CertifyPress Pro
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Official Guide · Version 1.3.0 Pro · Updated September 2026

CertifyPress Pro Documentation

Welcome to the definitive, feature-by-feature administrator and developer documentation for CertifyPress Pro. This comprehensive guide covers setup, licensing, custom fields, dual rendering engines, dynamic QR codes, vector PDF export, bulk operations, and security.

Quick Setup Guide Shortcode Reference Dynamic Merge Tags
01

Overview & System Architecture

CertifyPress Pro (licensed under LM Designers) is an enterprise-grade WordPress certificate publishing, issuance, and real-time credential verification ecosystem. It runs 100% self-hosted inside your WordPress installation, securely managing student records and verification queries without third-party metered API locks.

Instant Verification

Dynamic QR code scan routes straight to live verification card in under 0.8s without full-page reloads.

Dual Engine Studio

Switch between pure zero-dependency HTML5/CSS3 templates or visual drag-and-drop Elementor canvas.

Privacy & Anti-Scrape

Automatic XML sitemap exclusion, noindex headers, anti-tamper watermark, and Google reCAPTCHA v3 bot shield.

Internal Core Architecture:
[WP Database Core]
  ├── Custom Post Type: 'lmc_certificate'
  ├── Custom Taxonomies: 'lmc_certificate_category' & 'lmc_certificate_tag'
  ├── Dynamic Post Meta: '_lmc_student_name', '_lmc_roll_number', '_lmc_issue_date', '_lmc_expiry_date'
  ├── User Defined Custom Fields: 'lmcp_custom_fields' array
  └── Global Configuration: 'lmcp_advanced_settings' & 'lmcp_license_options'
02

System Requirements & Compatibility

Before uploading the plugin, ensure your hosting server environment meets these baseline standards:

Component Minimum Supported Recommended Production
WordPress Core 5.8+ 6.2, 6.4, 6.7+ (Fully tested)
PHP Version 7.4 8.1 or 8.2+
PHP Extensions JSON, cURL, MBString OpenSSL (for HMAC hash validation)
MySQL / MariaDB MySQL 5.7+ / MariaDB 10.3+ MySQL 8.0+ / MariaDB 10.6+
Page Builder None (Pure HTML Engine) Elementor 3.5+ (If using visual canvas)
03

Installation & Quick Start

Installing CertifyPress Pro takes less than 60 seconds. Follow these 4 straightforward steps:

  1. Download Plugin ZIP: Download the distribution ZIP archive (e.g. CertifyPress-Pro.zip).
  2. Upload via WP Admin: Log into your WordPress admin console, navigate to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
  3. Install & Activate: Click Install Now, wait for unzipping to complete, and click Activate Plugin.
  4. Auto Free Deactivation: If you previously had the free LM Certificate Publisher active, CertifyPress Pro automatically deactivates the free copy safely, ensuring zero database conflicts or duplicate menus!
wp-admin/plugin-install.php?tab=upload

Upload Plugin & Activate CertifyPress Pro

Upload the ZIP package file containing lm-certificate-publisher-pro/certifypress.php to initialize all Pro post types and dashboard menus.

✓ Ready for Activation · Automatic Free Version Conflict Resolver Active
Figure 1.1: Standard WordPress Plugin Upload and Instant Activation screenshot: 01-plugin-upload
04

Licensing & Anti-Tamper Core Engine

CertifyPress Pro features a modern, non-blocking licensing manager built directly into LM Certificates > License. Unlike clunky legacy plugins that lock down your entire admin panel with annoying redirect loops, CertifyPress uses a clean modal handshake.

