How to Create a Resume/CV in LaTeX (Templates)
By Shihab Shahriar Antor · Updated June 2026 · 6 min read
To make a résumé in LaTeX, start from a CV document class such as moderncv or a ready template (Awesome-CV, AltaCV, Deedy), fill in your contact details, experience, and education sections, then compile to a PDF. LetX ships 12+ résumé/CV templates you can open and edit in the browser — some need XeLaTeX, which LetX selects automatically.
Why write a CV in LaTeX
LaTeX gives a résumé typographic polish that’s hard to match in a word processor: consistent spacing, professional fonts, and clean alignment that never drifts when you edit. For academic CVs it also handles publication lists and references cleanly.
Pick the right template
| Template | Style | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| moderncv | Classic, conservative | pdfLaTeX |
| Awesome-CV | Modern, two-tone header | XeLaTeX |
| AltaCV | Sidebar with skills bars | XeLaTeX |
| Deedy | Compact two-column | XeLaTeX |
Styled templates load custom fonts via fontspec, which requires XeLaTeX (not pdfLaTeX). LetX auto-detects fontspec and selects XeLaTeX for you, so these compile without manual config.
A minimal moderncv example
\documentclass[11pt,a4paper]{moderncv}
\moderncvstyle{classic}
\moderncvcolor{blue}
\name{Your}{Name}
\title{Software Engineer}
\email{[email protected]}
\social[github]{yourhandle}
\begin{document}
\makecvtitle
\section{Experience}
\cventry{2024--Now}{Engineer}{Company}{City}{}{
\begin{itemize}
\item Built and shipped X used by Y users.
\end{itemize}}
\section{Education}
\cventry{2020--2024}{B.Sc. Computer Science}{University}{}{}{}
\end{document}Start from a ready CV template
Skip the boilerplate: open a styled LaTeX CV/résumé template on LetX, swap in your details, and compile to PDF in the browser. The full set lives in the template gallery and the Latex_Templates repo.
Open a LaTeX résumé template and compile — free.
Browse CV TemplatesFrequently asked questions
What is the best LaTeX class for a resume?
moderncv is the most popular general CV class — conservative and easy to fill in. For a modern, styled look, templates like Awesome-CV, AltaCV, or Deedy are widely used. Styled templates usually require XeLaTeX for custom fonts.
Why does my LaTeX CV fail to compile?
Most styled CV templates load custom fonts with fontspec, which only works under XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX — not pdfLaTeX. Switch the engine to XeLaTeX. On LetX this is detected and set automatically.
Can I make an academic CV in LaTeX?
Yes. moderncv and dedicated academic CV templates handle publication lists, teaching, and references cleanly. You can cite your own papers from a .bib file for an auto-formatted publications section.
Does LetX have résumé templates?
Yes. LetX includes 12+ CV/résumé templates (moderncv, Awesome-CV, AltaCV, Deedy, Jake’s Resume and more). Open one, edit in the browser, and compile to PDF with no install.
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Written by Shihab Shahriar Antor — AI Engineer & Founder of Shahriar Labs. Builder of LetX (collaborative LaTeX) and QuantumSketch (AI STEM video).