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Amazon KDP File Format Guide for Print and Ebook Uploads

Amazon KDP File Format: File requirements cheat sheet — what KDP accepts and what breaks uploads

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

  • Use PDF for print and EPUB for ebooks; wrong formats or export settings cause most upload failures.
  • Embed fonts, use 300 DPI images, and flatten cover PDFs to avoid preview errors and rejections.
  • Small prep steps — correct bleed, spine math, and optimized images — save hours at upload time.
  • Use tested tools to convert and validate files to produce store-ready EPUBs and print-ready PDFs.

What KDP accepts — the short list

If you search for “amazon kdp file format,” the quick answer is: pick the format that fits the product. For print (paperback, hardcover) use PDF for interiors and PDF for finished covers; for reflowable ebooks, use EPUB (or a supported manuscript that KDP converts to EPUB).

For a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough of how KDP treats DOCX, EPUB, PDF, and images, see the Amazon KDP Formatting Guide 2, which explains common conversion behaviors and how to avoid upload traps.

File details that matter most

1) File types and where they belong

Print interior: PDF is the safe, recommended standard — especially when your book has bleed. KDP accepts DOC, DOCX, RTF, HTML, and TXT for no-bleed prints, but those may be converted and can shift layout. Max upload size is 650 MB.

Print cover: Single PDF file that includes front, spine, and back. Keep total size reasonable (recommended <40 MB).

eBook manuscript: EPUB is recommended. KDP also accepts DOC/DOCX, KPF (via Kindle Create), HTML, RTF, TXT, and some PDF types. MOBI support is being phased out for fixed-layout titles.

Images: High-resolution images (300 DPI minimum) are required for print quality.

2) Images and DPI

Print: 300 DPI at final print size. Images lower than 300 DPI can print blurry.

Keep DPI reasonable — 300–600 DPI is typical; extremely large DPI may slow processing.

Color: use RGB for covers supplied as PDFs; KDP may convert color profiles during printing.

3) Fonts and text

Embed fonts in PDFs. If fonts aren’t embedded, KDP may substitute them, changing layout and causing errors.

Minimum font size guidance: KDP notes at least a 7 pt minimum for safety, but aim for 10–12 pt for readability.

4) Bleed, margins, and trim

Bleed: add 0.125″ (3.2 mm) bleed around each edge if artwork or background extends to the trim edge.

Trim: use your chosen trim size (e.g., 6″ x 9″); the interior must match the cover template and spine math.

5) PDFs: what to watch for

Flatten layers and transparency to avoid rendering errors. Do not include crop or trim marks inside the uploaded PDF.

Include basic PDF metadata (title, author) where possible; EPUBs should also include correct embedded metadata.

Most common upload mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake 1 — Wrong file type at upload

Symptom: KDP converts your DOCX and paragraphs jump, images move, or page count changes.

Fix: For print, export your interior to a properly formatted PDF before uploading.

Mistake 2 — Fonts aren’t embedded

Symptom: Text reflows or shifts; a warning appears in preview; or KDP rejects the PDF.

Fix by choosing “Embed fonts” in export settings or using a PDF printer that preserves embedding.

Mistake 3 — Low-resolution images

Symptom: Images look pixelated in print proofs.

Replace images with correctly sized 300 DPI originals; avoid upscaling low-res pictures.

Mistake 4 — Including crop/trim marks or using spreads

Symptom: Cropping or white bands appear; cover spine calculations are off.

Use KDP cover templates and upload a single flattened PDF without printer marks.

Mistake 5 — Layered or transparent PDFs

Symptom: Upload errors or odd rendering (ghosting, color shifts).

Flatten problematic layers in Photoshop/Illustrator before exporting.

Mistake 6 — Wrong metadata or mismatched files

Symptom: Cover mismatch, wrong title, or incorrect author shows in preview.

Double-check ISBN/ASIN entries and embedded metadata to match your KDP project settings.

Mistake 7 — Oversized files or unhelpful compression

Symptom: Upload takes ages or KDP times out; naive compression destroys image quality.

Optimize images: 300 DPI, reasonable JPEG compression for photos, and PDF optimizer tools for final export.

Quick fix checklist (before clicking upload)

  • Interior: export to print-ready PDF at the chosen trim size; embed all fonts; single pages only; include 0.125″ bleed if needed.
  • Cover: export a single PDF with front, spine, and back at the precise spine width; flatten layers and embed fonts.
  • Ebook: export to EPUB and validate; include clean chapter structure, navigation, and proper metadata.
  • Images: 300 DPI; correct color mode; crop to final size; avoid upscaling.
  • File size: keep under 650 MB; aim for <40 MB for covers to speed processing.

