Mono resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Mono is best for: Long resumes, job portals and anyone who wants a plain, high-contrast document.
Use Mono — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Mono layout looks like
Black and white only. Contact details use plain labels (Email, Phone, Location) instead of icons, and section headings are white text on black bars. Spacing is compact. No photo slot.
Mono has no photo slot by design. If the country you are applying to expects a photo, pick a template with an optional photo such as Diplomat or Signal.
Who the Mono template suits
Think twice for: Design-led roles where visual style is part of the application.
Is Mono ATS-friendly?
Single column, no icons and conventional headings — as close to plain text as a designed resume gets.
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 Mono resume
- Mono is a strong default for three- and four-page resumes.
- The accent colour is not used; it stays black and white.
- Use bullets for achievements and keep them to one idea each.
How to make a Mono resume in 5 steps
- Open Mono 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.
Mono template FAQ
Why does Mono ignore my accent colour?
It is intentionally black and white for maximum contrast and printing.
Can Mono include a photo?
No. Choose Signal or Diplomat if you need a photo.
Is the Mono template free?
Yes. Mono is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Mono 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.