Can you Print Your Diploma Yourself?

If you already earned a real diploma and lost the paper copy, it is normal to wonder if you can simply print your diploma at home. The short answer is that you can print a personal copy for display or for your own records, but official replacement diplomas always need to come from the school or its authorized records service.

Employers, schools, and licensing boards do not rely on something you print yourself. They verify your education through official transcripts, secure digital documents, or a replacement diploma issued by the institution. A home printed diploma is best treated as a keepsake, not a formal credential.

If you mainly need an official replacement, start with a school based route. For step by step instructions, you can check where you can get your diploma.

When home printing is and is not a good idea

Before you pull out your printer, think about how you plan to use the document. A lot depends on whether you are printing a backup of a real diploma or trying to fill a gap you never actually completed.

Home printing is usually fine if you:

• Want a backup copy to hang on your wall at home or in your office
• Want matching diplomas for family members who helped you along the way
• Lost the original but already have an official transcript for verification
• Need a temporary display until an official replacement arrives
• Are creating a novelty or sentimental version for a party or celebration

Home printing is not a good idea if you:

• Never actually finished the program or earned the diploma
• Plan to show the printed diploma as proof of qualifications for a job or license
• Are applying to college, graduate school, or a professional program that requires official documents
• Need something for immigration, government forms, or background checks

In those situations, always request an official replacement or transcript.

If you are thinking, “I just want to print my diploma so I have something to look at,” home printing can be a good fit as long as you stay honest about what it is and what it is not.

What kind of paper are diplomas printed on?

One of the biggest differences between a diploma and a regular sheet of printer paper is the paper itself. Real diplomas are usually printed on a thicker, higher quality stock that feels important when you hold it.

Schools and professional printers most often use:

• Parchment style paper
  A classic choice with a subtle pattern and a slightly textured feel. It is thicker and more durable than standard copy paper and often comes in ivory, cream, or off white tones.
• Cotton or archival paper
  A premium paper made with cotton fiber that is designed to last for decades without yellowing. It has a soft but firm feel and is common on high end diplomas and certificates.
• Heavyweight cardstock
  Some diplomas are printed on heavyweight cover stock that feels like thin cardboard. This gives the diploma stiffness so it sits nicely in a frame.

Most diploma papers are heavier than normal office paper and are often acid free so they stay crisp and do not break down quickly. Common diploma sizes are 8.5 x 11 inches or 11 x 14 inches, although your school may use something slightly different.

If you want a home printed diploma that looks and feels closer to the real thing, look for parchment style or archival cardstock that is compatible with your printer.

How to print a diploma at home step by step

If you decide to try diploma printing at home for personal use, treat it like a small design and printing project. Rushing it on thin copy paper usually looks disappointing. Here is a simple process you can follow.

Step 1: Gather your information

Make sure you have the correct school name, your name as you want it to appear, your degree or program, and your graduation date. Check spelling carefully before you start.

Step 2: Choose or create a layout

Start from a template that looks similar to your school’s style or design a clean layout with the school name at the top, a centered statement about the degree, your name, the date, and space for signatures and a seal. If you want to skip the design work, you can also use the diploma maker to preview layouts before you commit to a printed replica.

Step 3: Set the right size and resolution

In your design software or word processor, set the document to the size you plan to print, such as 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 14 inches. Use a high resolution setting so the text stays sharp when printed.

Step 4: Pick fonts that feel formal

Many real diplomas use a mix of fonts. A traditional or calligraphic style for the school name and main title, and a simpler serif or sans serif font for the body text. Try to avoid fonts that are hard to read or look too playful.

Step 5: Load specialty paper into your printer

Place your parchment or heavy diploma paper in the printer tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the printable side is facing the right way and that the guides in the tray are snug so the sheet feeds straight.

Step 6: Adjust printer settings

In your print dialog, choose a higher quality setting and select a paper type like “thick paper,” “cardstock,” or “specialty” if available. This helps the printer lay down ink more evenly and reduces smudging.

Step 7: Do a test print on regular paper

Print a test copy on plain paper to check layout, spacing, and spelling. Fix any issues before using your specialty paper so you do not waste it.

Step 8: Print the final copy and let it dry

Print your diploma on the chosen paper and let it sit flat for a few minutes so the ink can dry fully. Avoid touching heavily printed areas until they are completely dry.

Step 9: Add a frame or holder

Once your printed diploma is dry, place it in a frame or diploma cover. This not only looks better but also protects the paper from fading, wrinkles, and accidental spills.

Home printing vs professional diploma printing

You are not limited to a home printer. Many people choose to order a professionally printed diploma for a better finish and more options.

Home printing

• Pros: fast, inexpensive, easy to reprint if you make a mistake
• Cons: limited paper choices, no embossed seals or foil, quality depends on your printer and ink

Professional diploma printing

• Pros: higher quality paper, sharper printing, access to gold foil, embossed seals, and more detailed designs
• Cons: higher cost, longer turnaround time, still not an official document unless it comes directly from the school

Professional printing is a good choice if you want a diploma that looks impressive on your wall, as long as you are honest about what it is and use official documents whenever you need to prove your education.

If you want a professional result without designing everything yourself, you can also use our replica high school diploma maker or replica college diploma maker instead of starting from scratch.

When to request an official replacement diploma

There are situations where printing your diploma yourself is not enough, even for display. You should always contact your school or its records office when:

• Your diploma was damaged or destroyed and you want an official replacement
• You need documents for a job, licensing exam, or immigration process
• You changed your legal name and want your diploma to match your current name
• A college, university, or employer has asked for proof of your degree

Most schools can issue official replacement diplomas for a fee. They may also send secure digital credentials or official transcripts directly to other institutions. These are the records that are checked during background checks and admissions decisions.

If you are not sure where to start, our how to get a copy of your diploma guide walk through the usual steps.

How ValidGrad can help with diploma printing

If you want a diploma that looks polished and professional but do not have the tools or time to design and print it yourself, ValidGrad can help.

Our diploma making services let you:

• Choose from layouts inspired by real high school, college, and university diplomas
• Use your real school name, degree, and graduation date
• Have your diploma printed on high quality diploma paper with realistic fonts and layout
• Work with a designer on a one of a kind replica if you want something more custom

These replica diplomas are designed for personal and decorative use at home or in your office. They are not official documents and are not a replacement for the transcripts and diplomas issued by your school. For anything that requires formal verification, you should always rely on records that come directly from the institution or its official records service.

Used the right way, a professionally printed replica diploma can give you a document you are proud to display, while your official records stay ready for those moments when it really matters.