docs/guides/fitting-content-on-a-page.mdx
When your resume content overflows the page, Reactive Resume displays a warning just below the page. This guide explains how to reorganize and adjust your content so everything fits within your chosen page format.
<Frame caption="Screenshot of the overflow warning message in the resume builder"> </Frame> <Warning> While Reactive Resume supports multi-page resumes, each page has a fixed height based on your chosen format (A4 or Letter). If a single page's content exceeds this height, parts of your resume may be rendered improperly when printed or exported. </Warning>Here are several ways to fit your content within a page, ordered from simplest to most involved.
If you don't plan on printing your resume, the simplest solution is to switch to Free-Form format. Free-Form creates a single continuous page with no height limit, eliminating overflow concerns entirely.
With Free-Form:
To switch formats, go to the Page section in the right sidebar and change the Format to Free-Form. For more details, see Selecting the right page format.
<Tip> Since most resumes are viewed digitally today, Free-Form is often the best choice unless you specifically need to print physical copies. </Tip>Long paragraphs take up space without adding proportional value. Review each section and cut ruthlessly:
<Tip>Read each bullet point and ask: "Does this help me get an interview?" If not, cut it.</Tip>
Some sections work better in multiple columns, especially lists of short items.
In the left sidebar, find the section you want to adjust, click on the section heading (not an item), and change the Columns setting.
<Frame caption="Screenshot of the columns setting for a section"> </Frame>Good candidates for multi-column layouts:
| Section | Recommended Columns |
|---|---|
| Skills | > 2 columns |
| Languages | > 3 columns |
| Interests | > 2 columns |
| Profiles | > 3 columns |
| Certifications (if brief) | > 2 columns |
If you have more content than fits on one page, move less important items to page two. This keeps your first page focused on your most relevant experience.
Use the Move to feature to relocate items:
For detailed instructions, see Moving items between sections.
<Tip> Keep your most recent and relevant experience on page one. Move older positions or less critical sections (like older projects or volunteer work) to subsequent pages. </Tip>The right sidebar contains settings that control how much space your content uses. Small adjustments here can make a big difference.
Open the right sidebar and explore these options:
| Setting | Where to find it | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Font size | Typography | Smaller fonts fit more text per line and per page |
| Line height | Typography | Tighter line spacing reduces vertical space |
| Margins | Page | Smaller margins give you more usable area |
| Section gaps | Page | Reducing gaps between sections saves space |
| Sidebar width | Layout | Adjusting the sidebar ratio can balance content better |
| Picture size | Picture (left sidebar) | A smaller photo leaves more room for text |
If you're still short on space, consider hiding sections that aren't essential for your target role:
To hide a section, click on the section heading in the left sidebar and toggle the Hidden switch.
If you need to stick with A4 or Letter format, start with content changes (steps 2-4) before adjusting design settings (steps 5-6). The best resumes fit their content naturally rather than forcing everything into a cramped layout.
Try this order:
If you've tried all the above and content still overflows:
The PDF export matches the preview exactly. If they appear different, try:
Resume fonts should stay between 9pt and 12pt for body text. If you've gone below 9pt to fit content, you're trying to include too much. Go back to step 1 and cut more content instead.