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Canva Review

Resume & CV Builders

9.5/10How we rateDesignFree

Quick verdict: Best for visually striking resumes and multi-use design. We recommend it when design freedom and a free tier matter, and you can optimize for ATS with simpler layouts.

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About Canva

Design anything, including resumes.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Design freedom
  • Free tier
  • Resumes and more

Cons

  • Can be overwhelming
  • ATS needs care

Our review

Canva is not just for resumes but excels at visual design. You can create standout resumes with drag-and-drop; the free tier is generous and includes many templates. If you want a resume that looks more like a portfolio or creative piece, Canva gives you full control over layout, colors, and graphics.

For roles where ATS screening is strict, use simpler layouts and avoid heavy graphics or multiple columns so parsing works correctly. For creative or design-heavy industries, Canva resumes can help you stand out. Paid plans unlock more assets and remove watermarks.

We recommend Canva for design-focused users who are okay checking ATS compatibility themselves. For maximum ATS focus with less design work, consider Novoresume or Resume.io.

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop
  • Templates
  • Free tier

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes. Canva has many resume templates; you can customize them with drag-and-drop.
  • Yes. A free tier is available; paid plans unlock more templates and features.
  • Simpler layouts work better with ATS. Avoid heavy graphics and complex layouts for roles that rely on automated screening.
  • Yes. Export to PDF is available; check free vs paid for download options.
  • Canva offers more design freedom and a strong free tier; Novoresume is built specifically for resumes with ATS and guidance in mind.