ATS guides
ATS-Friendly Resume Format: PDF vs DOCX and Layout Rules
The ATS-friendly resume format that still looks professional: file type, fonts, sections, and layouts that survive Workday and Greenhouse.
8 min · updated 7/22/2026
An ATS-friendly resume format is boring on purpose. Recruiters skim design; machines need structure.
File type
- Preferred: .docx from Google Docs or Word
- OK: PDF with selectable text
- Avoid: image-only PDF, heavy Canva exports
Layout rules
- Single column body
- Contact info in the body (not only header/footer)
- Simple bullets
- Standard fonts: Calibri, Arial, Garamond, 10–12 pt
- Margins ≥ 0.5 inch
Section names that parse
Use plain labels: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications. Clever names like “Where I’ve Made Impact” confuse parsers.
After formatting, run MyATSCheck to confirm blockers are gone before you apply.
FAQ
Is PDF or Word better for ATS?
DOCX is often safest. A text-based PDF from Word usually works. Designer PDFs from Canva are risky.
Are two-column resumes ATS friendly?
Often no. Many parsers read columns out of order or skip the sidebar entirely.
Read next
- How to Pass ATS Filters in 2026 (Without Keyword Stuffing)
- ATS Resume Checker: How to Know If Your Resume Will Pass
- Resume ATS Score Explained: What the Number Really Means
Resources: ATS resume checker · Jobscan alternative