Certly vs Canva

Canva gives you a design workspace and Bulk Create on eligible plans. Certly starts with a finished image and a list. Use the route that fits how you want to make and share the files.

You do not have to edit every name by hand. Compare Canva’s data-linked designs with Certly’s local PDFs and optional Gmail delivery.

Generate from your Canva designSee how it works

Feature-by-feature comparison

Both can personalize a batch. The differences are the editor, where generation happens, and how you deliver the result.

Certly vs Canva feature comparison
FeatureCertlyCanva
Bulk certificate generationPersonalized PDFs from CSV or SheetsBulk Create on eligible plans
Bulk email deliveryYes — via your own Gmail (OAuth)Separate from Bulk Create
Import CSV / Google SheetsYes — auto-detected headersCSV/XLSX with Bulk Create
Certificate designUpload PNG/JPG (design in Canva first)Design editor and template library
Participant data privacyLocal PDFs; API for Sheets and GmailStored on Canva cloud servers
CostFreeFree tier + Canva Pro required for some features
Account requiredNoYes
Time for 200 certificatesDepends on device and deliveryDepends on design and workflow

How to use Canva and Certly together

The best workflow uses both tools for what each does well.

  1. 1

    Design your certificate in Canva

    Create your certificate in Canva with all static elements: borders, logos, titles, and signature lines. Leave the participant name area blank.

  2. 2

    Export from Canva as PNG or JPG

    Download your design from Canva as PNG (recommended) or JPG. This becomes your certificate template in Certly.

  3. 3

    Import your participant list

    Upload a CSV file or paste a public Google Sheets URL with participant names and emails.

  4. 4

    Place text fields on the template

    Drag the name and any other fields onto the certificate canvas exactly where you want them to appear.

  5. 5

    Generate and send in bulk

    Click Generate to create all personalized PDFs locally in your browser, then send via Gmail or download as a ZIP.

When to use each tool

Choose Certly when:

  • You have 10+ certificates to generate
  • You need to email certificates to each participant
  • You want local generation from CSV and a ZIP download
  • Budget is zero
  • You already have a certificate design (from Canva or elsewhere)
  • You want to import from CSV or Google Sheets

Stick with Canva when:

  • You need to design a certificate from scratch
  • You want Bulk Create within the design editor
  • You need advanced visual design elements
  • You want a design template library to browse
  • Team collaboration on the design itself matters

Questions / Answers

Canva vs Certly FAQ

Common questions about using both tools

Can Canva generate certificates in bulk automatically?

Yes. Canva has Bulk Create on eligible plans, with fields connected to rows of data. Certly is another route when you have an exported image and want local PDF generation.

What is the difference between Certly and Canva for certificates?

Canva includes design editing and Bulk Create on eligible plans. Certly starts from a finished PNG or JPG, makes personalized PDFs in your browser, and offers ZIP or Gmail delivery.

Can I use my Canva certificate design with Certly?

Yes. Leave the changing details blank and export a PNG or JPG. In Certly, place fields in those areas and preview a few names before generating.

Is Certly free compared to Canva?

Certly is free, with no account needed for generation. Canva has free and paid plans; check its current plan details for Bulk Create.

Where does Certly make the PDFs?

In your browser, using the image and rows saved on this device. Public Sheets import and Gmail delivery use the API; a CSV-to-ZIP batch needs no roster upload.

How long does it take to send 200 certificates using Canva vs Certly?

There is no reliable fixed comparison. Canva Bulk Create avoids individual name edits too. In Certly, timing depends on the image, device, preview work, and Gmail delivery.

Keep the design you already like.

Export a PNG or JPG. Bring your recipient list and preview the details before generating.

Open certificate tool — free

Keep reading

Related workflows and answers from the rest of the site.