Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Resume Builder HQ: Is it free? Are resumes ATS-friendly? Is my data private? Can I download PDF and Word?
Last updated 2026-08-19
Short answers to the questions we hear most. If you cannot find your answer here, browse the sidebar guides or visit the contact page.
Is Resume Builder HQ really free?
Yes, the builder, all templates, PDF and Word export, the ATS checker, and every guide are free. There are no watermarks and no feature paywalls.
Do I need to create an account?
No. There is no sign-up and no login. You open the builder, create your resume, and download it. Your data stays in your browser.
Are the resumes ATS-friendly?
Yes. The templates are designed to parse cleanly in applicant tracking systems. You can also run any resume through the free ATS checker to get a score and fixes.
Where is my resume data stored?
Everything saves to your browser's local storage. No resume, photo, or personal data is uploaded to a server. This means drafts do not sync across devices.
How do I download my resume?
After building your resume, open the Download step and choose Download PDF for a print-ready file or Download Word for an editable .docx file.
What page size does the PDF use?
You choose the page size in the Layout tab: A4 or US Letter. The PDF export uses the size you select, so it matches what local employers expect.
Can I use a resume example as a starting point?
Yes. Browse the Resume Examples or Country Guides, then click Use This Example. The example loads into the builder with a matching design and the correct structure.
How many templates are available?
More than 880 template combinations. You choose from categories like ATS-friendly, modern, minimalist, two-column, one-page, with photo, and more.
Can I include a photo on my resume?
Yes, but check your target country first. The UK bans photos by law, while many other countries expect one. The Country Guides explain the rule for each place.
How do I keep my resume to one page?
Trim less-important bullets, tighten section spacing and margins in the Layout tab, and watch the live preview. Avoid shrinking the font too much, which hurts readability.
Does the resume autosave?
Yes. Every change saves automatically to your browser. You can close the tab and return later, as long as you use the same browser and device.
How do I clear my saved data?
Use Reset Data in the builder to permanently delete all saved drafts, photos, and gallery data from that browser. Export anything you want to keep first.