Best Apps for Creating a Professional Resume

Having a well-structured resume is one of the key factors in securing a job interview.

But between choosing the right font, organizing the information, and ensuring that the layout passes through automated screening systems (the famous ATS — Applicant Tracking SystemsCreating a resume from scratch can be a time-consuming and frustrating process.

It was to solve this problem that resume creation apps emerged: tools that combine ready-made templates, AI-powered text suggestions, and quick PDF export.

In this guide, you will learn about the main apps for creating a professional resume, understand the differences between them, and discover which one best suits your profile.

Why use an app to create a resume instead of Word?

Editing a resume manually in Word or Google Docs is still possible, but specialized applications offer significant advantages:

• Ready-made professional templates: Design tested by recruitment experts, with no risk of formatting errors.
• ATS compatibility: Many apps warn when a template might be misinterpreted by automated resume screening systems.
• AI-generated text suggestions: Ready-made phrases for professional resumes, descriptions of experiences and skills, adapted to your job title.
• Ease of editing: Simply fill in the fields and the layout adjusts automatically, even on your mobile phone.
• Fast export: Most allow you to download your resume as a PDF in just a few minutes, ready to send.

Given this scenario, choosing the right tool can save hours of work and increase the chances of your resume actually reaching a recruiter. Below are some of the most commonly used applications today.

1. Canva

Canva is one of the world's most popular design platforms and also one of the most used apps for creating visual resumes. With hundreds of free templates, a drag-and-drop editor, and the AI "Magic Write" feature for generating text, Canva is ideal for those seeking a resume with a stronger visual identity.

Key Features:

• A drag-and-drop visual editor that requires no design knowledge.
• Large library of free templates for different professional areas.
• AI tool for generating and adjusting resume text.
• Free PDF export.
• Ideal for creative fields such as design, marketing, and communication.

Point of attention: Highly visual templates, with columns and icons, may not be well interpreted by the ATS systems used by large companies. For traditional corporate job postings, opt for the platform's simpler templates.

2. Resume.io

Resume.io is one of the most internationally recognized resume builders, focusing on speed and simplicity. The tool guides the user step-by-step, with organized fields and elegant templates, ready for different experience levels.

Key Features:

• A guided process, ideal for those who have never created a resume before.
• Stylish and tested models for different sectors.
• Suggested text for each section of the resume.
• Free version for creating a resume; PDF download usually requires a paid plan.

3. Zety

Zety is another industry giant, with a question-and-answer approach: the user provides their experience, education, and skills, and the platform automatically organizes everything into the chosen template.

Key Features:

• Step-by-step builder with suggestions for ready-made phrases by job title.
• Integrated grammar checker.
• Various models for different areas and seniority levels.
• Final review of the resume, with tips for improvement.
• Also available as an app, with quick completion via mobile phone.

Point of attention: Like other platforms in the industry, Zety usually offers a trial with a symbolic price that converts into a recurring subscription. It's always worth checking the terms and conditions before subscribing.

4. New summary

Novoresume stands out for combining simplicity with a total focus on compatibility with ATS systems. All templates are tested to pass the automatic filters used by large companies, which increases the chances of the resume actually being read by a human recruiter.

Key Features:

• Models specifically tested for ATS.
• AI assistant that adapts suggestions to the content already entered by the user.
• Free, functional plan with a one-page resume.
• Career mapping tool that suggests possible career paths based on your resume.

5. Kickresume

Kickresume combines AI-powered resume generation with more elaborate visual templates. The platform also allows you to transform your resume into a personal website with one click, which can be a differentiator for those working in creative or technology fields.

Key Features:

• Generating entire resume sections based on the desired job title, using AI.
• Drag-and-drop editor with elaborate templates.
• Resource for creating a personal website from your resume.
• Library with thousands of examples of real resumes by profession.
• The free version is more limited, with fewer models available without a subscription.

6. LinkedIn

Although not a traditional "resume builder," LinkedIn allows you to automatically generate a PDF resume directly from your profile, in the "Resources" > "Save as PDF" section. It's a quick and free option, especially useful for keeping your resume updated along with your professional profile.

Key Features:

• Automatic resume generation from a pre-filled profile.
• Totally free.
• Practical for those who already keep their LinkedIn profile updated.
• Simple layout, without advanced visual customization options.

How to choose the best app to create a resume

When deciding which tool to use, consider these points:

1. Your area of expertise. For creative fields (design, marketing, advertising), a more visual resume, such as those from Canva or Kickresume, can be a differentiator. For traditional corporate fields (finance, legal, engineering), opt for simple templates compatible with ATS, such as those from Novoresume.

2. ATS compatibility. Before choosing a template, check if it uses multiple columns, icons, or graphics—these elements can confuse the automated sorting systems used by large companies. A simple test is to try selecting and copying text from the generated PDF: if it works, the ATS will likely be able to read it as well.

3. Free or paid? Many platforms allow you to create your resume for free, but charge for the PDF download. Always read the terms of the free trial before entering your payment information.

4. Artificial intelligence resources. If you struggle to write about your own qualifications, AI-powered text suggestion tools like Zety, Kickresume, and Canva can significantly speed up the process.

5. Ease of updating. Resumes need to be updated frequently. Choose a tool that allows you to quickly edit and keep multiple versions saved for different job openings.

Tips for creating a more effective resume

• Customize for each job opening: Adapt the keywords in your resume to match the job description, especially if the company uses ATS systems.
• Keep it simple: Resumes with a maximum of one or two pages, direct language, and without excessive visual elements tend to perform better in selection processes.
• Review before submitting: Use built-in grammar checkers or external tools to avoid Portuguese spelling mistakes.
• Test the PDF readability: Always check if the resume text can be selected and copied normally; this is a good indication that it will be read correctly by automated systems.
• Update your LinkedIn profile as well: Keep your LinkedIn profile aligned with your resume, as many recruiters check both.

Frequently asked questions about resume apps

Conclusion

Choosing the right app to create your resume can make a real difference in the outcome of an application. If you're looking for practicality and artificial intelligence features, Zety and Kickresume are good options. If your priority is to get past automated screening systems, Novoresume stands out. And if you want something visual and free, Canva remains a solid choice. Try more than one tool, compare the generated templates, and choose the one that best represents your professional trajectory.

Written by Daniel

Updated on July 23, 2026