KDP Formatting for Kindle and Paperback
Formatting a book for Amazon KDP means two files: a reflowable Kindle eBook, where the text adapts to each reader's screen, and a print-ready paperback PDFset to one trim size with the right margins and bleed. KDP converts what you upload but doesn't fix the layout, so the formatting decides how your book looks.
We format and submit it for you
Every package includes the KDP account setup and full publishing submission. Packages from Complete add printed book and eBook interior formatting and eBook conversion. Compare the packages and prices.
Get a quoteFormatting for Kindle: the eBook file
A Kindle book is reflowable: readers change the font and size, so there are no fixed pages. Format it so the text can move:
- Use styles for headings and body text, not manual spacing, tabs or repeated line breaks.
- Put a page break only between chapters, and give each chapter a heading style so the table of contents links work.
- Keep images in line with the text, and avoid text boxes and complex tables that don't reflow.
- Upload a format KDP accepts, such as DOCX, EPUB or a Kindle Create (KPF) file, then check it in Kindle Previewer before you publish (KDP eBook formatting guide).
- The eBook cover is the front only; KDP's ideal size is 2,560 × 1,600 pixels (KDP cover guidelines).
Converting to EPUB for other stores too? See eBook conversion.
Formatting a KDP paperback: trim, margins and bleed
A paperback is a fixed layout. Choose the trim size first (6 × 9 in is the most common; see our trim sizes guide), then set the margins KDP requires. The inside (gutter) margin grows with the page count (KDP trim, bleed and margins):
| Page count | Minimum inside (gutter) margin |
|---|---|
| 24 to 150 | 0.375 in (9.6 mm) |
| 151 to 300 | 0.5 in (12.7 mm) |
| 301 to 500 | 0.625 in (15.9 mm) |
| 501 to 700 | 0.75 in (19.1 mm) |
| 701 to 828 | 0.875 in (22.3 mm) |
Outside margins (top, bottom and outer edge) must be at least 0.25 in without bleed and 0.375 in with bleed. If any image runs to the edge, the interior needs bleed: the page is 0.125 in larger on the top, bottom and outside edge, and the artwork extends into it.
Why KDP rejects files, and the fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Text or images too close to the edge | Keep everything inside the margins; only artwork meant to bleed may run off the page. |
| Bleed set on one file but not the other | If any page has bleed, the whole interior is set up for bleed: page size plus 0.125 in on the top, bottom and outside edge. |
| Fonts not embedded | Export a print PDF with all fonts embedded. |
| Blank pages or page count that doesn't match the cover | Finish the interior first, then build the cover's spine from the final page count. |
| eBook with fixed spacing and manual page breaks | Use styles for headings and paragraphs, and page breaks only between chapters, so the text can reflow. |
How we format and publish your book on KDP
- Send your manuscript (Word .docx): any genre, any length.
- We format the interior for your trim size and, from Complete, the Kindle eBook too.
- We design your cover to the final page count and assign the ISBN and barcode.
- You approve the final files, and we set up the KDP account and submit the book.
A full package takes 4–6 weeks standard; occasionally up to 8 weeks. More on publishing on Amazon KDP, book formatting, and Harmony vs doing it yourself on KDP.
KDP formatting FAQs
What file format does KDP need?
For a Kindle eBook, KDP accepts formats including Word (DOCX), EPUB and Kindle Create files. For a paperback, upload a print-ready PDF of the interior and a separate PDF of the full cover (back, spine and front).
Does KDP format my book for me?
No. KDP converts your upload into a Kindle book, but the layout is yours: if your file is badly formatted, the Kindle book and the paperback will be too. Amazon offers the free Kindle Create tool, or you can have the book formatted for you.
What margins does a KDP paperback need?
The inside (gutter) margin depends on page count, from 0.375 in for 24 to 150 pages up to 0.875 in for 701 to 828 pages. Outside margins are at least 0.25 in without bleed and 0.375 in with bleed.
Do you format books for KDP?
Yes. Every Harmony Publishing package includes the KDP account setup and full publishing submission, and packages from Complete include the printed book and eBook interior formatting and eBook conversion. We don't sell formatting on its own.
How long does it take?
A full publishing package, including formatting and the KDP submission, takes 4–6 weeks standard; occasionally up to 8 weeks.
Ready to publish your book?
Compare what each package includes, or send us your questions on WhatsApp.