1. To create a certificate with editable form fields which include replace strings, you will require PDF editing software such as Adobe Pro.
2. Do one of the following:
a. The Certificate can begin as a word document or PowerPoint which you save as a PDF.
- If you need to add blank spaces prepared as a field for a name or date to appear then proceed to step 2 b.
- If your certificate has blank spaces prepared as a field for a name or date to appear then proceed to step 3.
b. Open your document in Adobe Pro and select the Add a Text field icon in the editing ribbon, and move the text field where you would like it to be positioned on the certificate.
3. In Adobe Pro, open your certificate template (if you have not already done so) that you started in word or Power Point and saved as PD. Select Tools.
4. Under the heading Forms and Signature select Prepare Forms. Your Form Field(s) will be highlighted on the page.
5. Right click on the field and select Properties.
6. Enter the replace string you’d like to use to the Name and Tooltip field. You can only use one replace string per form field. You can also edit the appearance of the text by clicking on the Appearance tab. When you create the text of your certificate you’ll want to make sure that any text that is not a replace string is created outside of the form field. For example, if you want your certificate to say Congratulations Jillian Student, “Congratulations” will be entered as text outside of the form field, and {FullName} will appear in the form field.
Note: A full list of replace strings that can be used with the Awards Tool appears follows these instructions in this article.
7. If you’re creating a form field that could be filled by a long value, for example full name- make sure the field will be large enough to contain all of the text. There are two options to do this:
a. Recommended for Certificates that will only be viewed online: select the options tab and click Multi-Line. This option will allow for scrolling to see more information inside of a form field. Note: This option does not print as well as option b.
b. Recommended for Certificates that are intended to be printed. Select the Appearance Tab. In the Text section, choose the Font Size drop down menu and select Auto. This automatically resizes the font to ensure it fits inside of the form field you've created.
8. Save your file, again as PDF.
9. Go to your course and select > Course Awards > Add Award to Course.
10. Select the Create button and select Certificate as the Award Type.
11. Fill in the required forms and upload your PDF Certificate by selecting Upload New Template.
12. To test out your certificate and see how it appears for a student, consider creating a test student in your course and logging in as that student. Complete the required release condition as that student. A certificate can be saved or printed by navigating to the certificate under Awards on the navigation bar. Select the link name of the certificate that you would like to access, and then select the Generate Certificate link.
Awards Tool Replace Strings
{CourseStartDate}
{CourseEndDate}
{CourseName}
{UserFirstName}
{UserLastName}
{UserEmail}
{UserName}
{OrgDefinedID}
{OrgUnitCode}
{AwardDate}
{AwardExpiryDate}
{AwardName}
{AwardDescription}
{AwardEvidence}
{IssuerName}
{IssuerContact}
{AwardCreditValue}
{FullName}
{CertificateID}
Release Conditions
Brightspace contains a long list of possible actions and parameters that can be easily defined to restrict and release content to the learners. These create a dynamic and progressive learning experience and can allow the moderators control over who sees what and when. Release conditions can be applied to any Brightspace tool: Awards, Certificates, Content, News Items, Homepage Widgets, and much more.
For more information, refer to: About Release Conditions.
