Crest CV template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Crest is best for: Senior, legal and academic CVs.
Use Crest — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Crest layout looks like
A formal centred serif layout with a fine accent border and, when there is no photo, a crest-style monogram of your initials above your name.
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 Crest template suits
Think twice for: Casual or creative roles.
Is Crest ATS-friendly?
Single-column body; parsers read it in order.
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 Crest CV
- The crest uses your initials.
- Deep green or navy suit Crest.
- Keep it to two pages.
How to make a Crest CV in 5 steps
- Open Crest 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.
Crest template FAQ
When does the crest monogram appear?
Only when you have not uploaded a photo — the monogram of your initials fills the same spot. Upload a photo and it replaces the monogram.
Does Crest support a photo?
Yes, optionally.
Is the Crest template free?
Yes. Crest is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Crest 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 CV directly to a person.