Paste a CV — see exactly what an ATS parser will read. Our free ATS Compatibility Checker flags common formatting issues like columns, fonts, and tables that break parsing before you submit. It helps you avoid wasted time fixing rejections or manual re-entries.
Use the tool (above)
Drop your CV into the box above, and the checker immediately shows how an ATS parser will interpret it. You get a line-by-line preview of parsed text, plus alerts on formatting problems that cause data loss or scrambling. No signup, no upload delays — it runs entirely in your browser.
This quick check is ideal when you want to spot issues before sending a CV to a client or uploading it to your ATS. It saves guesswork and reduces back-and-forth with candidates or hiring managers.
How it works
The tool simulates the basic parsing engines used by most UK, Australian, and European ATS platforms. It looks for:
- Columns or tables that break reading order
- Unusual fonts that cause character errors
- Headers and footers that hide data
- Contact details buried in images or sidebars
Instead of giving a vague "formatting error" message, it shows exactly what text the ATS will pick up and what it will ignore. That means you can see, for example, if the candidate's phone number vanishes because it's in a table cell or if the skills section gets scrambled due to multi-column layout.
It doesn't replicate every ATS's proprietary parsing quirks but covers the fundamental issues that cause 90% of failures. It's a fast sanity check — not a full parsing report.
Privacy: nothing leaves your browser
Your CV never leaves your device. The checker runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is sent to any server or third party.
That means you can safely paste confidential CVs without worrying about leaks or GDPR compliance. We don't store, log, or analyse your data anywhere else.
For agencies handling sensitive candidate information, this client-side privacy is vital. You get useful parsing insight while keeping full control of your data.
Learn more about our approach on our security page.
When to upgrade to the full Distill workflow
This free checker is a quick diagnostic tool. If you regularly submit 20+ CVs a week to ATS clients, manual fixes add up. That's when you want Distill's full workflow.
Distill reformats CVs automatically to your client's exact ATS specs. It strips photos, graduation years, and contact details according to compliance rules. It removes tables and columns, standardises fonts, and rebuilds sections for clean parsing.
Unlike the checker, Distill integrates with your workflow. You forward an email; your client gets a clean Word doc ready to upload — no manual intervention.
See pricing and integration details on our pricing page.
FAQ
Is this tool a guarantee my CV will parse perfectly?
No. It highlights common formatting problems and shows what text is readable by most ATS parsers. But some ATS software has unique quirks or uses advanced AI parsing we don't simulate. Always test final CVs with your client's ATS if possible.
Can I upload multiple CVs at once?
Not here. This tool processes one CV at a time in your browser. For batch processing, Distill's full platform handles large volumes automatically.
What file formats does the checker accept?
You can paste text or upload Word (.doc/.docx) and PDF files. We recommend Word for best accuracy. PDFs with complex layouts or images may produce less reliable previews.
Does this tool fix the CV or just show errors?
It shows you what will break the parser. It doesn't alter the CV. Fixing requires editing the source file or using Distill's automated reformatting.
Is my data saved or shared?
No. Nothing leaves your browser. We don't store or share your CV content. This is zero-risk for candidate privacy.
If you want to catch parsing failures before they slow you down, use the tool above. For ongoing ATS compatibility at scale, Distill reformats CVs to client specs automatically — saving time and reducing errors. Try Distill free today.