Why does my PDF look different when opened in Word or Google Docs?

Why this happens

PDF and DOCX are fundamentally different file formats. When a PDF is opened in Word or Google Docs, the application attempts to reconstruct the layout from rendering instructions rather than from structured document data. Spacing, fonts, and alignment often shift in the conversion.

This is expected behavior and does not mean your resume is broken.

Which version to submit

Always submit the native format that matches what the employer requested. If they asked for PDF, submit the PDF from TailorLabs, not a Word-converted copy of it.

If they asked for DOCX, download the DOCX version directly from the export page. Do not convert the PDF to Word.

If a recruiter asks to edit your resume

Send the DOCX export directly. It is designed to be editable and will look correct in Word. Do not send a PDF that a recruiter will need to convert.