> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://everyday-digital.gitbook.io/pathways-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://everyday-digital.gitbook.io/pathways-docs/pathway-editor/certificates.md). # Certificates Pathway certificates are pre-designed certificates that can be created in **Certificates** and assigned to a **Certificate Activity** within a pathway. They are typically used to reward learners when they reach a specific point in a pathway, such as the end of a course or learning sequence. Pathway certificates also support advanced customisation options, including: * **Presented By** * **Icon Title** * **Custom Icon** * **Icon Scale** {% hint style="info" %} Note: Advanced customisation options apply only to pathway certificates. {% endhint %} ## Usage Use pathway certificates to recognise learner progress or completion within a pathway. Common uses include: * Awarding a certificate at the end of a pathway * Rewarding completion of a series of learning activities * Hiding certificates until they are earned * Customising certificate branding to match your organisation or partner branding Certificates are pre-designed templates and automatically adopt the same colour palette as the **Pathway Level**. ## Quick Steps 1. Open **Pathways** and select **Certificates**. 2. Select the **+** icon. 3. Enter a **title** and **description** for the certificate. 4. Save the certificate. 5. Open the pathway where you want to use it. 6. Insert a [**Certificate Activity**](/pathways-docs/pathway-editor/pathway-activities/certificate-activity.md) and assign the certificate. 7. Optional: update the certificate’s **Advanced Options** to customise branding. 8. Save and preview the pathway. {% embed url="" %} How to create and assign a certificate {% endembed %} *** ## In Depth ### What certificates are In **Certificates**, you can create certificates that can then be assigned to a **Certificate Activity** in a pathway. These certificates are intended to be used as pathway rewards and are usually placed at a meaningful milestone, most commonly at the end of a sequence of content or at the end of the pathway itself. ### How certificates are earned Certificates are earned when a user reaches the **Certificate Activity** placed in the pathway. Typically, this means: * The learner has completed the required content leading up to that point * The certificate is awarded as they reach the certificate step in the pathway Certificates are often used as a final reward, but they can also be placed at intermediate milestones if needed. ### Hidden certificates Certificates can be hidden from the user’s view. When a certificate is hidden: * The user will not see the certificate in the pathway ahead of time * The certificate is only revealed when the user reaches that point in the pathway This is useful when you want the certificate to feel like a reward or completion outcome rather than something visible from the start. #### How to create a certificate To create a certificate: 1. Open **Pathways** 2. Select **Certificates** 3. Select the **+** icon 4. Enter a **title** and **description** 5. Select **Save** Once saved, the certificate can be assigned to a **Certificate Activity** in a pathway. #### How to assign a certificate to a pathway To use a certificate in a pathway: 1. Open the relevant pathway 2. Add or open a **Certificate Activity** 3. Select the certificate you want to assign 4. Save your changes The certificate will then be awarded when the learner reaches that activity in the pathway. #### Certificate appearance Certificates use pre-designed templates and will adopt the same colour palette as the **Pathway Level**. This means the certificate will align visually with the rest of the pathway without requiring manual design changes. *** ### Advanced Customisation Options When you update a pathway certificate, you will now see **Advanced Options**. These options allow you to customise certificate branding in more detail. Available advanced options include: * **Presented By** * **Icon Title** * **Custom Icon** * **Icon Scale** #### Presented By The **Presented By** field changes the default account name shown on the certificate. Use this if you want the certificate to display: * a different organisation name * a team or department name * a partner or client name #### Icon Title The **Icon Title** field controls the text shown with the icon. By default, this uses the **app name**, but it can be customised. If you want the icon title to appear blank, enter a **single space**. Use this option when you want to: * Rename the icon label * Simplify the certificate layout * Hide the text while still showing the icon #### Custom Icon The **Custom Icon** option allows you to upload your own PNG image to appear on the certificate. Supported image shapes include: Square, Landscape, or Portrait. {% hint style="info" %} **Format and Size**\ It is recommended to use **PNG** files only. 1024 pixels on the longest side. This helps ensure the image fits neatly on the certificate.\ \ **Cropping Guidance**\ It is very important to crop the logo to the edges of the image. For the best result, crop the image tightly to the logo or artwork and remove unnecessary padding around the edges. {% endhint %} #### Icon Scale The **Icon Scale** setting controls how large the icon appears on the certificate. Available options are: * **None: S**hows no icon and no icon text on the certificate. * **Small:** Scales the icon to about **25% smaller** than standard. * **Standard:** Displays the icon at **100%** size. * **Large:** Displays the icon at **200%** size. * **Extra Large:** Displays the icon at **300%** size. **Choosing the best scale** Different image shapes often suit different scale settings: * **Vertical / portrait icons** are often best with **Extra Large** * **Landscape icons** often suit **Large**, and sometimes **Extra Large** * **Square icons** often work well at **Standard** or **Large** If the icon still looks too small after scaling, check whether the uploaded image has extra space around it. Tight cropping will make the scaling much more effective.