Software Licensing Certificates Series

Certificates issued through the SoftwareCertHub platform can be referenced using dynamically generated badges via HTML or Markdown snippets in webpages and documents. When a certificate is created, the recipient receives a direct link (via email, Slack, or ticket response) to the Certificate Details page. From there, ready-to-use HTML and Markdown snippets are provided for embedding the certificate badge into project documentation, READMEs, websites, or wikis.

Two badge formats are available: a compact inline badge suited for repository artefacts, and a larger badge that displays the software name, version, and certificate details more prominently. Both formats link directly to the Certificate Details page, ensuring transparency and verifiability. For example, in Markdown you can reference a badge inline within a README, or use the larger variant to highlight certification status on a project’s webpage.

Badges are served as dynamically generated SVGs, which means their appearance updates automatically if the certificate expires, is revoked, or undergoes a design change. This ensures that embedded badges always reflect the current certificate status without requiring manual updates. By embedding these badges, developers can demonstrate licence compliance clearly and verifiably, while users can click through the badge to inspect the full certificate record in SoftwareCertHub.

These certificates will also soon be available for import into digital wallets as W3C Verifiable Credentials.

Referencing Certificates with Badges

  1. Open your certificate page

    • Use the link you received via email, Slack, or ticket response.

    • This takes you to your Certificate Details page in SoftwareCertHub.

  2. Locate the badge snippets

    • Scroll down to the “Referencing Certificate and Badges” section.

    • You will see ready-made snippets in HTML and Markdown, each in compact (inline) and large formats.

  3. Choose the right format

    • Compact (inline) badge: for repository artefacts such as README.md files.

    • Large badge: for webpages, wikis, or project portals where visibility matters.

  4. Copy the snippet

    • Use the copy button next to the snippet.

    • For GitHub or GitLab READMEs, use the Markdown snippets.

    • For websites, use HTML snippets.

    • Some wikis can include HTML within a page, while others use Markdown. In Confluence (GÉANT wiki), you can use either.

  5. Paste into your documentation

    • Insert the snippet where you want the badge displayed. In Confluence, embed it in a Markdown or HTML macro.

    • The badge image will appear automatically when the document is viewed. The image links to the Certificate Details page.

The Licence Management Team can provide further assistance in using certificates. Contact us if needed.

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