Commercial Pro Licenses 365 Days Lease
  • • Duration: 1 Year (365 days) subscription renewal model.
  • • Slot Migration: Moveable between staging and production. Simply click Deactivate License to free the slot.
  • • Tiers: Single Site (1 Slot), 5-Sites (5 Slots), or Agency (Unlimited up to 999 Slots).
Free Trial Licenses 60 Days Lock
  • • Duration: Exactly 60 days (2 Months) from moment of activation.
  • • Strict Domain Lock: Trial keys permanently bind to the first activated domain to prevent license recycling.
  • • Dashboard Counter: Live countdown displays remaining trial days.
wp-admin/admin.php?page=lmcp-license
🔑 License Activation & Status
STATUS: ACTIVE
License Key: GUM-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-2026
License Tier: Commercial Agency (Multi-Site)
Activated Domain: academy.example.com
Figure 2.1: CertifyPress Pro License Panel with Slot Management screenshot: 02-license-panel
05

Publishing & Managing Certificates

Certificates are managed under the WordPress Custom Post Type lmc_certificate. Each record stores standard credential coordinates alongside limitless dynamic custom metadata.

Core Built-In Certificate Fields

Field Name Database Meta Key Description & Frontend Usage
Certificate Title post_title Internal descriptive title (e.g. John Doe - Data Science Masterclass).
Student Legal Name _lmc_student_name The recipient's full printed name that appears on certificate canvas.
Roll / Reference ID _lmc_roll_number Unique credential identifier queried by verifiers. Auto-generated or custom.
Issue Date _lmc_issue_date Official date of graduation or issuance.
Expiration Date _lmc_expiry_date Optional expiration timestamp. If passed, status switches to Expired.
wp-admin/admin.php?page=lmcp-add-certificate

Add New Certificate Record

Structured Metadata Form
Alexander Wright
CERT-2026-9842
2026-09-15
Full Stack Engineering
Figure 3.1: Certificate Record Editor with Metadata Inputs screenshot: 03-add-certificate
06

Dynamic Custom Fields Studio

No two academies have identical certificate fields. With LM Certificates > Custom Fields, you can define unlimited dynamic fields (e.g. Instructor Name, GPA Grade, Total Practical Hours, Accreditation Number, Subject Marksheet Tables).

How Custom Fields Work:

  1. Navigate to LM Certificates > Custom Fields.
  2. Enter a Field Label (e.g. Instructor Signature Name) and slug (e.g. instructor_name).
  3. Select the Field Type: Text, Textarea, Number, Date, Select Dropdown, or Dynamic Marksheet Table.
  4. The field will automatically appear in the certificate editor when creating or editing certificates.
  5. The engine generates a 1-click dynamic merge tag: [lmcp_custom_field_instructor_name] ready for your HTML or Elementor templates!
wp-admin/admin.php?page=lmcp-custom-fields
Defined Custom Metadata Keys + Add New Field
Final Grade / Classification: _cf_final_grade
[lmcp_custom_field_final_grade]
Instructor Name: _cf_instructor_name
[lmcp_custom_field_instructor_name]
Figure 4.1: Dynamic Custom Fields Generator with Auto Merge Tags screenshot: 04-custom-fields
07

Search Criteria & Frontend Shortcodes

You don't have to force students to memorize their roll number. In LM Certificates > Search Criteria, you can activate flexible multi-attribute querying:

✓ Active Roll / Serial Number
✓ Active Student Full Name
✓ Active Student Email
✓ Active Phone / Mobile No

Frontend Search Shortcode

Place this shortcode into any WordPress page (Gutenberg block, Elementor shortcode widget, Classic editor, or theme template):

Standard Shortcode Embedding
[lmcp_search_form]

Supported Shortcode Attributes

Attribute Default Options & Example Usage
category all Filter results strictly to a specific department slug: [lmcp_search_form category="engineering"]
placeholder "Enter Roll Number..." Custom search input hint: [lmcp_search_form placeholder="Enter your Student ID"]
show_dropdown yes Toggle category filter dropdown visibility: show_dropdown="no"
08

Dual Rendering Engines (HTML5 vs Elementor)

CertifyPress Pro gives you the industry's first true Dual Rendering Engine. Under LM Certificates > Advanced Settings > Templates & Style, choose your preferred architecture:

Custom HTML5 & CSS3 Studio ZERO DEPENDENCIES

Renders certificates using clean semantic HTML5 and scoped responsive CSS. Zero external page builders needed. Lightning-fast TTFB and works seamlessly with all WordPress themes.

