Adobe InDesign is the perfect tool for creating a resume. Its text features lend themselves to figuring out the flow of text, and it's the Adobe program geared toward publication layout and printed content. With this in mind you may find it's the best option for crafting a CV.

If you're not sure where to start, downloading a free resume template can take the hard work out of the process. Or can, at the very least, give you a starting point to create your own original design.

Why Adobe InDesign?

There are many reasons you should consider using Adobe InDesign to create your resume:

  • You can create styles for your text and easily apply them to other sections of your resume.
  • InDesign has the most robust text options of any Adobe program.
  • You can use smart guides to create a balanced layout.

You'll find plenty of great sites packed with InDesign templates, but if you're looking specifically for a resume template, we've got you covered.

What to Consider When Choosing a Design

You'll often hear advice to keep your resume simple, and in many cases, this advice is quite accurate. If you're applying for a job where you know the company uses an applicant tracking system, then an overly designed resume will probably work against you.

On the other hand, if you're applying for a job that requires creativity and you want to stand out from the crowd, these designs could serve that purpose.

Adobe InDesign Templates: Free vs. Paid

While you can find some impressive free templates available for InDesign, you're likely to find a far bigger selection of paid InDesign resume templates.

It really comes down to your personal needs. If you look at the free options and find that they just aren't cutting it, Creative Market is a good place to start when searching for paid designs. The site is a marketplace for designers so you'll be paying the designer directly for their work, and there's a huge selection of InDesign resume templates to choose from.

If you prefer to go the free route, we have a selection of nine InDesign resume templates that you can download right now. It's also worth keeping an eye on Creative Market's weekly freebies, where you'll find the occasional resume template.

1. Yellow Two-Column Layout

yellow-indesign-resume-cover-letter-template

This yellow two-column layout free resume template is available as an InDesign file, as well as an Illustrator and Photoshop file. It also comes with a complementary cover letter.

While it's free, you will have to register for a free Graphicpear account to download it.

Graphicpear is home to plenty more resume templates, but the vast majority are Adobe Illustrator templates.

Fonts you'll need: Roboto, Alex Brush.

2. Simple CV

two-column-indesign-resume-template

The name says it all. Simple CV is a minimalist design with three different layout options for how you can display your skills, hobbies, interests, and more.

The design also includes space for a personal logo and makes good use of font color to signify choices for your skill level

Fonts you'll need: Arial.

3. Infographic Resume

infographic-indesign-resume-template

This free InDesign Infographic resume is available as an A4 design. If you're looking for the US letter version, you'll have to purchase it on Creative Market. The free version also comes with a Microsoft Word file.

The clean design takes cues from infographics, with a map, timeline, icons, and scales. It also comes with a complementary cover letter.

Fonts you'll need: Raleway.

4. Hexagon Vita

This pay-what-you-want resume can be downloaded for free, but you will have to fork over your email address to get it either way. Once you get the download link, you can save the file five times.

The two-page resume is perfect for a designer with icons for sites like Behance and Dribble, a timeline of your experience, and a page listing your skills.

Fonts you'll need: Open Sans Italic.

5. Clean Styled Resume Pack Free Sample

minimalist-indesign-resume-template

Sometimes keeping things simple is the best approach. And this resume template certainly does that.

The minimal design includes space for your experience, contact information, education, and social media profiles. It also follows most of the tips included in what not to include in your resume.

Fonts you'll need: Montserrat.

6. CV Template, Journalist Edition

journalist-indesign-resume-template

In addition to a two-page InDesign resume template, Journalist Edition also includes templates to help you write a cover letter and an Adobe Illustrator business card.

The resume template will come in handy for anyone whose job takes them around the world, and is geared specifically toward journalists.

Fonts you'll need: Simple Line Icons, Source Sans Pro.

7. Free Resume Template

bright-indesign-resume-template

StockInDesign's free resume template comes in a yellow and grey theme with a couple of different layouts. And if yellow isn't your cup of tea, you can easily change the color to suit your style.

The multipage template includes space for your education, experience, and skills, and the set comes with a complementary portfolio layout useful for any visual artists or designers.

Fonts you'll need: Simple Line Icons, Montserrat.

8. Free Experienced Engineer Resume Format

engineer-indesign-resume-template

If you're looking for a unique, niche resume, this dark design catering to a young engineer has some interesting choices. The dark, infographic-like layout will definitely not play nice with any companies that use an applicant tracking system, but if you want to stand out from the crowd with a company, this resume might be just what you need.

You'll need to provide your email address before downloading this template.

Fonts you'll need: Century Gothic, Montserrat.

9. Free Material Resume

material-design-indesign-resume-template

Inspired by Google's material design, this free template includes space for your work experience, education, skills, online profiles, and more. In addition to taking its design cues from Google's flat design aesthetic, it also features a nice combination of infographic-like images and a timeline for your education and experience.

In addition to the InDesign files, you'll also get free Illustrator and Photoshop files.

Fonts used: Roboto.

Alternatives to Adobe InDesign

Using templates should make easy work of figuring out Adobe InDesign, but if you're still getting the hang of the program, it's possible to teach yourself Adobe InDesign for free.

If you feel like InDesign isn't right for you, there is no shortage of Illustrator and Photoshop resume templates. You'll also find some great Microsoft Word resume templates that could help you land a job. You can also find the perfect resume template on Canva and customize it to suit your needs.