This manuscript presents an approach to tune parameters of fractional complex order controllers (FCOC). The design procedure uses the basic characteristics of fractional complex order dynamic for an open-loop transfer function. In essence, the procedure satisfies restrictions, which are stated in terms of the gain and phase margins, together with satisfying an upper and lower bounds of sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions. In the FCOC algorithm, the main part of the design procedure is to solve highly nonlinear equations and inequality form constraints. This is innovatively performed and graphically provided in so-called standardized charts, regardless and independent of the plant. These charts will be plotted for different gains of the complex order open-loop transfer function, that is, k.L(s). Investigating the trend of k-chart implies that increasing k and simultaneously decreasing the value of imaginary order b, increases the closed-loop time indices without risk of instability. The provided charts propose region of possible values of FCOC parameters for different amounts of sensitivity functions constraints. Accordingly, the designer only needs to select the proper curve and the solution area according to the target of the controller. This research also proposes a routine design procedure for FCOC especially for beginners in the literature. Optimized parameters will then be selected from the small solution area according to possible extra constraint(s). Performance of the proposed approach will be verified in an application of the PEMFC model through simulation. A comparative study of the outcome will be made using the CRONE toolbox, fractional order proportional-integral (FO-PI) and H ∞ controllers. The study confirms significance of the proposed design algorithm in the field of the FCOC.