This article provides information about the Certificate Generation feature in QR Mark. It covers how to design certificate templates, create programs, and issue certificates — individually or in bulk — with unique QR codes for instant verification.
QR Mark's Certificate Generation feature lets users design custom certificate layouts, define dynamic data fields, and issue certificates to recipients at any scale. Each certificate gets a unique, scannable QR code that links to a public verification page, making authenticity checks instant and easy.
A. Create a Certificate Template
A certificate template defines the visual layout and the dynamic data fields (called attributes) that will be personalised per recipient. Templates are created once and reused across multiple issuance batches.
To access the template editor:
Templates > Certificates > Create Certificate Design
The editor opens with an auto-generated name based on the current date. The interface includes a canvas on the left and a panel of design tools on the right.
Orientation
Under the Templates panel, choose between Portrait (595 × 842 pt) or Landscape (842 × 595 pt). Landscape is the more common choice for certificates.
Design Tools Available
The right-side panel has eight tools:
- Templates — Orientation toggle and pre-made layouts (coming soon)
- Uploads — Upload logos, photos, or other image assets
- Elements — Lines and shapes (squares, circles, triangles, stars, diamonds — filled and outlined)
- Text — Add headings, subheadings, body text, or pre-styled text combinations
- Frames — Add a QR code frame with a Scan to Verify label; three styles are available, with an option to create a custom frame
- Attributes — Define dynamic data placeholders (e.g., candidate name, course name, issue date)
- Background — Set a fill color, upload a background image, or use a preset
- Layers — View, toggle visibility, or delete any element on the canvas
Adding Attributes
Attributes are the personalisation fields that get replaced with real recipient data at generation time. A default candidate_name attribute (marked Required) is always present.
To add a new attribute:
- Open the Attributes panel
- Click + Add Attributes
- Enter a name (15-character maximum)
- Optionally check Required to make the field mandatory
- Click Save
The attribute is placed on the canvas as a placeholder tag in the format [attribute.name].
Naming and Saving
Click the name field in the top bar to rename the template (e.g., "Certificate of Achievement Template"), then click Save. Once saved, a Download Attribute CSV button appears — this downloads a pre-structured CSV file with all attribute column headers, ready to be filled in for bulk issuance.
B. Manage Certificate Templates
Navigation path: Templates > Certificates
All saved templates appear as cards in the Certificates tab. Each card shows:
- A thumbnail preview of the design (click to open a full-screen preview)
- Template name, creation date, and Template ID (format: cd_temp_DDMMYYYYHHMMSS)
- Edit button — reopens the template in the design editor
- ⋮ menu — provides Delete and Download Attribute CSV options
C. Create a Program
Before issuing certificates, a Program must be set up. Programs act as folders that group certificates by course, event, or any other category.
Navigation path: Certificates > Create Program
Fill in the following fields:
- Program Name (required) — a descriptive name for the program
- Description (optional) — additional context about the program
Click Create Program. A confirmation message will appear: "Program Created — Your certificate program was created successfully."
The new program appears in the Certificates table with a unique Program ID (format: PRG-YYYY-MM-XXXX), along with a count of issued certificates and the creation date.
D. Generate a Single Certificate
Single certificate generation is ideal for issuing one certificate at a time with a quick form.
Navigation path: Certificates > Create Certificates
The wizard has three steps:
Step 1 — Choose Template
All saved templates are listed. Click Continue on the desired template to proceed.
Step 2 — Choose Generation Mode
Select Single Certificate, then click Continue. A slide-in panel appears with the following fields:
- Program (required) — select the program the certificate belongs to
- Custom Domain (required) — the domain that will host the public verification URL
- Certificate Name (required) — a descriptive label for this certificate instance
- Certificate Details — one input field per attribute defined in the template (e.g., candidate name, course name, issue date)
Fill in all fields and click Generate Certificate.
Step 3 — Certificate Generated
The success screen displays:
- Certificate ID (format: CERT-YYYY-MM-XXXXX)
- Verification URL on the custom domain (e.g., https://example.domain/XXXX) — with copy and open buttons
- Download Certificate button — downloads the certificate as a PDF
- Create Another Certificate button — restarts the flow
E. Generate Bulk Certificates
Bulk certificate generation supports 10 to 10,000 certificates at once using a CSV file.
Navigation path: Certificates > Create Certificates
Follow Steps 1 and 2 of the wizard (same as single generation), then select Bulk Certificates and click Continue. A Bulk Certificate Setup panel appears.
Workflow:
- Download the attribute CSV from the panel — it contains column headers matching all attributes defined in the template
- Open the CSV and fill in one row per recipient
- Upload the completed CSV back into the panel using the drag-and-drop upload zone
- Click Continue — the system validates and processes all certificates simultaneously
Inline editing and validation features allow reviewing and correcting data before final generation.
F. Manage Issued Certificates
Navigation path: Certificates > (eye icon on any Program row)
A slide-in panel lists all certificates within that program. The table includes:
- Certificate ID
- Certificate Name
- Created By and Created On
- Action buttons: Download PDF, Open Verification URL, Delete
Clicking the expand arrow (▶) on any row reveals inline details, including the Program ID, Design Template ID, Verification URL, and a full table of attribute values used for that certificate.
A search bar at the top of the panel allows searching for specific certificates within the program.
G. Certificate Verification
Every generated certificate has a unique public verification URL (e.g., https://example.domain/XXXX). This URL is also embedded as a QR code in the certificate's QR frame element.
Anyone who scans the QR code or visits the URL can view and verify the certificate's authenticity — no login required.
If you have any questions, you can see more topics in this knowledge base or reach out to the customer relations team at support@qrmark.com.