I built a free AI resume tool with no database (because I hate signups)

Source: Dev.to

I hate resume builders.

You know the drill. You spend 20 minutes typing in your work history, tweaking the formatting, and getting everything perfect. Then you hit Download PDF and get hit with a pop‑up:

“Create an account to save.”

“Upgrade to Premium for $19/month to download.”

I got tired of this dark pattern. So I built Refine.tools – a completely free, privacy‑first alternative that runs entirely in your browser.

The “Anti‑SaaS” Architecture

My goal was simple: Zero Data Liability.
If I don’t store your data, I can’t lose it, I can’t sell it, and I don’t need to ask for your email. To achieve this I had to ditch the standard “Postgres + Auth” setup.

1. The Database is Your Browser (Dexie.js)

Instead of saving your resume to a server, I store it in IndexedDB inside your browser. I use the library Dexie.js to make this feel like a regular database table while living 100 % on the client.

• Benefits:
  • Close the tab, come back a week later – your resume is still there.
  • I never see your data.

2. The “Harvard” PDF Trick

Most resume tools rely on heavy JavaScript libraries to generate PDFs, which can cause text‑selection issues and large file sizes. I took a different approach: Native CSS Print Styling.

I build the resume layout with plain HTML and CSS (mirroring the classic “Harvard” template recruiters love) and hide UI elements with a @media print query. When you click Download, the browser prints the page to PDF – pixel‑perfect, ATS‑friendly, and with zero extra libraries.

/* hide UI when printing */
@media print {
  .toolbar,
  .navbar,
  .download-button {
    display: none;
  }
  /* ensure proper page breaks */
  .section {
    page-break-inside: avoid;
  }
}

Why This Matters

We are drowning in “AI Wrappers” that are just data farms. I wanted to prove you can build a useful, powerful tool that respects the user.

• No Signup: Start using it instantly.
• No Database: Your data stays on your device.
• Free: I cover the small API costs because it’s a passion project.

If you’re job hunting, give it a try. It will score your resume against ATS filters and help you rewrite weak bullet points.

Check it out here: Refine.tools