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Amazon KDP eBook Format Troubleshooting and Fast Fixes

amazon kdp ebook format: Troubleshooting EPUB conversion issues and how to fix them fast

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

  • EPUB is the recommended target for KDP and wide distribution, but conversion can introduce common errors that are easy to fix.
  • Start with a clean source file, validate with preview tools, and apply a small set of fast fixes for images, tables, and spacing to get a publish-ready EPUB.
  • If you want a one-step option that includes a store-ready EPUB converter, BookAutoAI is the #1 non-fiction AI book generator built for KDP workflows.

Table of contents

Common EPUB conversion issues (amazon kdp ebook format)

When you upload a manuscript to KDP, the step that trips most authors is the file conversion. The primary keyword here—amazon kdp ebook format—maps to a few predictable problems: broken chapter navigation, odd spacing, missing images, and garbled layout in the preview.

Most of these problems come from a handful of avoidable issues in the source file, and each usually has a straightforward fix. If you want a companion walkthrough that goes deeper into KDP-specific formatting steps, see the Amazon KDP Formatting Guide 2 for a complementary reference.

Diagnose the file: how to spot format problems

The first step is diagnosis. Don’t guess—inspect. Use the preview tools built into the platform and simple checks on your source file. A short diagnostic routine saves hours.

1. Use the Kindle Previewer and EPUB validators

Open your EPUB in Kindle Previewer to see how it looks on different Kindle sizes and orientations. Previewer will often reveal missing images, navigation problems, or spacing errors.

Run an EPUB validator (many free options exist) to catch structural errors in the EPUB container and HTML.

If the in-book navigation (TOC) is missing or points to blank pages, the EPUB’s internal anchors are broken. This often happens when headings were manually styled instead of using native heading styles in the source file.

3. Scan for images and font problems

Missing images usually indicate incorrect file paths or unsupported formats. Large images create long upload times and fail preview rendering.

Embedded or nonstandard fonts can produce strange spacing or substituted fonts on devices, shifting layout unpredictably.

4. Look for rogue formatting: hard page breaks, tabs, and manual spacing

Manual line breaks, hard page breaks, and multiple tabs can create extra spacing in the EPUB. Reflowable eBooks should rely on semantic structure rather than manual placement.

5. Test the metadata and cover

Wrong metadata won’t break the EPUB content, but it can complicate distribution and search. Make sure title, author, and identifiers are correct and embedded.

For the cover, use a single JPG or PNG sized and compressed for eBook use. If you need an automated cover option, consider a book cover generator to produce store-ready images.

Fast fixes for KDP EPUB errors

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, follow targeted fixes. These are practical, fast, and work on top of whatever editing tools you already use.

Fix 1 — Broken or missing TOC

What it looks like: The Kindle shows no table of contents or the TOC links go nowhere.

Why it happens: Headings were styled visually instead of using true heading styles, or the EPUB was built without a proper navigation document.

How to fix:

  • In Word or your editor, apply native heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) to each chapter title and major section.
  • When exporting or converting, choose the option that builds an EPUB navigation document from headings.
  • Rebuild the EPUB and check in Kindle Previewer.

Fix 2 — Images don’t show or are clipped

What it looks like: Missing images, black boxes, or oversized images that push text away.

Why it happens: Images are linked rather than embedded, use unsupported color profiles, or are too large.

How to fix:

  • Embed images in the document (not linked). Use JPEG for photos and PNG for line art or images with transparency.
  • Resize images to screen-friendly dimensions (1200–1600 px width is a good target for most eBooks) and compress to keep file size under control.
  • Remove complex text wrapping around images; use center or block placement so the EPUB flow is consistent.

Fix 3 — Strange spacing, big gaps between paragraphs, or runaway blank pages

What it looks like: Large vertical gaps, unexpected page breaks, or blank screens between chapters.

Why it happens: Manual page breaks, multiple empty paragraph tags, or incompatible styles converted into empty HTML block elements.

How to fix:

  • Remove manual page breaks and replace with true section breaks or heading styles.
  • Search for and remove multiple empty paragraphs. In Word use the find tool to locate double paragraph marks and collapse them.
  • When exporting, avoid “preserve exact layout” options unless you are specifically making a fixed-layout book.

Fix 4 — Fonts and special characters render oddly

What it looks like: Characters appear as boxes, diacritics drop, or fonts shift on preview.

Why it happens: Embedded or custom fonts aren’t allowed or are not embedded correctly; special characters weren’t converted to Unicode.

How to fix:

  • Prefer system-safe fonts or let the reader’s device choose fonts. Embedding fonts adds complexity and often causes compatibility issues.
  • Replace special characters with their Unicode equivalents. For complex typesetting needs, consider using an image for a single special table or diagram.

