Monarch resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Monarch is best for: Executives, consultants and senior hires who want a luxurious, formal look.
Use Monarch — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Monarch layout looks like
A charcoal-and-gold serif design with a monogram, fine rules and a formal 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 Monarch template suits
Think twice for: Junior roles and casual start-up culture.
Is Monarch ATS-friendly?
Structured body; 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 Monarch resume
- The monogram uses your initials automatically.
- Keep the gold accent for small elements; it prints best in moderation.
- Lead with a two-line value statement.
How to make a Monarch resume in 5 steps
- Open Monarch 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.
Monarch template FAQ
Can I change Monarch's gold colour?
Yes — pick any accent in the toolbar. Gold and deep blue suit the design best.
Does Monarch need a photo?
No. Without a photo, the monogram anchors the header.
Is the Monarch template free?
Yes. Monarch is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Monarch 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.