? This WordPress PDF Certificate Generator lets you do just that, and so much more!
Approximate read time: 4 minutes
Wondering how you can use a form to instantly fill in a PDF certificate for you? Maybe you’re looking to create something that looks like this:
There are a few different ways to create a PDF certificate like the above:
- ⛔ The hard way: using PHP, CSS, and HTML code.
- ✅ The easy way: using a PDF plugin!
No matter what kind of PDF certificate you’d like to create, this article will guide you through the why and how of using a WordPress PDF certificate generator to achieve your goals.
Why use a WordPress PDF certificate plugin?
You can make a PDF certificate with PHP, but it can be tricky and you’ll need to do some coding. PHP certificate templates can help, but if you don’t want to or don’t know how to code, you’re better off using a certificate plugin.
A WordPress PDF certificate generator like Formidable Forms, Gravity Forms, Gravity PDF, WP Courseware, or Learndash Certificate Builder can make it fast and simple to create and style downloadable certificates.
But these WordPress plugins aren’t all created equal!
Formidable Forms is the best way to automatically generate custom PDFs from form submissions in WordPress.
Thanks to Formidable’s drag-and-drop PDF editor, pre-built PDF templates, and advanced form features, you can create a custom PDF certificate in just a few clicks.
Add a branded header and footer, automatically insert forms data including signatures, change the layout, colors, fonts, and more.
How to use a WordPress PDF certificate generator
To start creating PDF certificates on your WordPress site, you’ll first need to download and activate the Formidable Forms plugin. This is the perfect WordPress PDF certificate generator for you.
Step 1: Install the Formidable PDF and Views add-ons
In the left sidebar of your WordPress dashboard, go to Formidable → Add-Ons.
Install and activate both PDFs and Visual Views. These powerful add-ons, along with loads of other amazing features, are both part of Formidable Forms Business Plan.
Don’t have Formidable Forms Pro yet?
Get Our PDF Certificate Generator now!
Step 2: Create a form to fill in your certificate
Next, use our WordPress form builder to create the form that will automatically fill in your PDF certificate. This is the easiest WordPress PDF certificate generator for anyone to use.
From your WordPress dashboard, select Formidable → Forms and click Add New.
Use our Certificate template to get everything you need to start right away.
Prefer to create a form from scratch? Choose the Blank Form option to use our drag-and-drop form builder to create your custom form.
Add whatever fields you want to use in your certificate and customize them however you like by changing the names, descriptions, colors, fonts, and more.
Step 3: Customize your certificate
Once your form is ready, go to Views to edit or create your certificate. Add New to generate a custom WordPress PDF or Edit an existing form if you’re using our certificate template.
You can then insert or modify the text and content fields to include your logo, business name, and more.
You can also automatically insert data from your form entries by clicking + in the PDF builder, then selecting the appropriate shortcode from the options in the lower right corner of the builder.
Step 4: Publish your PDF certificate
All that’s left is to copy the shortcode and insert it on any WordPress post or page where you’d like to let the user download their certificate. Insert a link to download the certificate or create a PDF button.
You can also send the PDF certificate as an email attachment as soon as a user submits your form.
Just use the shortcode
[frm-pdf id=x]wherever you want your downloadable PDF certificate to appear, replacing the “x” with the ID number provided in your certificate builder.
You can even copy/paste the certificate shortcode into the actions for your forms to instantly send your PDF file as an email attachment.
Do even more with Formidable Forms
Not only can you create a certificate or generate a PDF from a form in WordPress with Formidable Forms, but it also lets you easily make any forms or PDFs you need. This is the easiest WordPress PDF certificate generator on the market today.
Use a contact form to stay in touch with your customers, a registration form so new users can sign up for your member website, and more.
By the way, we’ve got PDF documentation and plenty more in our Knowledge Base. Plus, our top-notch support team is standing by to assist if you ever hit a snag! And if you feel more comfortable dipping your toe in the water, give our free version a try to get your feet wet!
Eager to learn how else Formidable Forms can help your business? Try Formidable Pro risk-free for 14 days and discover all the useful features of our WordPress form plugin.
And be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for more online form fun!
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