Compact and Minimal Resume Template is an open-source LaTeX CV template that turns a single .tex file with plain-text commands into a compact, minimal resume PDF when compiled with XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX. Created by Avinal Kumar and released under the LaTeX Project Public License 1.3c, it is designed for people who prefer typing resume content as structured macros rather than wrestling with layout.
What is this template?
This template is a LaTeX resume/CV starter project, not a document class in the usual sense; it provides a collection of custom commands and environments you add to a normal .tex document. The input is a .tex file with commands like \fullname, \email, \section, and \combosection, and the output is a PDF resume with a clean, minimal look. It runs on any TeX distribution that supports XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX, including Overleaf, where you select the compiler from the menu. The template includes the Roboto font family, so you don't need to install fonts separately.
Key Features
- Structured custom commands —
\fullname,\cvtitle,\email,\website,\github,\phonenumber, and\currentdateplace your details in the header without manual formatting. - Combo sections — the
\combosectionmacro adds a subsection with a name, location, and duration line, ideal for work experience and education entries. - Compact and extended modes — adding the
extendedoption to\documentclassswitches between a short version and a full version of your resume content, so you can maintain one source and output both. - Tight list environment — the
tightlistenvironment creates dense bulleted lists that keep the resume to one or two pages. - Font Awesome icons — icons from the fontawesome package (via
\faicon) are available for contact links and section headers. - Custom styling packages — uses fontspec for font selection, xcolor for theme colors, fancyhdr for header/footer, and titlesec for section formatting.
- Overleaf-compatible — requires only XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX, both available in Overleaf's compiler dropdown.
Who is it for?
- Job seekers who want a clean, recruiter-friendly resume without spending hours on Word formatting.
- LaTeX users who already work in TeX environments and want a resume they can integrate with their existing tooling.
- Students and academics who need a CV with education, publications, and experience sections that can be toggled between short and detailed versions.
What can you do with it?
- Job applicants: build a one-page resume by filling in the provided commands and using
tightlistfor compact skill and experience bullets. - Developers: include GitHub and LinkedIn icons/links to direct recruiters to your profile.
- Students: draft a full CV in extended mode and compile a short version for applications by toggling the
extendedclass option.
How does it work?
Start from the included example.tex, replace the placeholder details with your own, then compile with XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX. The template's custom commands handle layout, so you only edit content. To produce the verbose version, add extended to the documentclass options; the \ifextended conditional controls which text appears.
Pricing
The template is free to use and modify under the LaTeX Project Public License 1.3c.
Alternatives
- Deedy CV — a widely used LaTeX resume template with a multi-column layout.
- Adaptive CV by Alessandro Rossini — the Overleaf template that inspired this project.
FAQ
Does this resume template work with pdfLaTeX?
No. The fontawesome package requires XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX; compiling with pdfLaTeX will fail. The project page explicitly states pdfLaTeX is incompatible.
What fonts are used?
The template uses the Roboto font family, which is bundled with the project, so you don't need to install it separately. Fontspec handles font selection.
Can I add my own icons?
Yes, you can use any icon from the fontawesome package, either with the \faicon{name} command or the direct icon commands. The README links to the fontawesome documentation for the full icon list.
Is this template free?
Yes, it is open source and continues to be distributed under the LaTeX Project Public License, version 1.3c or any later version.
What is the extended option for?
It lets you keep both a compact and a full version of your resume in one file. Without the option, only compact content appears; with extended, the full content is compiled, so you can switch by changing one word in the documentclass line.
