Fix Blurry KDP Covers: Resolution and DPI Guide

You uploaded your cover to KDP, approved the proof, and when the physical book arrived—disaster. Blurry text, pixelated images, amateur appearance. This guide reveals exactly why covers blur and how to fix the problem permanently.

Understanding DPI vs Resolution

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

DPI measures how many dots of ink fit in one linear inch when printed. 300 DPI is the industry standard for professional printing:

• 300 DPI: Sharp, professional, meets KDP requirements
• 150 DPI: Acceptable for photos in newspapers, NOT books
• 72 DPI: Screen resolution only—terrible for print

Resolution (Pixel Dimensions)

Resolution is the actual pixel count of your image. For a 6×9 inch cover at 300 DPI:

• Front cover only: 1800×2700 pixels minimum
• Full wrap cover: ~3750×2775 pixels (varies with spine width)
• Ebook cover: 2560 pixels on longest side recommended

The Critical Relationship

Physical size × DPI = Required pixel dimensions

Example: 6 inches wide × 300 DPI = 1,800 pixels wide

Common Causes of Blurry Covers

1. Low-Resolution Source Images

Problem: Using images downloaded from websites (usually 72 DPI) or social media.

Solution:

• Use stock photos from professional sources (Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Unsplash)
• Always download the highest resolution available
• For a 6×9 cover, images should be at least 2000 pixels on the longest side
• AI-generated images should be created at high resolution (1024×1024 minimum, 2048×2048 better)

2. Designing at Screen Resolution

Problem: Creating cover in Canva, Photoshop, or other software at 72 DPI.

Solution:

• Set DPI to 300 BEFORE starting design
• In Photoshop: Image → Image Size → Set to 300 pixels/inch
• In Canva: Use custom dimensions with specific pixel counts for 300 DPI equivalent
• Never upscale a 72 DPI design to 300 DPI—quality cannot be added retroactively

3. Incorrect Export Settings

Problem: Exporting at wrong quality settings or file format.

Solution:

• Export as PDF (preferred) or high-quality JPG/PNG
• PDF settings: Embed fonts, flatten transparency, 300 DPI
• JPG quality: Maximum (12 in Photoshop, 100% in most tools)
• PNG: No compression (lossless format)

4. Resizing After Creation

Problem: Creating cover at one size, then stretching to fit KDP dimensions.

Solution:

• Use KDP's cover calculator to get exact dimensions FIRST
• Design at final dimensions from the start
• If you must resize, only resize DOWN (never up)
• Maintain aspect ratio when resizing

How to Check Your Cover Quality

Before Upload

1. Check file properties: Right-click file → Properties → Details → Look for dimensions and DPI
2. Open in image viewer: Zoom to 100%. Text should be crystal clear
3. Open in Photoshop/GIMP: Image → Image Size → Verify 300 pixels/inch
4. Calculate manually: Pixel width ÷ Physical inch width = DPI (should equal 300)

After KDP Upload

• Download proof copy: KDP lets you preview before approving
• Zoom to 200%: Text edges should remain sharp
• Check spine carefully: Often the first area to show quality issues
• Order physical proof: Only way to be 100% certain (costs ~$5)

Fixing a Blurry Cover

If Your Cover is Already Blurry

Unfortunately, you cannot add quality to a low-resolution file. You must redesign from scratch with proper settings. However:

Quick Fixes for Mild Blurriness

1. Sharpen filter (use carefully): In Photoshop, Filter → Sharpen → Unsharp Mask (Amount: 100-150%, Radius: 1-2 pixels)
2. Replace low-res images: Find higher quality versions of the same images
3. Redraw text: Delete rasterized text, add fresh text layers at high resolution
4. Vector graphics: If using Illustrator, ensure artwork is vector-based (scales infinitely)

Complete Redesign Checklist

• ✓ Start with KDP cover template dimensions
• ✓ Set document to 300 DPI before adding content
• ✓ Use high-resolution images (2000+ pixels minimum)
• ✓ Keep text as vector/editable layers until final export
• ✓ Export as PDF with embedded fonts
• ✓ Verify DPI before upload

Platform-Specific Solutions

Canva Users

Canva designs at 96 DPI by default (not 300 DPI). To get print-quality:

• Calculate required pixel dimensions: Width (inches) × 300, Height (inches) × 300
• For 6×9 cover: Use custom size 1800×2700 pixels (for front only)
• For full wrap: Calculate spine, then total width × 300
• Download as PDF (Print) or PNG with maximum quality
• Warning: Canva free images may be lower resolution

Photoshop/GIMP Users

• File → New → Set Resolution to 300 pixels/inch
• Set dimensions in inches (e.g., 12.687×9.25 for 6×9 with spine)
• Image → Mode → RGB or CMYK (both work for KDP)
• Export: File → Export As → PDF (quality: Maximum)

AI Image Generators

• Generate at highest resolution available (2048×2048 or larger)
• Use upscaling tools (Topaz Gigapixel, Let's Enhance) to increase quality
• Never use AI images smaller than 1024×1024 for covers
• Test print quality with physical proof before approving

Prevention Checklist

• ✓ Design at 300 DPI from the start (never upscale later)
• ✓ Use high-resolution source images (2000+ pixels)
• ✓ Export as PDF with fonts embedded
• ✓ Never resize covers after creation (design at final size)
• ✓ Test at 200% zoom before uploading
• ✓ Order physical proof to verify print quality
• ✓ Keep source files in case you need to re-export