Kindle Direct Publishing formatting, explained

What page size should a KDP paperback be?

Set the document page size to your trim size: KDP offers 16 paperback trims, from small paperbacks to large workbooks, and 6 x 9 in is a popular choice for novels and nonfiction. If any image or color runs off the edge, add bleed to the whole file: page width = trim + 0.125 in, page height = trim + 0.25 in, so a 6 x 9 in book becomes 6.125 x 9.25 in. Compare sizes in the trim size guide.

What margins does KDP require?

Top, bottom and outside margins: at least 0.25 in without bleed and 0.375 in with bleed. If your software has separate inside margin and gutter fields, KDP says to enter the same value in both. These are minimums; the margin and gutter calculator suggests comfortable margins for your page count.

Which fonts and font sizes work for KDP?

Embed every font in the PDF. KDP's minimum is 7 pt; body text is usually 10 to 12 pt in a readable book typeface, with line spacing around 1.2 to 1.5. Keep headings, chapter openings and running heads consistent by using paragraph styles rather than formatting each one by hand.

What image resolution does KDP need?

At least 300 DPI at the printed size, for interior and cover images. KDP sets no maximum but recommends no more than 600 DPI to keep files manageable. Check each image with the image DPI checker before you place it.

How do you format a Kindle ebook?

• Use styles, not spaces, tabs or repeated line breaks, for headings, indents and spacing.
• Insert a page break before each chapter.
• Add a linked table of contents. Amazon requires a working one for books with chapters or sections; entries must be links, with no page numbers and no tables, near the start of the book.
• Keep images simple and avoid text inside images where you can, since readers change the font size.

The table of contents generator builds a Kindle-ready TOC from your chapter list.

What is the quickest way to format a book for KDP?

Start from a template already set to your trim and KDP's margins, paste your edited text, and apply the styles. The book interior template builds a Word file at your trim size with mirrored margins, page numbers and chapter styles. Then export a PDF, upload it, check every page in KDP's previewer and order a proof. If you would rather hand it over, our professional book formatting services deliver print PDFs and EPUB files.