Clear Title & Subtitle
Make your title easy to read, even at thumbnail size. Keep the author name clear and the hierarchy simple.
Choose readable fonts and give your title room to breathe.
KDP COVER GUIDE
Your Guide to
Print-Ready Covers
From cover dimensions to the final upload, understand the essentials of Amazon KDP cover preparation and get your book ready for print with confidence.
KDP requirements- Cover dimensions
- Design best practices
A complete paperback cover
✓ Print-ready layoutBack cover
SPINE
YOUR NEXT
GREAT STORY
AUTHOR NAME
Bleed areaTrim lineSafe zone
01 / THE ESSENTIALS
KDP Cover Requirements
A successful cover meets Amazon KDP's technical standards and looks perfect in both print and digital formats.
High-resolution PDF (300 DPI)- Correct trim size
- Include spine for paperback (based on page count)
- No bleed or crop marks
- Follow KDP content guidelines
kdp
Paperback cover.pdf
The right file. The right dimensions. Ready for print.
← 6.0 in (152.4 mm) →
THE MOUNTAIN WITHIN
ALEX RIVERS
↕ 9.0 in (228.6 mm)
Common KDP Sizes
- 6 × 9 in152.4 × 228.6 mm
- 5 × 8 in127 × 203.2 mm
- 5.5 × 8.5 in139.7 × 215.9 mm
- 8.5 × 11 in215.9 × 279.4 mm
02 / GET THE SIZE RIGHT
Cover Dimensions
Amazon KDP supports multiple trim sizes for paperback and hardcover books. Your cover must match the exact dimensions, including the spine width for print books.
Quick Tips:
- •Use the KDP Cover Calculator to get exact spine width
- •Create a single PDF with front, spine, and back cover
- •Keep important text and elements within the safe area
- •Use 300 DPI resolution
Bleed is extra artwork, not a printed guide. Extend backgrounds 0.125 in (3.2 mm) beyond the trim edge. Keep text and key details at least 0.25 in (6.4 mm) inside the outside edge of the cover. Export without visible guide lines or crop marks.
03 / DESIGN WITH CONFIDENCE
Design Best Practices
A great book cover should be visually appealing, clear, and on-brand. Here are some best practices to help your cover stand out and attract more readers.
High-Quality Visuals
Use sharp, high-resolution images that reflect your genre and help readers understand your book.
Start with 300 DPI artwork at the final printed size.
Consistent Colors & Fonts
Create a cohesive look across the front, back, and spine. Use contrast to make important text stand out.
A focused palette and 2–3 fonts are usually enough.
Respect the Safe Zones
Keep titles, logos, and important artwork away from trim edges, folds, and the barcode area.
Preview the full wrap with bleed, trim, and safe-zone guides.
Make the Spine Work for Your Book
Spine width depends on the final page count and paper type. Only include spine text when your book is thick enough for KDP's requirements.
Leave Room for the Barcode
Reserve a clear 2 × 1.2 in area on the back cover for KDP's barcode. Keep text and important imagery outside this space.
04 / AVOID THE COMMON PITFALLS
Small Details. A Better Print Result.
Check these common cover issues before you upload, and avoid unnecessary revisions.
Low-Resolution Images
Blurry or pixelated artwork can look fine on screen but lose detail in print.
Use original, high-quality artwork at 300 DPI.
Incorrect Cover Dimensions
The wrong trim size or spine width can shift your layout and cause upload errors.
Match your cover to the final manuscript and paper type.
Text Too Close to the Edge
Titles, author names, and back-cover copy can be trimmed or lost in the fold.
Keep all essential content inside the safe zones.
05 / BEFORE YOU PUBLISH
Your Final Cover Checklist
One final review makes all the difference. Open your exported PDF and check every panel before uploading to KDP.
- Cover dimensions match the selected trim size
- Spine width matches the final page count and paper type
- All images are sharp and high-resolution
- Text and important details stay inside the safe zones
- Barcode area is clear and the PDF has no visible guides
- Review the full cover in KDP Print Previewer
KDP COVER FAQS
A Few More Things to Know
How do I calculate my spine width?
Use the KDP Cover Calculator with your trim size, page count, ink, and paper type. Recalculate if your manuscript changes.
Can I use my ebook cover for a paperback?
Yes. Your front artwork is a starting point, but a paperback needs a complete wrap with a back cover, spine, and bleed.
Do I need to add a barcode?
KDP can add a barcode for you. Leave the required space clear on the back cover so it doesn't overlap your design.
Does a print-ready file guarantee approval?
Always check your file in KDP Print Previewer. Final acceptance depends on KDP's current technical and content requirements.
Make Your Ebook Cover Ready for Print
No more templates. No more manual calculations.
Just upload, generate, and download your print-ready cover.
