In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to automatically generate E-certificates from Google Form responses, a system I personally use on my digital marketing website.
Having a smooth, automated way to send out certificates can be a real game changer, whether you’re hosting a quiz, a webinar, a workshop, or any kind of online engagement. It adds a touch of professionalism and makes your brand stand out.
Not sure if this is for you? Don’t worry! This method works for digital marketers, social media managers, event organizers, educators, and anyone looking to recognize participation or achievement. It all depends on how you choose to use it.
Check my optimized google form here and follow along.
Step 1: Design Your Certificate
The first thing I like to do is head over to Freepik.com to find a certificate template that fits the occasion. Since I’m offering a Certificate of Participation for users who complete a Digital Marketing Beginner Quiz, I chose a clean and professional template that reflects my brand.
Once you’ve downloaded your certificate template, feel free to tweak it using editing tools like:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Powerpoint
- Google slides
- Microsoft word
Pro Tip
After you’ve customized your certificate, save it as a PDF file. Then, convert the PDF into PowerPoint format and import it into Google Slides. This step is important because we’ll be using Google Slides as the dynamic template in the automation process.
Step 2: Create Your Google Form
Head to Google Forms and create your form. For my quiz, I included basic fields like:
- Name (Mandatory)
- Email (Mandatory)
- Quiz Questions (Mandatory)
- Date (Mandatory)
- Contact (Optional)
Its Mandatory you make Name or any field which appears in your certificate Mandatory to fill in google forms as this will help when mapping the certificate to the form later using autocrat extension
Once your form is ready, link it to a Google Sheet by clicking on Responses > Link to Sheets. This is where all the data will be collected and used for the certificate generation.
Share your form link publicly so participants can start filling it out.
Step 3: Install the Autocrat Add-on
Now that your form is collecting responses, open the associated Google Sheet, and do the following:
- Go to Extensions > Add-ons > Get Add-ons
- Search for Autocrat
- Install it and give the necessary permissions
Once installed, go back to Extensions > Autocrat > Launch to start setting up your certificate automation.
Step 4: Set Up Your Autocrat Job
Here’s a breakdown of each step in the Autocrat setup:
Step 1: Name the Job
Give your job a name that reflects the purpose. I named mine “Digital Marketing Quiz Certificate.
Step 2: Choose Your Certificate Template
Click “From Drive”, and upload the Google Slide certificate you created earlier. Autocrat will scan the template and detect placeholder tags like <<NAME>> and <<DATE>> from the certificate.
Step 3: Map the Data
Match the tags on your certificate (like <<NAME>>) with the corresponding columns in your Google Sheet. For example:
- <<NAME>> → Name column in Google Form
- <<DATE>> → Date field, if included
DISCLAIMER: Make sure to wrap your tags in double angle brackets like <<>> or the merge won’t work!
Step 4: Set File Output
Save the certificate as a PDF so it’s email-ready. You can even name the output using the form data (e.g. Optireel Digital Marketing Certificate.pdf
Step 5: Choose Destination Folder
Select the Google Drive folder where you want the generated certificates to be stored
Step 6 & 7: Skip (Optional Settings)
Step 8: Set Up the Email Template
Compose the email that will be sent to participants. Example:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for completing the Digital Marketing Beginner Quiz! Attached is your Certificate of Participation. Keep learning and growing!”
Set the recipient field to the email column from your form.
Step 9: Enable Triggers
- Turn on Form Trigger for instant certificate generation
- Optionally set a Time Trigger for batch processing (e.g., send certificates every night)
Click Save Job and you’re all set!
Step 5: Launch and Share
Once everything is set up, share your Google Form link far and wide. When someone fills out the form, they’ll automatically receive their customized certificate in their email.
List of steps on how to Automatically Generate E-Certificates from Google Form Responses
- Step 1: Design Your Certificate
- Step 2: Create Your Google Form
- Step 3: Install the Autocrat Add-on
- Step 4: Set Up Your Autocrat Job
- Step 5: Launch and Share
Final Thoughts
That’s how to automatically generate E-certificates from Google Form responses—an easy and efficient way to add value to your digital content and engage your audience. Whether you’re running online courses, quizzes, or events, this method adds a touch of professionalism and enhances user experience.
If you’d like to try my Digital Marketing Beginner Quiz and receive a Certificate of Participation, click here to get started
Read also: Mastering digital marketing skills, tools & strategies for success
Need Help Creating E-Certificates or Boosting Your Online Presence?
If you’d like personalized help setting up your own automated E-certificate system using Google Forms, feel free to reach out. I’m here to make it simple for you.
Beyond that, I also offer a full range of digital services including:
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Social Media Management
- Content Creation
- SEO & SMO
- Analytics & reporting
- Email Marketing
Let’s grow your brand together!
Contact me directly via WhatsApp or call: +254 737 181 396
