How to Create Certificate Borders

Creating borders for your certificate is a fairly straightforward process. You can choose from several programs to create your certificate borders. If you do not have a copy of Photoshop you can use a much less expensive program like ArtRage or you can create your borders in Microsoft Paint that comes with virtually all PCs. Whatever program you choose it is important to select one that you feel comfortable with in terms of your particular skill level. It is also generally a good idea to save any document that is going to be printed with images, like posters and certificates, as a high- resolution JPEG.

Things You'll Need

• Photoshop
• ArtRage
• Microsoft Paint

Instructions

1. Use ArtRage to create a certificates borders quite easily by making use of the stencils available in this program. For example, you can use designs options like “French Curve 2” under “Friskets” to create a border design for your certificate by repeating these designs multiple times around the edges of your certificate in any pattern that you like. Alternately, you can use the tools that come with this program to draw or paint any border design you can imagine. You can also scan in a hand- drawn border that you have and then, utilizing the “Trace” tool you can trace this design into the program. Then, if you wish, you can paint these or apply other effects until you are satisfied with your border design.

2. Use Photoshop to create a border by either creating a unique design by utilizing the tools in the program, like the “Brush Tool,” and then applying effects to your design. For example, you can click on“FX” in the the lower right-hand corner of the program where you will see an array of options including “Bevel and Emboss,” “Inner Glow” and “Drop Shadow.” Or, you may wish to select “Custom Shapes” and then choose one of many choices for your certificates border such as “Banner 1” or “Ornament 5.” You can apply filter effects such as the “Texturizer” to your design to add a bit of pizazz.

3. Create the border for your certificate in Microsoft Paint by making use of the “Pencil” or “Brush” tools and then using the “Fill With Color” to color in your shapes. You can also use the “Line” tool or the various shape tools to create your design. Or, you can use the “Curve” tool to create a border shape. To use this tool you need to select it then place your line where you want it. Now you can click on a section of this line and curve it. It might take a little time to get the hang of using this tool but it can make curvy shapes that can become great borders.

References

• Regional Office of Education #3
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Ambient Design