# The downloaded DOCX doesn't look right in Word

> Fonts substituted, spacing shifted, an extra page appearing — almost always caused by fonts that aren't installed on the machine opening the file.

Source: https://www.remakecv.com/help/troubleshooting/docx-wont-open
Last updated: 2026-08-21

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If a downloaded DOCX looks different from what you saw in RemakeCV, the cause is nearly always font substitution. A DOCX references fonts by name rather than embedding them, so Word substitutes a different font when the original is not installed — and substituted fonts have different metrics, which shifts spacing and line breaks.

## Why fonts cause this

| Format | Font handling | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| **PDF** | Fonts embedded in the file | Renders identically on every machine |
| **DOCX** | Fonts referenced by name | Falls back to a substitute when not installed |

A substitute font is rarely the same width. Slightly wider characters push a line onto the next line, which pushes a paragraph onto the next page — so a two-page CV becomes three.

> **Tip:** 
The test that proves it: open the same DOCX on a machine that has the template's fonts installed. If it looks correct there and wrong elsewhere, it is font substitution, not a template fault.

## How do I fix it?

### Send PDF instead

The complete fix. Fonts are embedded, so the document looks the same for everyone. See [downloading as DOCX or PDF](https://www.remakecv.com/help/formatting-cvs/downloading-docx-pdf.md).

### Or install the font on the affected machines

Works internally where you control the machines. Does not work for clients.

### Or switch the template to an Office-safe font

The right answer if your agency must send DOCX files. Email support@remakecv.com. Office-safe fonts include Calibri, Cambria, Georgia, Garamond, Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana and Trebuchet MS.

## Other DOCX symptoms

| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Extra blank page at the end | Substituted font pushing content over | Fix the font, or send PDF |
| Bullets misaligned | Font substitution changing list metrics | As above |
| Logo blurry | Low-resolution source logo | Send us an SVG or high-resolution PNG |
| Different on Mac vs Windows | Different installed font sets | Send PDF |
| Won't open at all | Corrupted download | Download again |
| Opens in Protected View | Windows marking a downloaded file | Click Enable Editing — this is normal Windows behaviour |

## Should we standardise on PDF?

For client submissions, yes. PDF removes this entire class of problem, and it is also the right format for [anonymised CVs](https://www.remakecv.com/help/anonymisation-and-compliance/auto-anonymisation.md), because DOCX carries document metadata that can identify a candidate.

Keep DOCX for the cases that genuinely need it: a client who asks for an editable file, or a CV you will tailor further before sending.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does the CV look fine for me but wrong for my client?

You have the template's fonts installed and they do not. Send PDF, which embeds fonts and renders identically everywhere.

### Why is there an extra page at the end?

Substituted fonts are usually slightly wider, so content that fitted on two pages spills onto a third. Fixing the font fixes the page count.

### Should we just always send PDF?

Unless the client specifically needs an editable file, yes. It removes this whole category of problem.