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The Ultimate Resume Line Spacing Rules: Expert Formatting Guide

9 min read

ResumizeAI

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Resume Line Spacing Rules
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Struggling with bulging resumes that look cramped or sparse? Small spacing mistakes can cost you clarity and interview invites. This guide breaks down resume line spacing rules you can apply now — from single vs. 1.15 choices to section spacing, compact formats for ATS, and visual examples. You’ll get step-by-step settings, before/after comparisons, and three real resume scenarios to make your resume readable, scannable, and recruiter-friendly. Transform your layout in minutes and get more interview-worthy results.

The Ultimate Resume Line Spacing Rules: Expert Formatting Guide

Why Resume Line Spacing Matters: Readability, Scannability, and ATS

Optimal Line Spacing Settings: Body Text, Bullets, and Headings

One-Page vs Two-Page Resumes: Spacing Strategies by Length

Formatting for ATS: Clean Spacing and Plain-Text Conversion

Before/After Examples and Quick Fixes You Can Do in 10 Minutes

Advanced Tips: Fonts, Margins, and Visual Hierarchy That Complement Spacing

Key Takeaways

  • 1Use 1.08–1.15 line spacing for body text to balance compactness and readability.
  • 2Set 6–8 pt spacing after bullets and 8–12 pt before headings to create clear section breaks.
  • 3Always test your resume as plain text to catch ATS parsing issues from manual line breaks or tables.
  • 4For one-page resumes, tighten spacing only after trimming content — prioritize clarity over cramming.
  • 5Avoid multi-column layouts and text boxes; prefer single-column formats with consistent paragraph spacing.
  • 6Adjust spacing to complement your font and margins; some fonts need slightly larger line spacing.
  • 7Use tools like Resumize.ai to auto-optimize layout and run ATS-friendly checks quickly.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Single spacing can work for large fonts and short resumes, but it often looks cramped at 10–11 pt. Using 1.08–1.15 spacing provides subtle breathing room without expanding your page count — a proven sweet spot for readability.
Use paragraph spacing (Before/After) instead of manual blank lines. Aim for one blank line worth of space visually: 8–12 pt before a heading and 4–6 pt after. This creates consistent section separation and avoids extra blank lines in .txt exports.
Tighter spacing alone won’t break ATS parsing. The bigger problems are manual line breaks, tables, and multi-column layouts. Keep a single-column design and use paragraph spacing settings rather than extra returns.
Save your resume as a PDF and a .txt file. Review the PDF visually for readability and the .txt file for parsing issues like broken headers or split titles. For automated checks, use tools like Resumize.ai to run layout and ATS compatibility scans.

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