# CV builder & templates

AuraCV includes **22 professional templates** and a full editor for content and layout. This guide explains how to choose templates, edit sections, import files, export PDFs, and fix common problems.

## Template gallery (My CVs)

**Path:** **My CVs** (`/cvs`)

- Browse templates by style: Executive, Modern, Creative, industry-specific.
- **Free plan:** access to **5 templates** (which five may rotate or be fixed — check the gallery padlock icons).
- **AuraPro:** all **22 templates** unlocked.

Click a template to **create a new CV** or open an existing CV in the builder.

### Common questions: templates

**Why are some templates locked?**  
They require **AuraPro**. Subscribe via **Pricing** (`/pricing`) or **Subscriptions** (`/subscriptions`).

**Can I use different templates for different job types?**  
Yes — create **multiple CVs**, each with its own template and content (e.g. Tech Engineer vs Executive Clean).

**Will changing template delete my content?**  
Content lives in your CV document. Template changes affect layout and styling; always preview after switching.

## Available templates

| Template | Best for |
|----------|----------|
| Executive Clean | Senior roles, corporate |
| Modern Gradient | Tech, startups |
| South African Pro | Local employers, formal SA market |
| Tech Engineer | Software, IT |
| Creative Designer | Design, media |
| Medical Professional | Healthcare |
| Academic Scholar | Research, academia |
| Sales Champion | Sales, BD |
| Financial Expert | Finance, accounting |
| Marketing Maven | Marketing, comms |
| Startup Founder | Founders, generalists |
| Legal Professional | Law |
| Teacher/Educator | Education |
| Data Scientist | Data, ML |
| Hospitality Expert | Hotels, restaurants |
| Construction Lead | Construction, trades |
| HR Professional | Human resources |
| Project Manager | PM, delivery |
| Creative Writer | Writing, content |
| Executive Board | Board-level, C-suite |
| Remote Worker | Distributed teams |
| Entry Level Fresh | Graduates, first job |

## CV builder editor

**Path:** **CV builder** (`/cv-builder?id=...`)

### Personal information

- Full name, professional title, email, phone, location
- **Summary** — short pitch at the top (recruiters often read this first)
- Optional links: LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub

**Application Profile vs CV personal section:** **Application Profile** (`/profile`) holds account-wide defaults for autofill. The CV builder's personal block is **per CV** and what appears on that exported document. Update both when your contact details change.

### Sections

Typical sections you can add and reorder:

- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications
- Projects
- Languages
- References (optional)

Each section supports multiple entries with dates, descriptions, and bullet points. Use action verbs and measurable outcomes where honest (e.g. "Increased sales by 15%" only if true).

### Saving

Your CV is stored in your account. Edits persist automatically as you work in most cases.

**If changes seem lost:** Confirm you are logged in, refresh, reopen the CV from **My CVs**. If the issue continues, email **support@auracv.net** with your account email.

### PDF export

- **AuraPro:** direct PDF export from the builder or **CV PDF viewer** (`/cv-pdf-viewer`).
- **Free users:** export may be limited or watermarked — check **Pricing** for current policy.

**Path:** **CV PDF viewer** for print-ready preview before sending to employers.

### Common questions: PDF export

**PDF layout is cut off or overlapping.**  
Shorten long paragraphs, reduce bullet count, or try another template. Open **CV PDF viewer** to preview before download.

**Export button missing or disabled.**  
You may need **AuraPro** or you are not logged in. Check **Subscriptions**.

**Will recruiters be able to read my PDF?**  
Templates are designed for clarity. Use clear headings, standard section names, and avoid text in images. Run **CV Checker** in AI Hub for suggestions.

## Import from file

**Supported formats:** **PDF**, **DOCX**

1. Start import from the CV builder (Import button).
2. Wait for generative AI to finish parsing your file.
3. Verify names, dates, employers, and bullet points line by line.
4. Adjust template and formatting.

### Tips for better imports

- Use standard section headings in **English**: Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
- Prefer text-based PDFs over scanned photos of paper CVs.
- Avoid heavy multi-column layouts in source files if parsing misses columns.
- If import is incomplete, add missing sections **manually** rather than re-importing the same broken file repeatedly.

### Common questions: import

**Import only captured education, not experience.**  
The import likely missed headings. Add an **Experience** section manually, or re-export your old CV with clear "Experience" / "Work History" titles. See [FAQ — Import missed sections](./faq-troubleshooting.md).

**Import invented or wrong employers.**  
Generative AI parsing can misread tables. Delete wrong entries and type correct data — you are responsible for accuracy.

**Can I import LinkedIn?**  
Use LinkedIn's export (PDF or data) if available, then import the PDF/DOCX. AuraCV does not log into LinkedIn on your behalf.

**How long does import take?**  
Usually seconds to a minute depending on file size and AI load. Retry if the service times out.

## Multiple CVs

Maintain several CVs for different targets:

- Rename or duplicate from **My CVs** where the UI offers it.
- Example: "CV — Software 2026" vs "CV — Management 2026"

Do not send the wrong CV to an employer — double-check the document name and preview.

## Application Profile autofill

Data in **Application Profile** (`/profile`) can pre-fill personal fields when creating CVs or applying to jobs.

**Best practice:** When you change phone, location, or LinkedIn, update **Application Profile** first, then open CVs to sync or copy new details.

## Workflow: from blank to job-ready

1. Fill **Application Profile**.
2. Pick template on **My CVs**.
3. Complete Experience → Education → Skills (minimum viable CV).
4. **CV Checker** in AI Hub.
5. Apply improvements in builder.
6. Export PDF (AuraPro) or preview.
7. Use same CV in **Job Board** match and **Applications** tracker.

## Related guides

- [AI features](./ai-features.md) — grading and improvements
- [Jobs & applications](./jobs-and-applications.md) — applying with your CV
- [AuraPro](./aura-pro.md) — all templates and PDF export
- [FAQ & troubleshooting](./faq-troubleshooting.md) — import and save issues