CV-Transformer and Distill both automate the same painful job: turning raw candidate CVs into clean, branded documents for recruitment agencies. The meaningful differences are output format, ATS integrations, anonymisation, and how each prices.
TL;DR comparison table
| Feature | CV-Transformer | Distill |
|---|---|---|
| Primary function | CV formatting to branded PDF | CV formatting + anonymisation |
| Intake method | Web upload, editable data view | Email-first, web upload, or API |
| Output formats | DOCX, PDF | |
| Anonymisation | Not a core feature | Core feature — name, contact, photo, dates |
| ATS integrations | Seven20, JobAdder (native) | None native; ATS-safe output + API |
| Data retention | GDPR compliant, auto-deletion after set period | Zero retention — deleted after processing |
| Pricing | €97.50/month for 50 candidates, €1.95 each after | Pay per CV, unlimited users |
| User seats | Unlimited | Unlimited on every plan |
What CV-Transformer actually does
CV-Transformer is CV formatting software for recruitment agencies. Upload a CV, its parser extracts the candidate data into a clean editable view, and one click generates a branded PDF from your custom template. It's GDPR compliant with auto-deletion after a set period, and includes unlimited users.
Its genuine edge is native ATS integrations: it already connects to Seven20 and JobAdder, with more planned. If your agency runs on JobAdder and wants formatting inside that workflow, that integration is worth real money in saved clicks.
Pricing starts at €97.50/month covering 50 candidates, then €1.95 per additional candidate.
What Distill actually does
Distill does the same formatting job with two structural differences. First, anonymisation is built in: names, contact details, photos, and other identifying data can be stripped in the same pass, which matters if you submit blind CVs. Second, output is DOCX as well as PDF — relevant because many clients and ATSs want an editable Word document, not a locked PDF.
Intake is email-first (forward a CV, get the document back), with upload and API options. Distill has no native ATS plugins; instead it outputs documents tuned to parse cleanly in Bullhorn, Vincere, JobAdder and similar systems, and the API lets you wire it into your own pipeline.
Data handling is zero retention — files are deleted immediately after processing rather than after a retention window.
Pricing breakdown
CV-Transformer's entry point is €97.50/month with a 50-candidate minimum. Straightforward if you reliably process 50+ CVs monthly, less so in quiet months since the minimum is the floor.
Distill charges per CV with unlimited users and no monthly minimum on entry tiers, which suits agencies whose volume swings. Both include unlimited seats, so neither punishes you for team size.
Which agency fits which tool
CV-Transformer fits agencies that:
- Run on Seven20 or JobAdder and want native integration.
- Are happy with PDF-only output.
- Process a steady 50+ CVs monthly, making the minimum irrelevant.
Distill fits agencies that:
- Need anonymisation and formatting in one pass, for blind submittals.
- Need editable DOCX output, not just PDF.
- Prefer email-forward workflows or API automation.
- Want zero data retention rather than a deletion window.
FAQ
Q: Does CV-Transformer anonymise CVs? A: Formatting is its core job. Distill treats anonymisation as a first-class feature in the same per-CV price.
Q: We're on JobAdder — doesn't that decide it? A: The native integration is a real advantage for pure formatting. If you also need blind submittals or Word output, weigh that against Distill's anonymisation and DOCX support. Some agencies run both.
Q: PDF or DOCX — does it matter? A: Often yes. Many client submission processes and ATS parsers behave better with Word documents. If your clients ever ask for editable CVs, PDF-only becomes a friction point.
Q: What about candidate data? A: CV-Transformer auto-deletes after a set period. Distill deletes immediately after processing.
If you need formatting inside JobAdder, CV-Transformer earns its place. If you need anonymisation, Word output, or email-first workflow, try Distill free.