Import an existing resume

Before you start

Sign in to QuickCV. From Resumes, QuickCV can start a new resume from an existing PDF, a LinkedIn export ZIP, or a JSON file — instead of typing everything from scratch. All three live behind the same Create Resume button's dropdown, but they aren't one feature: Import from PDF and Import LinkedIn export ZIP both require QuickCV Pro, while Import from JSON is free on every plan. Each path also has its own file-size limit and handles your file differently, covered below.

Importing creates a new resume, so it counts toward the Free plan's one-resume limit the same as creating a resume from scratch does — if you've already used your one free resume, QuickCV blocks a new import with the same upgrade prompt. See Compare Free and Pro if you're deciding whether to upgrade.

Keep your original file until you've reviewed the imported result.

Import your resume

Select the Create Resume button to open its dropdown, then choose the import type that matches your file.

From a PDF (Pro)

Choose Import from PDF.
Select Choose File and pick a text-based PDF — QuickCV's AI gets the best results from text-based files, not scanned images.
Select Import Resume.

QuickCV uploads the file and uses AI to fill in your details automatically. The file must be an actual PDF under 5 MB; anything else is rejected with "Please upload a PDF file." or "File is too large (max 5MB)." On a Free account, Choose File opens an upgrade prompt instead of a file picker — "Upgrade to Pro to unlock AI-powered PDF import."

From a LinkedIn export ZIP (Pro)

In LinkedIn, go to Settings → Data privacy → Get a copy of your data and request an export. Choose Profile for a smaller file, or the full archive if you also want experience, education, skills, projects, and volunteer work included.
Back in QuickCV, choose Import LinkedIn export ZIP, then Choose ZIP and upload the file exactly as LinkedIn sent it — don't extract or rename anything inside it.
Review the sections QuickCV found — Experience, Education, Skills, Languages, Certifications, Awards, Projects, Volunteer Work, and Profile Links — and clear the checkbox on any section you don't want carried into the new resume.
Select Create Resume.

This ZIP can be up to 25 MB; a larger file is rejected before upload with "This ZIP is larger than 25 MB. Request a new export from LinkedIn and try again." Unlike PDF import, the ZIP is parsed entirely in your browser, not uploaded to a server first. QuickCV states this directly in the dialog: "We do not connect to your LinkedIn account, and we do not keep the raw LinkedIn export file" — only the resume you choose to create from it is saved.

From a JSON file (free on every plan)

Choose Import from JSON.
Select Choose File and pick a .json file up to 5 MB — either a QuickCV backup you exported earlier, or a JSON Resume file from jsonresume.org.
Select Import Resume.

QuickCV detects the format automatically and labels it QuickCV Backup or JSON Resume before you confirm. This is the only one of the three import paths available on the Free plan — no Pro badge, no upgrade prompt.

Expected result

QuickCV creates a new resume from the imported data and opens it in the editor, where it also appears in your resume library. Check names, contact details, dates, section order, and rich text before exporting or sharing — import converts source data into QuickCV's own sections, and layouts or fields the source format doesn't map cleanly may need manual correction in Edit resume details and sections.

If a file is rejected, confirm it's the unmodified file the option expects — an actual PDF for PDF import, the untouched ZIP for LinkedIn, a .json file for JSON import — and try again. If parsing keeps failing, create the resume manually instead and contact QuickCV support with the import type, file size, and the exact error. Don't include private resume data in a public report.