---
title: How to create diplomas for all participants?
description: Upload a PowerPoint design and auto-generate finisher diplomas for step challenge participants
order: 4
---

# How to create diplomas for all participants?

DistantRace generates **virtual diplomas** for step challenge participants from a **PowerPoint (PPTX) template** you design externally. Placeholder text in the design is replaced with each participant's name, steps, rank, and other challenge data.

::: note Built-in design editor removed
The manager no longer includes an in-browser diploma editor. Create your layout in PowerPoint, Google Slides (export as PPTX), or [Canva](../results/race-certificate-creation.md) and upload the `.pptx` file.
:::

## 1. Open the challenge diploma page

In the [organizer console](../running-events/access-the-organizer-console.md), open your step challenge and go to **Diploma**.

![](/static/img/results/race-certificate-creation/image-1720337000561-23-08.png)

If no template is uploaded yet, the page shows a link to the full design guide. After upload, a **preview image** appears (generation can take up to a minute).

## 2. Create the PPTX design

Design the diploma in **PPTX format**. Add placeholder fields as plain text — DistantRace replaces them when generating each participant's diploma.

### Fields for step challenges

| Field | Description |
|-------|-------------|
| `[EVENT NAME]` | Challenge name |
| `[PARTICIPANT NAME]` | Participant's full name |
| `[Participant Name]` | Full name with each word capitalized |
| `[GROUP]` | Participant's standings group |
| `[TEAM]` | Team name (if applicable) |
| `[FINISH DATE]` | Date of the participant's last synced activity |
| `[STEPS]` | Total steps (formatted with thousands separators) |
| `[KM]` | Total distance covered |
| `[TIME]` | Total active time in the challenge |
| `[RANK]` | Overall standing |
| `[GRANK]` | Standing within the participant's group |
| `[T P]` | Total points |
| `[T E]` | Total energy |

For design tips, Canva export steps, and sample templates, see [Race certificate creation](../results/race-certificate-creation.md) — the same PPTX workflow and field syntax apply to challenges.

## 3. Upload and publish

1. Click **Browse…**, select your `.pptx` file, and click **Save**.
2. Wait for the preview to appear, then refresh if needed.
3. Check **Is published?** so diplomas generate automatically for participants.
4. When standings are ready, click **Save & Generate** to create or regenerate diplomas for **all challenge participants**.

![](/static/img/results/race-certificate-creation/image-1720353696230-01-26.png)

::: tip Custom fonts
If a font in your design renders incorrectly in the preview, email the font file to support@distantrace.com so it can be added to the system.
:::

## 4. Participants download their diploma

Once the challenge standings are live and diplomas are generated, participants find their diploma on their result or challenge profile page. See [Downloading diplomas and certificates](../joining-events/downloading-diplomas-and-certificates.md).

## Related

- [Diplomas and finisher documents](../results/diplomas-and-finisher-documents.md) — overview for races and challenges
- [Race certificate creation](../results/race-certificate-creation.md) — full PPTX design guide with samples
- [Managing challenge participants](../running-events/managing-challenge-participants.md)
- [Publishing results](../results/publishing-results.md)