  • ✓ Built-in code editor with syntax color
  • ✓ Modal live preview with test student data
  • ✓ Starter templates: Royal Gold Crest, Minimalist Slate
Elementor Theme Builder Engine VISUAL CANVAS

Design certificates using Elementor drag-and-drop. Build responsive landscape layouts (recommended 1000px canvas) and drop dynamic CertifyPress Pro widgets directly into columns.

  • ✓ 9 Dedicated Pro Elementor Widgets
  • ✓ Dynamic Tag resolution for post meta
  • ✓ Per-category custom template assignment

The 9 Dedicated Pro Elementor Widgets

1. LMCP Search Form Drop search bar directly into Elementor pages.
2. LMCP Student Heading Displays dynamic recipient name with typography styles.
3. LMCP QR Code Badge Outputs instant scanner-compatible verification QR code.
4. LMCP Certificate Meta Prints Roll number, issue date, or any custom field.
5. LMCP Validity Note Prints expiry dates and active verification status.
6. LMCP Dynamic Table Renders academic marksheet grades in tabular grid.
7. LMCP Image & Seal Institutional crests, authorized stamps, and signatures.
8. LMCP Text Editor Rich text blocks with auto-expanding dynamic tags.
9. LMCP Expire Note Automated warning banner if certificate has expired.
09

Dynamic Merge Tags Reference Guide

Use these dynamic tags inside your Custom HTML templates, Elementor text widgets, email notifications, and frontend descriptions. The plugin replaces them automatically during student queries:

Dynamic Tag Description & Output Action
[lmcp_student_name] The legal full printed name of the student.
[lmcp_roll_number] The unique reference roll key or registration number.
[lmcp_issue_date] The formal date when the credential was issued.
[lmcp_expiry_date] The expiration date (or "Never" if lifetime).
[lmcp_verification_qr] Outputs the high-resolution, instant scanner-ready authentication QR Badge.
[lmcp_serial_number] The automated sequential serial number (e.g. CERT-2026-0042).
[lmcp_certificate_category] The department, course track, or program taxonomy term name.
[lmcp_verification_url] Direct web address for instant single-certificate authentication.
[lmcp_custom_field_slug] Any user-defined custom field (replace slug with your field slug).
10

QR Code Verification & Sandbox Landscape PDF Exporter

1. Real-Time Dynamic QR Code Engine

CertifyPress Pro generates QR codes 100% locally via client-side vector libraries (qrcode.js). Unlike free plugins that depend on the deprecated Google Charts API (which fails offline and leaks visitor data), CertifyPress generates crisp, scalable SVGs or Canvas elements directly in the browser in under 0.8 seconds.

  • Custom Error Correction: Configurable Level L, M, Q, or H (High resilience against print degradation).
  • Dynamic Scan Target: Configurable redirect URL pointing to your frontend verification portal.
  • Styling Controls: Customizable module colors, margin sizes, and background transparent support.

2. Sandbox Landscape PDF Exporter

The centerpiece of CertifyPress Pro is the Client-Side Vector PDF Engine powered by bundled html2pdf.js:

How the Sandboxed PDF Flow Works: When a student clicks Download PDF, CertifyPress Pro activates an isolated print stylesheet buffer. It temporarily strips drop-shadows, masks interactive action buttons, embeds all typography fonts, locks the landscape ratio (297mm x 210mm for A4), and generates a vector-grade PDF without any server CPU overhead!
Zero Server Load PDFs render client-side in the visitor browser. Works even on cheap shared hosting.
True Landscape A4 Perfect 297x210mm dimensions. Zero margin cut-offs or unwanted page breaks.
Embedded Webfonts Crisp typography: Google Fonts, custom serif fonts, and gold borders remain pristine.
11

Advanced Pro Settings (A to Z)

CertifyPress Pro includes an extensive suite of specialized administrative controls in LM Certificates > Advanced Settings. Here is the complete breakdown:

# Automated Serial Numbering

Automatically assigns an incremental serial code upon publishing each new certificate. Configure custom prefixes (e.g. CERT-2026-), specify 4-digit or 6-digit zero padding (0001), and define the initial starting counter.

