Resumedit exports in two formats: PDF, which fixes your layout so it reaches the reader exactly as you designed it, and Word (.docx), which stays editable. This guide covers both, and when each one is the right choice.
Which Format to Send
PDF is the safe default for an application. Send Word only when something asks for it.
- Formatting Preservation: A PDF looks the same on every device; a Word file re-flows depending on the fonts and version the reader has
- ATS Compatibility: Modern applicant tracking systems parse both formats. Where a posting names one, follow the posting
- Editability: Word is the one to pick when a recruiter or agency has asked for an editable copy, which some do so they can add their own header
- File Size: PDFs are typically smaller and easier to email
- Accidental Edits: A PDF will not be changed in transit by a reader scrolling through it
How to Export Your Resume
Follow these steps to download your resume:
- Open your resume in the resume builder or preview page
- Open the export dialog and choose PDF or Word Document
- Wait for generation to complete (usually takes a few seconds)
- The file will automatically download to your device
- Open it to verify it looks correct
What the Word export contains
The two view modes produce different Word files on purpose. Exporting the recruiter view gives you a .docx that mirrors your template's design, including a sidebar where the template has one. Exporting the ATS view gives you a deliberately plain single-column document with no styling to confuse a parser. Pick the mode before you export, not after.
Export Options
The export dialog offers:
- View Mode: Recruiter view (your full template design) or ATS view (a plain single-column layout built for parsers)
- Page Size: Letter (8.5" x 11") or A4 (8.27" x 11.69"), in recruiter view. ATS view takes its paper from the regional preset you choose, so an EU preset never lands on US Letter
- ATS Preset: in ATS view, the regional convention to follow; some presets also clamp the result to a single page
- File Format: PDF or Word Document
Margins are set by the template and the preset, and are not adjustable per export. If the spacing is not working for you, switching template is the lever.
Before Exporting
Review your resume before exporting:
- Check for spelling and grammar errors
- Verify all dates and contact information
- Ensure formatting looks correct
- Check that content fits on the page(s) properly
- Review the preview to see exactly how it will look
Naming Your PDF
Use a professional filename for your resume:
Naming Convention
Use a clear, professional format:
- • "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf"
- • "FirstName_LastName_JobTitle_Resume.pdf"
- • "FirstName_LastName_CompanyName_Resume.pdf"
Avoid spaces and special characters. Use underscores or hyphens instead.
PDF Quality Settings
Our PDF export uses high-quality settings:
- Print Quality: Optimized for both screen viewing and printing
- Text Selectable: Text can be selected and copied (important for ATS)
- Color Accuracy: Colors are preserved accurately
- File Size: Optimized for reasonable file sizes while maintaining quality
Troubleshooting PDF Export
PDF Generation Takes Too Long
If PDF generation is slow, try refreshing the page and exporting again. Large resumes with many sections may take longer to process.
PDF Looks Different Than Preview
Make sure you're viewing the PDF in a proper PDF viewer (Adobe Reader, Chrome PDF viewer, etc.). Some browsers may render PDFs differently.
Text Not Selectable
If text isn't selectable, the PDF may have been exported as an image. Contact support if this happens - it's important for ATS compatibility.
File Size Too Large
If your PDF is too large, check for embedded images. Consider reducing image sizes or removing unnecessary images.
Best Practices
Export Tips
- • Always review the PDF before submitting
- • Keep a master copy and create job-specific versions
- • Use consistent naming conventions
- • Store PDFs in an organized folder system
- • Export both recruiter and ATS versions if needed