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Free CV maker
A CV builder set up for the UK, Europe and academic jobs: A4 paper, optional photo and personal details, and room for publications. Free PDF, no sign-up.
Date of birth, nationality and a photo are expected in some countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, parts of Asia) and best left out in others (the US, UK, Canada, Australia).
CV or resume: what is the difference?
The words mean different things in different places, which is why people search for both.
| Convention | Resume (US, Canada) | CV (UK, Ireland, Europe) | Academic CV (everywhere) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | One page, two at most | Two pages is normal | As long as your record |
| Paper | US Letter | A4 | Either |
| Photo, date of birth | Leave out | Common in Germany, Austria, Switzerland; leave out in the UK | Usually left out |
| Typical extras | Skills, projects | Languages, personal profile | Publications, grants, teaching, conferences |
In the UK and Ireland a “CV” is simply what Americans call a resume: a concise summary of your experience, usually two pages. In academia worldwide, a CV is the full record of your publications, teaching and grants.
How this CV maker is set up
- A4 paper by default (switch to US Letter in the panel if you need it).
- Optional personal details: date of birth and nationality fields appear on CVs, for the markets that expect them. Leave them empty and they do not print.
- Optional photo, cropped to a circle or a square, for countries where a photo is usual.
- Sections for European and academic CVs: Profile, Work experience, Education, Publications, Languages with levels, Awards and grants, plus any custom section you need (Teaching, Conferences, References).
- The same five templates as the resume builder; Two-column suits CVs with many languages and skills.
Your CV is saved in this browser alongside any resumes you made, so you can keep a US resume and a European CV side by side in My CVs and resumes.
CV tips by country
- UK and Ireland: two pages of A4, no photo, no date of birth, no marital status. Start with a short personal profile.
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: a professional photo, date of birth and nationality are still common, and a signed and dated CV (Lebenslauf) is traditional. Reverse chronological order.
- France, Spain, Italy: one or two pages; a photo is common but optional. List languages with levels (CEFR A1 to C2 is widely understood).
- Academic jobs: include publications, grants, teaching, supervision and talks. Length follows your record.
Rules differ by employer and change over time, so follow the job ad when it says what it wants.
Questions and answers
Is the CV maker free?
Yes. Make as many CVs as you like and download them as PDFs, with no watermark, no account and no paywall.
Should I put my date of birth on my CV?
In the UK, Ireland, the US and many other countries, no: it can invite age discrimination and is not needed. In German-speaking countries it is still common. The field is optional here and prints only when you fill it in.
How long should a CV be?
In the UK and most of Europe, two pages of A4 is the norm. Graduates can fit on one. Academic CVs are as long as the record they describe.
Can I add publications?
Yes. Add a Publications section with title, journal or venue, year, a link and the authors. You can also add custom sections such as Teaching or Conferences.
Is my CV private?
Yes. It is stored only in this browser and the PDF is made on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
Can I also make a resume and a cover letter?
Yes: the resume builder uses the same editor with US conventions, and the cover letter generator can copy your details and design from your CV.