Canva, Word or a CV builder: an honest comparison
Canva is excellent for a visual CV and less suited to online applications filtered by software. The right tool depends on where your CV is going.
What Canva does very well
Hundreds of elegant templates, an easy phone editor and impressive printed results. For a CV handed over in person or a creative role it is a great, mostly free choice.
| Tool | Price | Read by screening software | Strength | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word / Google Docs | Free (or already installed) | Good with a simple layout | Full control, works offline | Slow formatting, dated templates |
| Canva | Free, premium elements paid | Variable: columns and icons can be misread | Very attractive design | Built for design, not for screening software |
| Online builders (Zety, Resume.io…) | Often free to build, paid options in dollars or euros | Usually good | Step-by-step guidance | Foreign currency, card often required |
| EmploiZen | Unlimited free CVs, AI options from 300 CFA francs | Real-text PDF, single-column version | Tests the CV against a job ad, local pricing | New service, AI writing is paid |
Prices and features checked in November 2026; they may change.
Where Canva falls short
Many templates stack text boxes, icons and columns. The PDF contains text, but screening software may read it out of order. A simple single-column Canva template works fine: the only way to know is to test the file.
How to choose
- Printed CV, creative role: Canva.
- Full control, offline: Word or Google Docs.
- Online applications, banks, NGOs: a builder designed for screening software.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ATS read a Canva CV?
It depends on the template. Simple single-column ones work; layouts with columns and overlapping boxes may be misread.
Is Canva free for CVs?
Mostly; some elements and templates require the paid plan.
Which CV builder is best?
One that exports a real-text PDF for free and, if you want extras, charges in a currency you can pay.
Kpak is published by the EmploiZen team, one of the tools mentioned in this article. Our transparency policy