⏳ Expiry Dates & Validity Alerts

For professional licenses, certifications, and compliance credentials that expire after 1, 2, or 3 years. Toggle between two enforcement modes:

  • Display Warning Banner: Shows certificate with prominent red alert notifying employers the credential has lapsed.
  • Completely Hide: Hides expired records from public verification results entirely.

✉️ Automated Email Notifications

Automatically dispatches personalized congratulations emails to recipients the second their certificate is published. Features rich HTML template styling, custom subject lines, and auto-populated dynamic tags: {student_name}, {certificate_title}, and {verification_url}.

🔗 LinkedIn Profile & Viral Social Sharing

Allows recipients to add their verifiable credential directly to their LinkedIn Profile Certifications section in 1 click! Pre-populates certification name, organization, issue date, credential ID, and verification link. Also includes 1-click sharing buttons for WhatsApp, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

🛡️ Privacy & Sitemaps Shield

Protects student privacy and GDPR compliance. Automatically removes the certificate CPT (lmc_certificate) from public XML sitemaps generated by Yoast SEO, Rank Math, AIOSEO, SEOPress, and WordPress core sitemaps. Sends HTTP headers: X-Robots-Tag: noindex, nofollow, noarchive.

🤖 Google reCAPTCHA v3 Bot Defense

Invisible score-based bot mitigation. Stops scrapers and automated bots from harvesting student names and grades through brute-force queries. Simply insert your Google reCAPTCHA v3 Site Key and Secret Key.

⚡ Search Preloader & UX Animations

Delivers an engaging verification experience. Shows an animated loading spinner (or custom institution GIF) with a configurable delay timer (e.g. 1200ms) to simulate live database lookup.

🏷️ White-Labeling & Branding Engine

Agency tier users can rebrand the plugin completely. Upload your academy logo to replace the default admin badge, customize menu labels, and choose your primary brand theme color.

12

Bulk CSV / Excel Operations (Import & Export)

When graduating a class of 500+ students, creating records manually is impractical. In LM Certificates > Bulk Operations (or Advanced Settings > Export & Import), upload a spreadsheet to batch publish hundreds of credentials in seconds.

Standard CSV Header Columns:

title,student_name,roll_number,issue_date,expiry_date,category,tag,instructor_name,grade

Sample CSV Rows:

"Alex Smith - Full Stack","Alex Smith","FS-2026-101","2026-09-01","2028-09-01","Engineering","Honors","Dr. Alan Turing","A+"
"Maria Garcia - Data Science","Maria Garcia","DS-2026-102","2026-09-01","2028-09-01","Data Science","Distinction","Dr. Ada Lovelace","A"
13

Custom CSS & Print Formulas (Zero-Code Power Guide)

Whether you use the built-in HTML5 Engine or Elementor, you have complete autonomous control over typography, borders, background textures, and high-fidelity print output. You do not need developer intervention—simply copy and paste these verified CSS rules into LM Certificates > Custom HTML Template > Custom CSS:

Formula 1: Exact A4 Landscape Aspect Ratio (1.414:1)

Ensures certificates fill printed A4 paper without white sidebars or clipping on desktop and mobile:

.lmc-certificate-container {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 1000px;
  aspect-ratio: 1.414 / 1;
  margin: 0 auto;
  position: relative;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}
Formula 2: Anti-Counterfeit Background Watermark

Adds a translucent seal behind certificate text that remains crisp when exported to PDF:

