Free CV Builder: Make a Professional CV and Download as PDF or Word
Fill in your details, add or remove any section, pick a design and download your CV as PDF, Word (.docx) or plain text. Free, no sign-up, no watermark, and your details stay on your device.
Personal details
A photo is common on CVs for jobs in the Gulf and Pakistan. Leave it out for the UK, USA and Canada.
More personal details (optional)
Only add these if the employer or country expects them. Empty fields are not shown on the CV.
Add a section:
Download your CV
Your CV is saved automatically in this browser only. Use “Save backup” to keep a copy or continue on another device.
Quick answer: To make a CV online for free, enter your contact details, write a 2–4 line profile, list your work experience and education with your main achievements, add skills and languages, choose a design and download it. Send your CV as a PDF unless the employer asks for a Word file, and keep it to 1–2 pages.
How to make a CV with this builder
- Add your personal details: name, job title, email, phone, city and LinkedIn. Upload a photo only if it suits the country you are applying in.
- Fill in the sections. Write each job’s achievements one per line; they become bullet points automatically.
- Remove, hide or reorder sections. Use Remove section to delete a section, Show to hide it for one application, and the arrows to change the order. Every section heading can be renamed.
- Add extra sections such as Certifications, Projects, References or a custom section from the buttons under the form.
- Pick a design, colour and paper size. The preview shows exactly what you will download, including page breaks.
- Download as PDF, Word or plain text, or print it. Use Save backup to keep an editable copy.
What to include in a CV
| Section | Include? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Contact details | Always | Professional email, phone with country code, city and country. |
| Professional summary | Recommended | 2–4 lines on your experience, strengths and the role you want. |
| Work experience | Always | Most recent job first. Start bullet points with action verbs and add numbers where you can. |
| Education | Always | Highest qualification first. Freshers can put education above experience. |
| Skills and languages | Recommended | Use the same words as the job advert so applicant tracking systems (ATS) match them. |
| Certifications, projects | If relevant | Useful for freshers, IT, safety, healthcare and technical roles. |
| References | Optional | Add them only if asked; otherwise the employer will request them later. |
CV format by country
Expectations differ between countries, so always follow the job advert first.
- Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: a photo, nationality and visa status are common, and some employers ask for date of birth. Add passport or ID numbers only when the employer requests them.
- Pakistan and India: a photo and some personal details are common but not required. Keep the CV to 2 pages.
- UK, USA, Canada and Australia: leave out the photo, date of birth, nationality and marital status. In the USA a CV is usually called a resume and is 1–2 pages on Letter paper.
PDF, Word or plain text: which download should I use?
| Format | Best for |
|---|---|
| Emailing your CV and most online applications. The layout looks the same on every device. | |
| Word (.docx) | When an employer or recruiter asks for an editable file, or you want to make final changes in Word or Google Docs. |
| Plain text (.txt) | Pasting into online job forms that do not accept attachments. |
| Walk-in interviews and job fairs. You can also choose “Save as PDF” in the print window. |
How to make your CV ATS-friendly
- Use standard headings such as Work Experience, Education and Skills.
- Match the key terms in the job advert where they honestly describe you.
- Keep contact details as text, not inside images.
- Choose the Classic or Minimal design for very large companies that use older applicant tracking systems.
Is my information private?
Yes. The CV builder runs entirely in your browser. Your details and photo are not uploaded to our server; they are saved only in your own browser so you can come back and edit later. Clearing your browser data or pressing Clear all removes them.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CV builder really free?
Yes. You can create, edit and download your CV as PDF, Word or text for free, with no sign-up and no watermark.
How do I remove a section from my CV?
Click Remove section in the section header. If you change your mind, press Undo in the message that appears. To hide a section for one application without deleting it, untick Show.
Can I download my CV in Word format?
Yes. Click Word (.docx) to download an editable file that opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice.
How long should a CV be?
One page is enough for freshers and two pages for most experienced candidates. Senior or academic CVs can be longer.
Should I put a photo on my CV?
A photo is common for jobs in the Gulf and South Asia. Leave it out for the UK, USA, Canada and Australia, where employers usually prefer CVs without photos.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In most countries they mean the same document. In the USA a resume is a short 1 to 2 page summary, while a CV is a longer academic record.
Can I edit my CV later?
Yes. Your CV is saved automatically in your browser. You can also click Save backup to download a file and open it later on any device.
Will my CV pass applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
The PDF and Word files contain real, selectable text with standard headings, which ATS software can read. Use keywords from the job advert to improve your match.
Related free tools
Related free tools
- Cover LetterBuild a cover letter that matches the CV you just made.
- Resume TemplatesFour free ATS-friendly templates to edit and download as PDF or Word.
- Compress PDFCut the file size so it fits an email attachment or an upload limit.
- PDF to WordTurn a PDF into an editable document for Word, Docs or LibreOffice.
- Word CounterCount words and characters against an essay or post limit.
- Interview PreparationPractise common interview questions with tips, timer and STAR answers.
Guides for CV Builder
How to use the CV Builder tool
- Fill in your details: personal information, work experience, education and skills.
- Choose a layout and check the live preview.
- Download your CV as a PDF, ready to send or upload to job portals.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CV builder really free?
Yes. You can create and download your CV without signing up or paying.
Is the CV ATS friendly?
Use a clean layout, standard headings such as Experience and Education, and plain text rather than images for key information. That is what applicant tracking systems read best.
Should I add a photo to my CV?
In Qatar and the wider Gulf, a professional photo is common and often expected. For jobs in the UK, US or Canada, leave it out.
How long should my CV be?
One page for freshers and early-career roles, and two pages for most experienced professionals.