Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about pricing, privacy, ATS compatibility, saving your work, and the document types we support.
Is katlab.cv really free?
Yes. There are no accounts, no paywalls, no premium templates, and no usage limits. The site is a static page hosted on Cloudflare Pages. You will never be asked to pay or to enter a credit card.
Are the PDFs ATS-friendly?
Yes. PDFs are generated with real text (not images) using pdfmake, so applicant tracking systems can parse names, headings, and bullet points. We avoid html2canvas and other rasterising approaches for that reason. The Sidebar template is two-column — most ATS handle this fine, but if you are applying to a strict legacy ATS, prefer Modern, Classic, Editorial, Block, Folio, Marker, Verve, Grid, or Bare.
Where is my data stored?
In your browser tab and nowhere else. There is no backend, no database, and no cloud sync. When you close the tab, the document is gone unless you clicked Backup .json first. We deliberately avoid localStorage autosave — silent persistence makes promises across devices and private tabs that we cannot keep.
How do I save and resume later?
Click Backup .json in the toolbar to download your CV as a JSON file. Next time, click Import and select that file — you are back where you left off. The JSON also works as a portable archive: it is a documented schema and you can edit it by hand if you want.
Why is there no AI text generation?
Recruiters and ATS systems increasingly screen for AI-written copy, and AI-generated bullets tend to read as generic. The product offers structure, action verbs, and quality nudges, but you write the words. Your CV sounds like you, not like a model.
Can I import my LinkedIn profile?
Not directly today. The data model follows the open JSON Resume schema, so any tool that exports JSON Resume can be imported via the Import button. Direct LinkedIn import is on the roadmap pending their API terms.
How do I report a bug or request a feature?
Get in touch directly. The project is currently maintained as a private repository, but bug reports, template contributions, and feature suggestions are very welcome.
What happens when I close the tab?
The document is gone unless you have downloaded a Backup .json file or generated a Share link. This is intentional — it is the only honest contract we can keep on a static site with no backend.
Which templates work best with ATS systems?
All templates use real text and a single column except Sidebar, which uses two columns. For maximum ATS safety, choose Bare, Modern, Classic, or Grid. For more visual presence while still being parsable, choose Editorial, Folio, Block, or Marker.
Can I make a cover letter, recommendation letter, or reference sheet too?
Yes — all five document types live in the same editor and share your basics. Use the document switcher above the editor to add a cover letter, recommendation letter, thank-you note, or reference sheet. The Download bundle button packages everything into a single ZIP.
What is the difference between a CV and a resume?
In the US, a resume is a short, targeted one-to-two-page summary, while a CV is a longer, more comprehensive document common in academia and outside the US. katlab.cv builds both — the same editor and templates work for either, and you control the length by how much you include.
How long should my CV or resume be?
For most roles, aim for one page early in your career and up to two pages once you have more experience. The editor does not cap length and the PDF flows naturally across pages, but shorter and sharper usually wins. Trim to what is relevant to the role you are targeting.
What is an ATS and why does it matter?
An Applicant Tracking System is software employers use to scan and rank CVs before a human reads them. It struggles with text baked into images, unusual columns, and decorative layouts. Every katlab.cv template exports real, selectable text so an ATS can parse your name, headings, and bullet points correctly.
Is there an example CV I can start from?
Yes — the editor includes a one-click example that fills in a realistic sample CV you can edit over. It is the fastest way to see how a template looks with real content before writing your own from scratch.