.lmc-watermark-seal {
  position: absolute;
  top: 50%;
  left: 50%;
  transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
  width: 380px;
  height: 380px;
  opacity: 0.06;
  pointer-events: none;
  z-index: 1;
}
Formula 3: Zero-Margin Browser Print Override (@media print)

Forces the browser printer to remove header/footer URL stamps and apply clean edge-to-edge printing:

@media print {
  @page { size: landscape; margin: 0; }
  body { margin: 0; padding: 0; background: #fff !important; }
  .lmc-no-print, header, footer, .nav-bar { display: none !important; }
  .lmc-certificate-container { box-shadow: none !important; border: none !important; }
}
14

Troubleshooting & Zero-Support Diagnostic Matrix

CertifyPress Pro is engineered to be 100% self-sufficient. If an error appears or a feature does not behave as expected, consult this definitive resolution matrix to diagnose and fix it immediately without needing customer support:

Licensing

Error: "License Key Expired" or "Invalid Activation Key"

Why it occurs: Commercial keys hold a 365-day active lease; Free Trial keys hold a 60-day lease. Once the lease period ends or an invalid character is pasted, the verification check fails.

Immediate Fix: 1. Navigate to LM Certificates > License. 2. Highlight and delete the existing key. 3. Copy your pristine key from your purchase receipt, ensuring no leading or trailing spaces. 4. Click Activate License. For expired keys, purchase a renewal license to restore full access instantly.
Domain Binding

Error: "Domain Mismatch" / Moving from Staging or Localhost to Production

Why it occurs: Pro licenses register the active domain URL to prevent piracy. If you activate on staging.example.com, the license is locked to that domain slot.

Immediate Fix: Open LM Certificates > License on your staging site and click Deactivate License (Release Slot). The central server unlocks your slot in real time. You can now immediately activate the exact same key on your live domain!
PDF Rendering

Issue: PDF download is shifted, cut-off, or blank on mobile screens

Why it occurs: A fixed pixel width like width: 1200px !important in custom CSS forces the mobile viewport to truncate the PDF canvas.

Immediate Fix: Change container styling to responsive percentage dimensions: max-width: 1000px; width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 1.414 / 1;. Also ensure all background certificate images are hosted on the same domain (HTTPS) to prevent browser CORS canvas security blocks.
QR Code

Issue: Smartphone camera does not detect the QR code on the certificate

Why it occurs: The QR code is rendered too small (under 120px) or placed on top of a dark, busy background pattern with insufficient contrast.

Immediate Fix: In the Elementor widget or HTML template, set the QR size to minimum 150px × 150px. Add a 4px white background padding around the QR container (background: #ffffff; padding: 6px; border-radius: 6px;) so scanner lenses identify the quiet zone immediately.
Verification Form

Issue: Search form displays "No Certificate Found" for a valid student

Why it occurs: The certificate is saved as a Draft rather than Published, or the student query contains invisible trailing spaces.

Immediate Fix: 1. Go to LM Certificates > All Certificates and confirm the record status is green Published. 2. Verify that the search input matches the configured search criteria (Roll Number vs Registration vs Email) set in LM Certificates > Settings.
CSV Import

Issue: CSV Batch Import stuck at 0% or errors on date columns

Why it occurs: Dates are formatted with slashes like DD/MM/YYYY instead of the standard ISO format YYYY-MM-DD, or the CSV file is saved in UTF-16 rather than UTF-8.

Immediate Fix: In Excel / Google Sheets, format date columns explicitly as YYYY-MM-DD (e.g. 2026-09-28). Choose File > Export > CSV (Comma delimited - UTF-8) before uploading into Bulk Operations.
Upgrade Safety

Q: Will upgrading to Pro overwrite my existing certificates from the free plugin?

No, 100% of your data is safe! CertifyPress Pro reads the identical post types (lmc_certificate) and meta keys. Pro automatically detects and deactivates the free version, seamlessly upgrading your dashboard without any data loss.