LaTeX CV Template Guide (Enterprise)

LaTeX templates for complete beginners (Enterprise)

This guide is a practical noob playbook. If you have never edited a LaTeX template before, follow the steps in order and you will produce a working custom template safely.

Requires Enterprise plan.

Before you start: the safest workflow

Do not start from a blank file. In Vitae, the safest route is:

1. Open Templates.
2. Pick a standard template that is close to your desired style.
3. Click Fork to create your own editable copy.
4. Open the fork in the LaTeX editor.

Step 1: Understand .tex vs .sty (this is critical)

In the editor, you can switch between two files:

• .tex = your CV layout skeleton (header, sections, placeholders)
• .sty = styling commands that define how blocks render (experience entries, project rows, spacing, typography)

Rule of thumb: change .tex for structure and section flow; change .sty for visual behavior and command styling.

Step 2: Use placeholders correctly

Vitae injects candidate data through placeholders. Keep placeholders intact, and move them where you want content to appear.

%%firstname%% %%lastname%%
%%professionaltitle%%
%%summary%%

Most-used scalar variables

• %%firstname%%, %%lastname%%
• %%email%%, %%phone%%, %%linkedin%%
• %%location%%, %%professionaltitle%%, %%summary%%

Most-used block variables

• %%experience_block%%
• %%education_block%%
• %%skills_block%%
• %%certifications_block%%
• %%projects_block%%
• %%languages_block%%

Step 3: Add logo and brand color

In the left branding panel, configure the accent color and logo visibility. In LaTeX mode, this maps to key placeholders and toggles:

• %%companylogo%% — injects your organisation logo in the header
• %%primary_color_hex%% — drives accent color in templates that support it
• show_logo toggle — controls whether logo is rendered

If logo is not showing, first check the toggle and then verify your template includes%%companylogo%% in the header section.

Step 4: Build your first working template (10-minute path)

Start by editing only the header and section order. Keep all existing block placeholders. Save, preview, and iterate in small changes.

\begin{center}
  %%companylogo%%
  {\LARGE\bfseries %%firstname%% %%lastname%%}\\
  {\large %%professionaltitle%%}
\end{center}

\section*{Experience}
%%experience_block%%

\section*{Education}
%%education_block%%

Step 5: Save and preview loop

After each meaningful edit, click Save and check the PDF preview. Validate with at least two candidate shapes:

• Short profile (1 page, sparse content)
• Long profile (multi-page, dense experience/projects)

Step 6: Troubleshooting for noobs

Problem: PDF preview fails after edit

Undo the last change, save again, then re-introduce edits in smaller chunks.

Problem: Candidate data not appearing

Check placeholder spelling exactly. %%firstname%% works; typos like%%first_name%% will not.

Problem: Logo does not render

Confirm three things: logo is uploaded, show_logo is enabled, and your .tex includes %%companylogo%%.

Problem: Colors do not change

Ensure your template actually uses %%primary_color_hex%%(or mapped color variable) in color definitions.

Step 7: Publish an enterprise-safe version

After validation, publish the template version and tag intended use-cases (industry segment, seniority band, or client-specific presentation requirements).

Regular template vs LaTeX template

Recommended screenshots for this guide

• Templates list showing standard template and Fork action
• Template editor with .tex and .sty file switcher visible
• Variable explorer panel (scalar + block placeholders)
• Branding panel (logo toggle + accent color)
• PDF preview before/after a header change
• Published template confirmation with version context

Operational best practices

• Keep a controlled set of approved enterprise templates to prevent governance drift.
• Validate every template against multiple CV lengths before production rollout.
• Document placeholder conventions in your implementation playbook for onboarding speed.