A simple KDP-ready file prep workflow

Step 1 — Start with a clean manuscript

Use consistent styles for headings, body, and captions. Remove stray manual page breaks unless intentionally used for print.

Step 2 — Set trim size and layout early

Decide trim size and page count early. Spine width depends on page count and paper type; calculate it before exporting the cover PDF.

Step 3 — Images and tables

Place images at final size. Complex tables may need to be converted to images for reliable print layout.

Step 4 — Export to PDF for print

Use your layout app’s “Export to PDF (Print)” setting. Embed fonts and flatten transparency. Use single pages, not spreads.

Step 5 — Generate the print cover

Use a cover template based on trim size and page count. Export front + spine + back as a single flattened PDF with no crop marks.

If you use an automated tool for covers, consider a cover generator trained on top-selling patterns to create flattened, thumbnail-friendly covers.

Step 6 — Convert to EPUB for ebook

Export a clean EPUB with proper metadata, navigation, and chapter divisions. If EPUB tags or validation are unclear, use a dedicated tool like the EPUB Converter to produce a properly structured file.

Step 7 — Final checks and upload

Run a soft proof: open EPUBs in an e-reader app and PDFs in Acrobat. Use the KDP previewer to scan for layout and display issues.

Why authors choose BookAutoAI for file prep

BookAutoAI produces fully formatted files ready for KDP and other stores. It handles manuscript generation, humanizes writing to pass AI detectors, and exports compliant PDFs and EPUBs out of the box.

For authors who want predictable uploads and less manual fiddling, BookAutoAI speeds the path from draft to store-ready files.

For a direct demo of end-to-end book creation and publishing tools, visit Bookautoai.

Practical examples of common problems and solutions

  • Problem: Uploaded paperback interior loses heading fonts.
    Solution: Re-export interior as PDF with embedded fonts.
  • Problem: Cover spine width is wrong on preview.
    Solution: Recalculate spine and re-export the cover PDF using the exact measurement.
  • Problem: EPUB TOC isn’t showing on Kindle preview.
    Solution: Ensure your EPUB includes a navigable NCX or navigation document.
  • Problem: KDP says images are too large or will delay processing.
    Solution: Reduce unnecessary DPI and save optimized JPEGs or PNGs for line art; re-generate the PDF.

For a deeper walkthrough of KDP formatting specifics, consult the Amazon KDP formatting guide early in your planning. If you generate covers with automated tools, check a dedicated cover generator for market-ready, flattened PDFs.

When converting manuscripts to store-ready EPUB, try an EPUB Converter that handles metadata and navigation so you don’t stitch files manually.

If you deal with publishing paperbacks or ebooks regularly, explore tools on BookAutoAI for manuscript generation, formatting, and export.

If you need upload or distribution tooling tied to marketplaces and bulk operations, consider one of the specialized book upload tools that integrate with multiple retailers and simplify the process.

Final thoughts

Amazon KDP file format rules are straightforward once you focus on essentials: use PDF for print, EPUB for ebooks, embed fonts, use 300 DPI images, add correct bleed and spine math, and flatten cover PDFs.

Most upload failures come from small, fixable issues — missing fonts, low-res images, or wrong trim sizes.

If you publish regularly, invest in a repeatable process or tested tools to reduce manual formatting and verification time.

FAQ

What is the single best file type to upload for KDP paperback?

A properly exported, print-ready PDF with embedded fonts and the correct trim size is the best choice.

Can I upload a DOCX for my print book?

KDP accepts DOC/DOCX for some print options, but DOCX is converted on their side and can change layout; exporting to PDF at final trim size is more reliable.

What DPI do images need to be for print?

Aim for 300 DPI at final print dimensions to ensure sharp results on paper.

Does my cover need bleed?

If artwork or background extends to the edge, include 0.125″ bleed. Full-bleed covers require bleed.

Should I flatten my cover PDF?

Yes. Flattening removes transparency and layered effects that can cause rendering errors during KDP processing.

What file type is best for ebooks on KDP?

EPUB is recommended; KDP converts EPUB reliably and it behaves well across devices.

I’ve embedded fonts and used 300 DPI images but still get errors. What now?

Run files through validators (EPUB checkers, PDF preflight) or use a conversion tool designed for KDP that catches common problems before upload.

Sources

Amazon KDP File Format: File requirements cheat sheet — what KDP accepts and what breaks uploads Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Use PDF for print and EPUB for ebooks; wrong formats or export settings cause most upload failures. Embed fonts, use 300 DPI images, and flatten cover PDFs to avoid preview errors and rejections. Small…