Frame CV template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Frame is best for: Law, finance, academia and traditional professions.
Use Frame — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Frame layout looks like
An elegant bordered page with serif type and a formal, symmetrical header.
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 Frame template suits
Think twice for: Tech and startup roles, where the border can feel old-fashioned.
Is Frame ATS-friendly?
Single-column body. The border is decoration only and never contains text.
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 Frame CV
- Use Georgia or Times for a classic feel.
- Keep bullet points to one or two lines.
- Frame looks best on one or two full pages.
How to make a Frame CV in 5 steps
- Open Frame 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.
Frame template FAQ
Will the border appear on every page?
The border is drawn around the page area in the design PDF. The Text PDF and .docx have no border.
Is Frame good for an academic CV?
For short academic CVs, yes. For long CVs with publications, Syllabus is designed for that.
Is the Frame template free?
Yes. Frame is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Frame 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.