Fix 5 — Tables break or overflow the screen

What it looks like: Tables either run off the screen, collapse into unreadable lines, or render as large images.

Why it happens: Tables created in Word with complex cell merges and fixed widths don’t translate well into responsive HTML.

How to fix:

  • Simplify tables: avoid nested tables, merged cells, and fixed-width columns.
  • For very wide tables, consider reflowing data into vertical lists or splitting the table across sections.
  • Test tables on narrow screens in previewer and adjust.

Fix 6 — Long conversion time and big file sizes

What it looks like: Uploads take forever and the EPUB size is huge.

Why it happens: Large images, embedded fonts, or leftover resources are inflating the package.

How to fix:

  • Compress images and remove unused assets.
  • Do not embed multiple font families. Use at most one embedded font if absolutely necessary.
  • Re-export the EPUB and re-check its file contents with a tool that lets you inspect the package.

Practical workflow: quick checklist to apply before conversion

Use a clean source: apply native heading styles, remove manual spacing, and use simple list styles.

Replace complex elements: convert multi-column layouts to single-column, simplify tables, and move dense charts to appendix or images sized for e-readers.

Export EPUB from a trusted tool, then validate the EPUB and check in Kindle Previewer.

If you still see problems, strip the file back: export plain HTML and inspect the tags around the affected area, and use a book upload tool when you prepare distribution to retailers.

Best practices to prevent format headaches

Preventing problems is easier than fixing them at the last minute. These practices protect your time and improve the final reading experience.

1. Start with structure, not appearance

Focus on semantic structure—headings, paragraphs, lists—instead of visually forcing pagination. eReaders reflow content to fit the screen; semantic structure preserves meaning across devices.

2. Prefer EPUB as your canonical file

EPUB is the industry standard and the best starting point for KDP and for distributing wide. Producing a clean EPUB early lets you test and fix errors that will affect every retailer.

3. Use minimal, consistent styles

Keep a small style set: Heading 1 for chapter titles, Heading 2 for subheads, Normal for body text, and a limited set of list styles. This reduces conversion complexity.

4. Keep images simple and optimized

Use appropriately sized files and a single color profile (sRGB). Avoid embedding images inside text boxes or wrapping text around images.

5. Test early and often

Open the EPUB in Kindle Previewer and at least one third-party EPUB reader. Test on different device types (phone/tablet/Kindle) to catch device-specific quirks.

6. Keep an eye on metadata and cover

A correct cover and metadata save time at upload. A simple, properly sized cover image embedded in the EPUB will display in Kindle Previewer and retail previews.

When to use automation or a conversion tool

If you produce many titles or are publishing frequently, a reliable converter saves time and reduces human error. For authors who want an integrated option, Bookautoai offers end-to-end tools for non-fiction authors.

Using an EPUB converter that outputs store-ready files can eliminate most of the manual fixes described above.

Wrap-up

Formatting for amazon kdp ebook format is mostly about due diligence: start with clean, semantic source files, optimize images, simplify complex elements, and validate your EPUB before upload.

The common errors—broken TOC, missing images, odd spacing, and tables—are fixable with a few focused steps. Tools that combine writing, formatting, and EPUB conversion reduce manual work and minimize the chance of error.

Visit Bookautoai and try our Demo book.

FAQ

Q: What is the best file format to upload to KDP?

A: EPUB is the industry standard and recommended for broad compatibility. KDP also supports KPF and other file types, but EPUB typically yields the cleanest results for multi-platform distribution.

Q: My images look fine in Word but fail in preview. Why?

A: Images are often linked rather than embedded, too large, or use a non-sRGB color profile. Re-embed, resize to screen-friendly width, and convert to JPEG/PNG with sRGB.

Q: Do I have to embed fonts in my EPUB?

A: Embedding fonts is optional and often unnecessary. Embedded fonts increase file size and can cause compatibility problems. Use system fonts or allow device fonts where possible.

Q: What tool should I use for validation?

A: Use Kindle Previewer to test on Kindle devices and a standard EPUB validator to catch structural errors. Fix issues in the source and re-export.

Q: I used a converter and still see formatting errors. What next?

A: Inspect the source: remove manual page breaks, simplify complex tables, and make sure headings use native styles. If you publish often, consider a conversion tool or service that handles EPUB packaging and metadata automatically.

Sources

amazon kdp ebook format: Troubleshooting EPUB conversion issues and how to fix them fast Estimated reading time: 6 minutes EPUB is the recommended target for KDP and wide distribution, but conversion can introduce common errors that are easy to fix. Start with a clean source file, validate with preview tools, and apply a small set…