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Tips to improve the design of your credentials in POK

A clear, consistent design makes your credentials easier to read and more professional. This guide collects practical tips for the Designs section of POK Proof of Knowledge: how to start from a template, set up the background, keep text fields focused, and place the QR code. It also covers the one step you should never skip: previewing before you issue.

Start from a template or from scratch​

When designing your credentials, you have two options:

  • Use the ready-made templates in the Template Certificates or Template Badges tabs and customize the editable fields.
  • Create your own design from scratch. This gives you full flexibility to customize every detail, although it takes more time.

We recommend creating a dedicated design for each type of credential you issue.

Save and reuse your designs​

You can save an unlimited number of designs, both the ones offered as templates and the ones you create. You will find them in the My Designs tab.

You can also add aesthetic elements such as backgrounds or your institution's logos. Keep enough contrast between the background and the text so the credential stays easy to read.

Set up the background first​

When working in the Designs section, start with the Background:

  • If the background will not vary between credentials, use a full image that already includes your logo, the fixed text, and the authorities' signatures. That way only the variable data (the recipient's information) changes on each credential.
  • Alternatively, upload a flat background and add the signatures, logos, and text fields as individual elements. You can achieve the same result either way.

Match your background to the recommended pixel size shown in the Background panel for the format you chose. Certificate dimensions change with the paper size and orientation, while badges use a square canvas.

Keep text fields minimal​

Include only the essential information in the text fields: institution name, recipient, and title. You can add anything else in the Additional Information section.

We advise using a single font or font family, and a single color.

Use attributes when you need them​

The Attributes section, shown in brackets, includes some suggested attributes that you can choose not to use. You can also add custom attributes of your own.

Leave room for the QR code​

Do not forget to reserve a space for the QR code in your design. You can adjust its size and place it wherever you prefer.

Preview before you issue​

Once the data is loaded in Issue and before sending, preview the credential. Credentials cannot be modified after issuance, so this is your last chance to catch mistakes.