Onyx resume template: how to use it, tips & FAQ
Onyx is best for: Tech, product and creative roles where a bold first impression matters.
Use Onyx — freeAll 46 templates
Live preview with fictional sample content, drawn by the same renderer as the builder.
What the Onyx layout looks like
A dark header with a photo and your name in light type, followed by a two-column body with experience on the left and skills on the right.
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 Onyx template suits
Think twice for: Printing in black and white and very formal sectors.
Is Onyx ATS-friendly?
Two columns under a dark header. Download 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 Onyx resume
- Use a light accent colour — it shows up best against the dark header.
- Keep the title short so it fits on one line.
- Quantify achievements; the bold design draws attention to your numbers.
How to make a Onyx resume in 5 steps
- Open Onyx 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.
Onyx template FAQ
Is the dark header a problem for printing?
It uses more toner. For printed copies, choose a lighter design or use the Text PDF.
Does Onyx need a photo?
No. Without a photo the header shows just your name and title.
Is the Onyx template free?
Yes. Onyx is free to edit and download as a PDF or Word (.docx) file, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can I switch from Onyx 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.