Free InDesign Resume Templates

How to customize our templates in InDesign

1. Create a new document. Open InDesign and select File → New → Document. Choose your preferred page size, such as US Letter or A4, and set your margins.
2. Set up your layout. Use Layout → Create Guides to add columns and guides that help you keep your resume sections aligned.
3. Add text frames. Select the Type Tool (T) and drag text frames onto the page for your resume sections. Add your contact information, resume summary, work experience, education, and skills.
4. Format your text. Set the fonts, sizes, spacing, and alignment for your headings and body text. Use Paragraph Styles to apply the same formatting across multiple sections.
5. Check your layout. Look for uneven spacing, misaligned elements, and text that extends beyond its text frame. If you see a red plus sign in a text frame, you have overset text that isn’t fully visible.
6. Export your resume. When you’re finished, select File → Export, choose Adobe PDF (Print), and review the exported PDF to make sure the formatting looks correct before submitting it.

Pros and cons of making a resume with InDesign

InDesign gives you total control over layout and style, making it a favorite among creatives — but is it the best choice for your job search? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:

Alternatives to InDesign

While InDesign gives you extensive control over your resume’s design, it can be more complicated than necessary for a job application. If you want a resume that’s easier to create, edit, and customize, consider using one of these alternatives.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a straightforward alternative to InDesign for creating a professional resume. Its familiar formatting tools make it easy to customize fonts, spacing, headings, and layouts without needing advanced design skills. Word resumes are also easy to edit quickly when you need to tailor your resume for different jobs.

Google Docs

Google Docs offers a convenient way to create and update your resume from any device. It includes a range of resume templates and basic formatting tools, making it a good option if you want a simple, professional resume without learning design software. Your resume is also automatically saved to Google Drive, so you can access and edit it whenever you need.

Resume builder

While InDesign can be a powerful option for graphic designers and other visual creatives, it’s more complex than most job seekers need, and it often requires more time and effort than it’s worth. If you’d prefer a faster, easier way to build a professional resume, our resume builder has you covered.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Not sure if InDesign is the right tool for your resume? We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions to help you decide.

Is InDesign a good program to create a resume with?

InDesign is a great choice for designers and visually creative professionals who want total control over layout and typography. However, for most job seekers, it can be overly complex and time-consuming. Simpler tools like resume builders or Word templates offer more convenience and better ATS compatibility.

Does Adobe InDesign have built-in resume templates?

No, Adobe InDesign doesn’t have built-in resume templates. Most users prefer downloading third-party InDesign resume templates for more variety and better customization.

Can I edit my resume template in InDesign?

Yes, InDesign allows you to fully customize any resume template, including colors, fonts, layouts, and spacing. Just keep in mind that InDesign has a steep learning curve. If you’re new to InDesign, editing may take time and require some familiarity with design tools and layer management.

Tools to help you fill in your InDesign resume template

Create an application-ready resume faster with these free tools:

• Resume summary generator: Generates a clear, effective professional summary
• Bullet point generator: Helps rewrite your work experience into achievement-focused bullet points
• Skills generator: Finds important keywords aligned with your field
• AI resume generator: Creates a complete resume draft from a brief description of your experience
• Resume parser: Reviews your resume’s formatting and keyword usage for ATS optimization