---
title: "Exporting your resume"
description: "Download your resume as a PDF, DOCX, or JSON file, or print it directly from the builder header, and learn when to pick each format."
---

Reactive Resume can export your resume in three formats and print it directly.

| Format | Best for |
| --- | --- |
| **PDF** | Job applications, recruiter emails, printing, and public resume downloads. |
| **DOCX** | Further editing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or another word processor. |
| **JSON** | Backups, restoring a resume later, importing into another Reactive Resume account, or sharing structured data with an AI assistant. |
| **Print** | Sending directly to a printer or saving through the browser's print dialog. |

## Download from the builder header

The primary way to export is the **Download PDF** button in the builder header.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your resume in the builder">
    Go to the dashboard and open the resume you want to export.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Download PDF">
    The **Download PDF** button is in the top-right of the builder header, next to the sidebar toggle.

    <Frame caption="Download button in the builder header">
      <img
        src="/images/guides/exporting-your-resume/screenshot-1.webp"
        alt="Builder header showing the Download PDF button with a dropdown for more formats"
      />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Or choose another format">
    Open the dropdown next to **Download PDF** and pick **Download DOCX**, **Download JSON**, or **Print**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the file">
    Your browser downloads the exported file using the resume name as the filename. **Print** opens your browser's print dialog instead.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  While an export is running, the button shows a spinner and is disabled until the file is ready.
</Tip>

## Export from the right sidebar

You can also export from the right sidebar's **Export** section, which lists each format with a short description.

Use the sidebar when you want the format descriptions next to each button. Use the header button when you already know which file you need.

## Export as PDF

Choose **PDF** when you need a file that preserves your resume layout.

Use PDF for:

- uploading to job applications;
- emailing recruiters or hiring managers;
- printing;
- sharing a finished copy outside Reactive Resume.

<Info>
  The PDF is generated from your current resume data, template, typography, design, layout, and page settings.
</Info>

## Export as DOCX

Choose **DOCX** when you want to continue editing your resume in a word processor.

Use DOCX for:

- making final manual edits in Microsoft Word;
- collaborating with someone who prefers Word or Google Docs;
- submitting to a system that requires a Word document.

<Warning>
  DOCX exports are useful for editing, but the visual layout may not match the PDF exactly. Use PDF when exact visual
  fidelity matters.
</Warning>

## Export as JSON

Choose **JSON** when you want a structured backup of your resume.

The JSON export includes your resume content and settings. You can import it later from the dashboard to restore the resume or create another version.

JSON is also useful when working with AI assistants. You can export JSON, ask an assistant to review or edit the structured data, then import the revised JSON as a new resume.

<Warning>
  Review AI-generated changes before importing or using them. AI assistants can make mistakes or add details that do not
  reflect your experience.
</Warning>

## Print

Choose **Print** to open your browser's print dialog with the current resume. Use this to print directly, or to save a copy through your browser's "Save as PDF" option when you need to bypass the built-in PDF export.

## Public resume downloads

If your resume is public, visitors can download a PDF from the public resume page. You can enable public access in the builder's **Sharing** section.

For the full public sharing workflow, see [Sharing your resume publicly](/guides/sharing-your-resume-publicly).
