Cascade resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Cascade is best for: A friendly modern resume for almost any industry.
Use Cascade — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Cascade layout looks like
A full-width banner header with a contact strip, followed by clean sections in two columns.
The photo only appears if you upload one. In the builder, the Show these details? panel lets you show or hide the photo, date of birth, nationality, marital status and visa status — and that single setting applies to the preview, the PDF, the Word file and printing.
Who the Cascade template suits
Think twice for: Very formal applications such as law or senior finance.
Is Cascade ATS-friendly?
Two columns under a banner; use the Text PDF or .docx for portals.
Whatever design you choose, the builder's Application view shows the same content as a simple one-column page, and the Text PDF and .docx downloads keep selectable text in a clear reading order. No tool can guarantee how a particular employer's system reads a file, so follow the job advert's instructions. More in our ATS-friendly resume guide.
Tips for a stronger Cascade resume
- Keep your title short so the banner stays balanced.
- Use the contact strip for email, phone and one link only.
- Choose a medium accent colour for the banner.
How to make a Cascade resume in 5 steps
- Open Cascade in the free builder — no account needed.
- Enter your details in the form, or import a JSON backup from another device.
- Click any text on the page to edit it in place; press Enter to finish or Esc to cancel.
- Check page flow with the page markers, then look at Application view for portals.
- Download a Text PDF, a Word .docx, a Design PDF or print.
Cascade template FAQ
Can I remove the banner?
The banner is part of Cascade. For a similar layout without a banner, try Aurora or Signal.
Does Cascade support a photo?
Yes, a round photo can sit in the banner.
Is the Cascade template free?
Yes. Cascade is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Cascade to another template without losing my content?
Yes. Your details are stored once and every template reads the same content, so switching designs never deletes anything. You can also undo a change.
Which file should I send to an online application portal?
Use the Text PDF or the Word (.docx) download. Both keep your content in a simple reading order with selectable text. Use the Design PDF when you email the resume directly to a person.