KDP formatting means setting up your manuscript so it displays properly on Kindle devices and apps (for eBooks) and prints cleanly when uploaded as a paperback. In other words, it's the cleanup and setup stage between your raw manuscript and a finished, bookstore-ready book.
There are two versions you'll likely create: eBook (text adjusts to the reader's screen size) and Paperback (fixed-size pages).
Here are the most beginner-friendly tools for formatting your book:
Tip: If you're just starting out, use KDP Creator Suite or Kindle Create. They handle formatting rules automatically.
1. Stick to simple fonts and layout. Kindle uses default fonts, so just focus on clear formatting. Avoid fancy styles or text boxes.
2. Set up paragraphs neatly. Use a font size between 11–13 pt. Add first-line indents (0.2–0.3 inch) in Paragraph Settings — never with spaces or tabs. Keep line spacing between 1.15–1.5 and don't use multiple blank lines.
3. Use proper headings for chapters. Apply Heading 1 or Heading 2 instead of just bold text. This helps KDP automatically generate a Table of Contents.
4. Add a clickable Table of Contents (TOC). In Word: go to References > Table of Contents > Automatic. Or let Kindle Create or KDP Creator Suite build it for you.
5. Use real page breaks. Insert them with Ctrl (or Cmd) + Enter — not extra blank lines.
6. Insert images correctly. Use JPG or PNG files at least 1000 pixels wide (2560 recommended for full-width). Always set them as "In line with text" to avoid shifting on Kindle.
7. Include front and back matter. Include your title page, copyright, dedication, author bio, and acknowledgments. Skip page numbers — Kindle calculates "locations" automatically.
8. Best file formats to upload. .docx or .kpf (from Kindle Create). KDP also accepts .epub but avoid .pdf for eBooks.
1. Choose a trim size early. Popular choices: 5" x 8" or 5.25" x 8" for novels, 6" x 9" for most books, 8.5" x 11" for workbooks.
2. Set margins and gutter. Use roughly 0.75–1 inch outer margins. Gutter (inner margin near the spine) should be 0.375–0.5 inches for 150–300 pages.
3. Decide on bleed or no bleed. "No bleed" means everything stays inside the margins — best for standard text books. "Bleed" is for artwork or background color that touches the page edge. Set bleed to 0.125" (3.2mm) on all sides.
4. Pick readable print fonts. Garamond, Minion, Baskerville, or Palatino are excellent print choices. Font size: 10–12 pt. Embed fonts in your exported PDF.
5. Add headings and page numbers. Use running headers and footers, but skip them on chapter opening pages. Front matter uses Roman numerals (i, ii, iii), while your main text uses regular numbers.
6. Use high-quality images. 300 ppi at actual print size. Convert grayscale for black and white interiors.
7. Export to a print-ready PDF. The PDF's page size must match your chosen trim size perfectly. Include bleed if used and embed all fonts.
eBook cover: JPG/TIFF, at least 2560 x 1600 px, 1:1.6 aspect ratio. Paperback cover: Full-wrap PDF (including back, spine, and front) made using KDP's Cover Template. Keep all text away from trim edges and use 300 dpi resolution for printing. Avoid QR codes leading to other stores and ensure you have rights to all fonts and images used.
eBooks: DOCX, KPF (Kindle Create), or EPUB. Paperbacks: PDF (preferred) or DOCX. Covers: JPG, TIFF (for eBooks), or PDF (for paperbacks).
eBook Checklist:
Paperback Checklist:
Novels: Indented paragraphs, no extra spacing, and chapters start on the right-hand page. Nonfiction: Block paragraphs or spacing between, clear subheadings, and lists. Children's Books: Usually fixed layout (may need specialized tools). Poetry: Keep line breaks exact; test on various screen sizes.
KDP Creator Suite helps you choose correct trim size and margins instantly, apply and reuse styles consistently, auto-generate Kindle-friendly TOCs, check image quality before uploading, export professionally formatted EPUB and print-ready PDFs, and preview your layout in Kindle and print views before you publish. Learn more or download at www.kdpsuite.com.
Preview your book every time: Use Kindle Previewer (desktop or KDP online), test on phone, tablet, and e-ink devices, and for print versions, order a proof copy to check your margins, spine text, and paper quality.
Formatting can feel intimidating when you're new, but it's honestly a part of the creative process. It's what takes your manuscript from "just words" to a real book that readers will enjoy. Start simple. Keep your layout clean. Don't skip the preview step. A few careful tweaks now can make your book look every bit as professional as something from a major publisher. You've already written the book — now let's make sure it looks the part, too.