Should I Choose a Printed Diploma or a Digital File?
If you want something to hand over, frame or display, choose a printed diploma. If you want to send a diploma to someone online or to print a diploma locally, you’ll need to choose a digital file. It is important to consider the occasion, deadline and how it will be used by the recipient. Before ordering, find out from the supplier what formats are available and what each format includes.
A diploma for a video-call celebration has a different effect than a diploma wrapped as an anniversary gift. It’s much easier to decide if you think about that moment first. Some digital files are not editable templates and some printed orders do not come with a downloadable copy. Ask about them separately.
Three times. Three different decisions.
1. A Global Celebration Around the Clock
Imagine a family getting together to throw an online party for Maya, who’s been keeping everyone connected all year. They create a fun “Director of Family Catch-Ups” award and plan to announce it on a video call.
A digital diploma is a viable option. They can put it on the screen, read the message, and send the file to Maya.
For this example, a short message and clear lettering are more important than small decorative details. The family should test the diploma on a phone and on a laptop to see how it looks. Later if Maya wants a framed copy they need a file that can be printed, not just a screen shot taken during the call.
2. Framed Anniversary Gift
For their tenth anniversary Daniel wants to give Alex a “Lifetime Partner in Sunday Adventures” certificate. Rainy walks and wrong turns, their favorite roadside café – it was all there in the message.
Here the physical thing is a part of the gift. A printed diploma allows Daniel to verify the final result, pick a frame and wrap it before the anniversary.
He should check the paper size before buying the frame and allow time for delivery and presentation. If he orders the frame first, it may leave him with an opening that covers some of the wording. How to choose the correct frame size for a personalized degree certificate.
3. An Evening of Club Presentations
The fictional Maple Street Puzzle Club plans to honor six members at its annual meeting. All diplomas are the same design, except for the name and achievement.
You can print the diplomas and distribute them at the event. They could also do if the organizer has access to a reliable local printer and enough time to check a sample.
The key is consistency. All six should be the same paper, print setting and size. When printing them on different home printers separately, the results can differ considerably. Before committing the organizer should check the available formats, quantity pricing and if any supplied files can be printed in the required numbers.
Checklist for Selecting a Format
Make sure you can answer these questions before you order:
– Will you give it to somebody? Printed version is usually the easiest presentation.
– Will there be an online celebration? Or maybe it’s easier in the digital world.
– Do you have a good printer? If not, add local printing costs and time.
– When is the event scheduled? Work back through approval, production, delivery and framing.
– Will you be showing it? Check the finished dimensions and leave room around the wording.
– Want both formats or? Ask if they are available as a group and if there is an extra charge.
– Someone needs to edit it later? Make it clear that it is editable. Receiving a file does not mean that it is.
Contact ND Center for a customized novelty diploma for options to suit your occasion. Please advise as to the intended date of presentation and whether you require a physical item, an electronic file or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a digital diploma always be faster?
No. There is no physical shipping involved, but the design still needs to be created and approved. Revisions can impact the schedule and local printing adds another step.
Can you print a digital diploma at home?
Usually file is printable and if your printer can handle the size of paper and stock you want. Ask for instructions to print and check a sample before doing final copy.
Will my printed colors match what I see on my screen?
Not quite in every instance. Paper, printer settings, and screen brightness can all change the way it looks. If color is important, ask about options for a printed sample or proof.
Do I have to order them both?
Both can be helpful when the celebration is happening online, but the recipient wants a memento. Check availability, cost and file usage before ordering – don’t assume the second format is included.