Summary: After dozens of test prints during development -- home inkjets, office lasers, print-shop kiosks, and online services -- we found that paper choice matters far more than the printer. Standard copy paper makes any certificate look cheap; heavyweight matte stock (65-80 lb cover / 176-216 gsm) transforms even a budget inkjet's output into something worth framing. This guide compares four printing methods (home, AirPrint, print shop, professional services), walks through paper selection, and covers the print settings that actually affect output quality.
What We Learned from Dozens of Test Prints
Building this app meant testing the printing pipeline across a range of setups -- home inkjets, office lasers, and print-shop kiosks -- with various paper types.
The single most important finding: the paper matters more than the printer. A gold-frame template printed on standard 20 lb copy paper looks like a photocopy. The same file printed on 65 lb cover stock matte paper looks like an award you would frame. The printer model, the ink technology, the colour profile -- these all matter, but the paper is what the recipient actually holds and judges.
This guide covers four printing methods, from fastest to fanciest, with honest assessments of each. Before you print, make sure the wording is finalized -- our certificate wording guide has ready-to-use templates for every occasion.
Method 1: Home Printer
If you already have a printer, this is the fastest path. Export the certificate as a PNG from Award Certificate Creator, load decent paper, and print. Total time: under five minutes. If you have not created your certificate yet, our guide to making certificates on iPhone covers the full design workflow.
What You Need
- Any inkjet or laser printer -- consumer inkjets (Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank, HP ENVY) handle colour certificates well. Laser printers produce sharper text and smudge-proof output but sometimes render gold tones slightly differently
- Heavyweight paper -- this is the variable that matters most (covered in detail below)
- The certificate image -- Award Certificate Creator exports high-resolution PNGs
Print Settings That Actually Matter
These are the settings we found made a visible difference during testing.
- Quality: "Best" or "High" -- standard/draft modes reduce ink output, which makes gold borders and decorative elements look washed out. The extra 30 seconds of print time is worth it
- Paper type: match the setting to the actual paper -- printing on matte paper with the driver set to "Plain Paper" causes the wrong ink volume, leading to bleeding or dullness. This setting is easy to overlook and directly affects the result
- Borderless: test first -- borderless mode slightly crops the edges on most printers. If your design has a decorative border, the crop can cut into it. Print one test on plain paper before using your good stock
- Do not touch it immediately -- inkjet prints on matte paper need 30-60 seconds to fully dry. Stack them too soon and you will get ink transfer
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant -- print in minutes | Requires owning a printer |
| Reprint and revise freely | Colour varies by model |
| Full control over paper (biggest advantage) | Running out of ink mid-batch is a real risk |
| Low per-page cost (ink + paper) | Most home printers limited to Letter/A4 |
Method 2: AirPrint from iPhone
This is the workflow we designed the app around. Create the certificate in Award Certificate Creator, tap Share, tap Print. No file export, no computer, no USB cable. The certificate goes straight from your phone to the printer over Wi-Fi.
How It Works with the App
Award Certificate Creator has AirPrint built in. From the preview screen, tap the share button, select "Print," choose your printer, and go. The entire design-to-print workflow stays on your iPhone.
Compatible Printers
Most Wi-Fi printers made after 2015 support AirPrint. The major brands:
- Canon -- PIXMA, MAXIFY series
- Epson -- Expression, WorkForce, EcoTank series
- HP -- ENVY, OfficeJet, LaserJet series
- Brother -- most wireless models
Apple maintains a full list of AirPrint-compatible printers on their support site. For step-by-step instructions, see Apple's guide on printing from iPhone or iPad. If you are unsure whether your printer supports AirPrint, check your printer's settings menu or the manufacturer's website.
Steps
- Connect your iPhone and printer to the same Wi-Fi network (different networks = printer not found, which is the most common support question we get)
- Create your certificate in the app
- Tap Share, then Print
- Select your printer, set copies and paper size
AirPrint Quirks
- Paper type settings -- AirPrint does not always let you specify matte vs. glossy from the iOS print dialog. If your printer has its own companion app (Canon PRINT, Epson iPrint, HP Smart), use that instead for finer control
- Printer not showing up -- 90% of the time, the iPhone and printer are on different networks. If they are on the same network and it still does not appear, power-cycle the printer
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No computer needed -- iPhone only | Needs an AirPrint-compatible printer |
| Direct from app -- no file management | Requires Wi-Fi |
| Fastest design-to-print workflow | Fine-tuning paper type may require manufacturer app |
Method 3: Office Supply Store or Print Shop
No printer at home? FedEx Office, Staples, UPS Store, and local print shops all offer colour printing with various paper options. This is the practical fallback for most people.
Self-Service Kiosks
- Preparation -- export the certificate as a PNG from Award Certificate Creator, then bring it on a USB drive, email it, or upload to cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Paper sizes -- Letter (8.5" x 11"), Legal, Tabloid (11" x 17")
- Paper options -- standard and cardstock at most locations; specialty papers vary
- Cost -- varies by location; check the store's current pricing before visiting
Full-Service Counter
Staff at the print counter can help with paper selection, sizing, and quality. This is useful when you want cardstock or specialty paper that is not available at the self-service station.
- FedEx Office -- colour on various stocks including heavyweight cardstock. Online upload + in-store pickup available
- Staples Print & Marketing -- premium cardstock with lamination options
- Local print shops -- often have wider paper selection and more personalised service than chains
Honest Assessment
Self-service kiosks use standard copy paper unless you specifically request cardstock. On standard paper, the certificate design prints fine but feels flimsy -- noticeably less impressive than home printing on matte card stock. If the store offers cardstock (65+ lb cover), take it. The extra cost is worth the tactile difference.
