Guide · Open source
How to use Reactive Resume: write, check and export a resume
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Reactive Resume is a free, open-source resume builder that runs as a web app. This guide walks through creating an account, writing and designing a resume, checking it against a job posting, exporting it and sharing it. It is written for job seekers and anyone who wants to keep control of their resume data.
Reactive Resumereactive-resume/reactive-resume · ★ 45.2k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Create an account. Go to rxresu.me and sign up for a free account.
- 2Start or import a resume. Import an existing resume or start a new one in the editor.
- 3Write and design. Edit content inline, then choose a template and adjust fonts, colors and spacing.
- 4Check against a job posting. Use Check mode and paste the job posting to compare keywords and readability.
- 5Export or share. Download a PDF, Word, Markdown or JSON file, or create a public link.
Start Reactive Resume and create an account
Open the hosted app at rxresu.me, the homepage listed in the project. The README says you can create a free account, then either import an existing resume or start fresh.
The source describes the app as a hosted web app with accounts, so you do not need to install anything to begin writing.
Write your resume in the editor
The editor has Write, Design, and Check modes, and shows a live PDF preview as you type. You can edit content inline and click elements on the page to select them.
Autosave is on, and the editor supports up to 200 undo steps. Local recovery keeps unsaved drafts if something goes wrong.
- Use rich text, custom sections, and drag-and-drop to reorder content.
- Enter dates in the structured date fields so they format consistently.
- Use keyboard shortcuts or the searchable command bar to move faster.
Choose a template and adjust the design
The README lists 18 templates, which you can preview with your own content. Template filters separate one-column, two-column, and ATS-safe layouts.
You can change font presets, custom fonts, colors, spacing, paper size (A4 or Letter), and sidebar side. If content overflows a page, adjust density, margins, or text size rather than rewriting.
Check your resume against a job posting
The Check mode gives readability findings pinned to the relevant lines. You can also paste a job posting to match its keywords and see the plain text that hiring software reads.
The public ATS checker at rxresu.me/ats-checker reads PDFs in your browser and does not require an account.
Export or share your resume
Download your resume as PDF, Word (DOCX), Markdown, or JSON. You can also share a resume through a public link, with optional password protection and view and download statistics.
The README notes that Reactive Resume has no tracking or ads and that you can export your account data or delete your account.
Run Reactive Resume on your own infrastructure
The source says the code is MIT-licensed and you can run the whole application yourself. It lists Docker, Vercel, Cloudflare Workers, and a 1-click deploy on Hostinger as options.
The README's install command is only the repository clone: git clone https://github.com/reactive-resume/reactive-resume. Follow the project's documentation for the rest of the setup, since the README excerpt does not list full steps.
git clone https://github.com/reactive-resume/reactive-resumeWhat people use it for
- Writing and tailoring a resume for each job application
- Checking a resume's readability and job-posting keywords before applying
- Tracking applications from Saved to Offer on a Board or List view
- Writing a cover letter linked to a resume
- Self-hosting a resume builder to keep data on your own servers
Frequently asked questions
Is Reactive Resume free?
The README describes Reactive Resume as free and open-source, with no paid tier and no ads. It also says optional AI features use a provider you connect, and hosting and provider usage may have their own costs.
What license does Reactive Resume use?
The codebase is open source under the MIT license, according to the README. The project is written in TypeScript.
Can I use Reactive Resume offline?
Not as a full offline tool. The README describes a hosted web app with accounts and sharing; the only offline-like feature it mentions is local recovery of unsaved drafts.
Can I self-host Reactive Resume?
Yes. The README says you can run the whole application on your own infrastructure, with options including Docker, Vercel, Cloudflare Workers, and a 1-click deploy on Hostinger.
What file formats can I export to?
You can export resumes and cover letters as PDF, Word (DOCX), Markdown, or JSON. You can also import Reactive Resume JSON, JSON Resume, LinkedIn data exports, PDF, and Word files.
How is Reactive Resume different from OpenResume or Resume.io?
The source lists OpenResume, Rendercv, and Resume.io as comparable projects but does not compare features in detail. Reactive Resume's README highlights its MIT license, self-hosting, job-posting keyword checks, and job application tracking.
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Our verdict
Reactive Resume suits job seekers who want a free editor, people who want control over their resume data, and developers who want to read or self-host the code. It is less suitable if you need a fully offline tool, guaranteed feature stability through the v6 redesign, or AI features without connecting your own provider.
Install options & downloads