Updated 12 October 2026 · By Abhilash Sahoo, Infyways
The easiest free printable CV templates are in Google Docs (File → New → From template), Microsoft Word / Microsoft Create, Canva and, for a typeset look, Overleaf (LaTeX). Pick a simple one-column layout, export to PDF, and print on A4 (UK/EU/India) or US Letter (US/Canada) at 100% scale.
Where can I get free printable resume templates?
| Source | Format | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Docs templates | Docs → PDF/Word | Quick, clean, ATS-friendly CVs | Few designs |
| Microsoft Word / Microsoft Create | Word (.docx) → PDF | Corporate and traditional roles; easy to edit offline | Some designs use text boxes that ATS cannot read |
| Canva | PDF/PNG | Creative roles that value design | Many templates are image-heavy; some elements are paid |
| Overleaf (LaTeX) | Academic, research and engineering CVs | Needs basic LaTeX | |
| Adobe Express | Designers who want quick visual layouts | Account required |
What makes a CV template good for printing?
- One or two columns at most, with clear section headings.
- Body text 10–12 pt in a common font (Calibri, Arial, Garamond, Georgia, Inter).
- Margins of at least 1.5–2 cm (0.6–0.8 in) so printers do not clip text.
- Black or dark grey text; colour only for headings or a thin accent.
- No full-page background images (they waste ink and print unevenly).
- Fits on one page for early-career roles, two pages for experienced ones.
How do I print a CV so it looks right?
- Set the page size to A4 or Letter before you start, depending on the country you apply in.
- Export to PDF (File → Download → PDF in Google Docs; File → Save As → PDF in Word).
- Open the PDF and check nothing has moved onto a second page.
- Print at “Actual size”/100%, not “Fit to page”.
- Use plain white 80–100 gsm paper; print one test copy first.
Printable CV vs ATS-friendly CV: do I need both?
Often, yes. Many employers screen CVs with applicant tracking systems (ATS) that read text, not design. For online applications, send a simple version with real text (no text in images, tables or text boxes) and standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills. Keep a designed version for printing, interviews and networking events.
What should a CV include?
| Section | What to put in it |
|---|---|
| Header | Name, phone, email, city/country, LinkedIn or portfolio link |
| Summary | 2–3 lines on your role, experience and what you want next |
| Experience | Most recent first; job title, employer, dates, 3–5 bullet points with results |
| Education | Degree, institution, year |
| Skills | Role-specific tools and skills; avoid long generic lists |
| Optional | Certifications, languages, projects, volunteering |
Leave out photos and date of birth when applying in the US, UK and Canada unless asked; in parts of Europe and Asia a photo is still common, so follow local norms.
Need a personal website or online portfolio to go with your CV? See our web design services or browse certificate templates.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find free printable resume templates?
Google Docs and Microsoft Word include free resume templates; Canva, Microsoft Create and Overleaf offer more designs.
Should I print my CV on A4 or Letter?
A4 for the UK, Europe, India and most of the world; US Letter for the US and Canada.
Is a designed CV ATS-friendly?
Often not. Keep a simple text-based version for online applications and a designed one for printing.
How long should a printed CV be?
One page for early-career roles, up to two pages for experienced candidates.