Borderless printing is generally not available on self-service machines, so expect a 3-5 mm white margin around all edges. Award Certificate Creator's templates are designed to look fine with or without this margin.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No printer needed | Higher per-page cost |
| Tabloid/A3 sizes available | Have to travel to the store |
| Cardstock and premium paper at some locations | Paper options vary by location |
| Good for one-off urgent needs | Usually no borderless option |
Method 4: Professional Print Services
For bulk orders (dozens to hundreds) or premium finishes (foil stamping, embossing), professional services make sense. For one or two certificates, they are overkill -- home printing is cheaper and faster.
Online Print Services
Upload the PNG from Award Certificate Creator, select paper and finish, and have certificates delivered.
- Vistaprint -- competitive bulk pricing, multiple paper stocks, fast turnaround
- Moo -- premium quality, design-focused, excellent paper
- PrintingForLess -- extensive paper options including linen, textured, and ultra-heavyweight stocks
Specialty Finishing
For formal ceremonies where the certificate is the centerpiece:
- Gold or silver foil stamping -- metallic foil on the title or border. Unmistakable premium look
- Embossing -- raised lettering adds a three-dimensional, tactile quality
- Hand calligraphy -- hand-written recipient names. The most formal option available
Cost and Turnaround
Pricing varies widely by provider, quantity, paper stock, and finishing options. As a general guide:
- Online (small quantity) -- a few dollars per certificate; typically ships in 2-5 business days
- Online (bulk, 50+) -- per-unit cost drops significantly; allow 3-7 business days
- Specialty finishing (foil stamping, embossing) -- substantially more per certificate; allow 1-2 weeks
Always request a quote and proof before placing a bulk order. Rush options are available from most services but add cost. Order two to three weeks before your event to allow for proofing.
Paper Is 90% of the Equation
This is worth its own section because it is the single most impactful decision you will make. The same printer, the same design, the same settings -- change only the paper, and the certificate goes from "photocopy" to "something worth framing."
Weight
Standard copy paper is 20 lb bond / 75 gsm. That is too thin for a certificate. Here is the range that works:
- 65 lb cover / 176 gsm -- noticeably thicker than copy paper. Good balance of quality and cost. Feeds through most home printers without issues
- 80 lb cover / 216 gsm (recommended) -- business-card weight. Feels substantial and professional. The sweet spot for most certificates
- 110 lb cover / 300 gsm -- true card stock. Impressive heft but may jam in consumer printers. Use the manual/rear feed tray if your printer has one, or send to a print service
Finish
- Matte -- no glare, easy to read, fingerprint-resistant, looks clean behind glass in a frame. Best all-round choice for certificates
- Glossy -- vivid colours, but shows fingerprints and reflects light in frames. Better for photo certificates or colourful children's designs than for formal awards
- Semi-gloss (satin) -- middle ground. Good colour reproduction, moderate sheen. A safe pick if you are unsure
- Linen or textured -- adds a tactile dimension. The recipient can feel the quality before reading a word. Excellent for formal corporate or academic certificates
Size
- US Letter (8.5" x 11") / A4 -- the most practical size. Fits standard frames, prints on any home printer. This is what we used for all development testing
- Half Letter / A5 -- smaller, suitable for informal or children's certificates
- Tabloid (11" x 17") / A3 -- for formal ceremonies. Requires a wide-format printer or professional printing
Paper Comparison
| Paper Type | Weight | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavyweight matte | 65-80 lb / 176-216 gsm | All-purpose. Corporate, school, home | Office supply stores, Amazon |
| Glossy photo paper | 65 lb / 176 gsm | Colourful/photo-heavy designs | Office supply stores, Amazon |
| Linen textured | 80 lb / 216 gsm | Executive awards, academic honours | Specialty paper retailers |
| Pre-printed border paper | 60-80 lb / varies | Quick one-offs, school events | Office supply stores |
| Print shop standard paper | 20 lb / 75 gsm | Emergency single copy only | Any print shop (per-page pricing) |
Method Comparison at a Glance
| Factor | Home Printer | AirPrint | Print Shop | Professional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost/page | Low (ink + paper) | Low (ink + paper) | Moderate (varies by store) | Higher (varies by service) |
| Quality | Good (paper-dependent) | Good (paper-dependent) | Good-Very good | Excellent-Premium |
| Time | Minutes | Minutes | 30 min-1 hour | 2-14 business days |
| Paper control | Full | Full | Limited to store stock | Full (specialty options) |
| Best for | Small batches, paper choice | iPhone-only workflow | No printer at home | Bulk or premium finishing |
Create and Print with Award Certificate Creator
The free Award Certificate Creator app makes the journey from blank screen to printed certificate effortless. Choose from elegant templates, customize the wording, and print directly via AirPrint -- or export as a high-resolution PNG for any other printing method. Whether you are printing one certificate at home or ordering hundreds from a professional service, Award Certificate Creator gives you the design tools to make every certificate look its best.
Download Free AppSummary
Start with the paper, then pick the printing method.
- Home printer + heavyweight matte stock -- best balance of cost, quality, and convenience. AirPrint from the app makes it a completely iPhone-based workflow
- Print shop -- no printer, no problem. Ask for cardstock if available; standard paper is thin
- Professional service -- for bulk orders (50+) or premium finishes (foil, embossing, calligraphy). Order 2-3 weeks ahead
Our recommendation for most people: buy a pack of 65-80 lb cover matte paper (available at Staples, Amazon, or any office supply store), load it into your printer, and print directly from the app via AirPrint. The combination of good paper and the "Best" quality print setting produces a certificate that looks professional enough for any occasion short of a formal gala. If you are printing certificates for a corporate event, our corporate ceremony design guide includes a pre-event printing checklist.
Award Certificate Creator supports both AirPrint and PNG export, so it works with every printing method covered here. Design it, print it, present it.