Printable CV Templates: Free Sources and How to Print a Resume Properly

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)	PDF	Academic, research and engineering CVs	Needs basic LaTeX
Adobe Express	PDF	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?

1. Set the page size to A4 or Letter before you start, depending on the country you apply in.
2. Export to PDF (File → Download → PDF in Google Docs; File → Save As → PDF in Word).
3. Open the PDF and check nothing has moved onto a second page.
4. Print at "Actual size"/100%, not "Fit to page".
5. 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.