Why KDP Cover Requirements Matter
Amazon KDP has strict technical requirements for book covers. Understanding and following these specifications is critical—incorrect covers lead to rejection, publishing delays, and poor print quality that damages your book's credibility and sales.
The most frustrating part of self-publishing is having your cover rejected after hours of design work. The technical requirements aren't intuitive, and small mistakes like incorrect bleed margins or wrong color space can force you to start over.
This guide provides the exact specifications you need, explains why each requirement exists, and shows you how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to rejection.
The Golden Rule:
Always use the KDP Cover Calculator before creating your cover. Incorrect dimensions are the number one reason for rejection, and they're completely preventable with the calculator.
Quick Requirements Summary:
- • Resolution: 300 DPI minimum (no exceptions)
- • File Size: Maximum 40 MB
- • Formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or PNG
- • Bleed: 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm) on all sides
- • Safe Zone: 0.125 inches inside trim edge
- • Color Mode: RGB or CMYK (RGB recommended)
- • Dimensions: Calculated per book (use KDP calculator)
Size and Dimension Requirements
Understanding Cover Dimensions
Your KDP cover isn't a single standard size—it's calculated based on three factors: trim size (book dimensions), page count, and paper type. This is why you must use the KDP Cover Calculator for every book.
Cover Dimension Formula:
Width = (Trim Width × 2) + Spine Width + (Bleed × 2)
Height = Trim Height + (Bleed × 2)
Where bleed = 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm)
How to Calculate Your Exact Dimensions
Step 1: Access the KDP Cover Calculator
Go to Amazon KDP Help and search for "Cover Calculator" or navigate to the paperback content upload page where the calculator is linked. You'll need to log into your KDP account.
Step 2: Enter Your Book Specifications
Input the following information:
- • Trim size (e.g., 6" x 9", 5" x 8", 8.5" x 11")
- • Page count (interior pages, must be even number)
- • Paper type (white or cream)
- • Interior color (black & white or color)
- • Whether you need bleed (usually yes)
Step 3: Get Your Exact Dimensions
The calculator will provide exact width and height in inches and centimeters. It will also calculate spine width. Write these numbers down—you'll need them when setting up your design file.
Step 4: Optional - Download Template
KDP provides downloadable cover templates with correct dimensions and safe zones marked. These are helpful guides but not required if you know the measurements.
Common Trim Sizes
| Trim Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6" × 9" | Most popular for novels, non-fiction | Standard trade paperback |
| 5" × 8" | Fiction, memoirs | Mass market paperback feel |
| 5.5" × 8.5" | Fiction, poetry | Literary feel |
| 8" × 10" | Cookbooks, photo books | Large format |
| 8.5" × 11" | Workbooks, textbooks | Full letter size |
Spine Width Calculation
Spine width varies based on page count and paper type. Thicker books have wider spines. The KDP Cover Calculator automatically calculates this, but here's the rough formula:
Approximate Spine Width:
- • White paper, B&W: Page count × 0.002252"
- • Cream paper, B&W: Page count × 0.0025"
- • White paper, color: Page count × 0.002347"
Example: 200 pages on white paper = 200 × 0.002252 = 0.4504" spine width
Critical Warning:
Never guess dimensions or use old measurements. Page count changes, paper type changes, or trim size changes all affect the final cover size. Always recalculate for each book.
Skip the Math and Manual Calculations
KDPEasy automatically calculates perfect dimensions, adds bleed, and ensures KDP compliance
Create Cover NowFile Format Requirements
Accepted File Formats
Amazon KDP accepts four file formats for covers. Each has pros and cons:
PDF (Recommended)
Best for: Print books
Pros: Preserves fonts, vectors, and color profiles. Maintains highest quality. Industry standard for professional printing.
Cons: Larger file size. Requires proper export settings (flatten transparency, embed fonts, high-quality compression).
JPEG/JPG
Best for: eBooks, simple designs
Pros: Small file size. Universal compatibility. Simple to export.
Cons: Lossy compression can reduce quality. No transparency support. Text may appear slightly fuzzy compared to PDF.
TIFF/TIF
Best for: High-quality print, photography-heavy covers
Pros: Lossless compression. Excellent quality. Supports layers and transparency.
Cons: Very large file size (may exceed 40 MB limit). Requires compression. Overkill for most projects.
PNG
Best for: eBooks, web use
Pros: Lossless compression. Supports transparency. Good for text clarity.
Cons: Larger than JPEG. Not ideal for complex color gradients in print.
Resolution Requirements
KDP requires a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) for all covers. This is non-negotiable and the most common technical error.
Common Mistake:
Many designers use 72 DPI (screen resolution) or 150 DPI. These will be rejected or produce blurry printed covers. Always set your document to 300 DPI before starting design work. Upscaling a 72 DPI file to 300 DPI doesn't work—you must create it at 300 DPI from the start.
How to Verify Your DPI:
- • Photoshop: Image → Image Size → check "Resolution" field
- • GIMP: Image → Scale Image → check "Resolution" section
- • Online tools: Upload file to DPI checker websites
- • File properties: Right-click file → Properties → Details tab (Windows)
File Size Limits
Maximum file size is 40 MB. Most covers should be well under this limit. If you're exceeding 40 MB:
- Use PDF with compression: Export with "high quality" or "press quality" settings, not "smallest file size"
- Reduce image resolution slightly: 300 DPI is minimum but you can go higher. If you're at 600 DPI, reduce to 300 DPI
- Flatten layers: Merge all layers before export
- Optimize images: Use JPEG for photos with 90-95% quality setting
Bleed Margins and Safe Zones
What Is Bleed?
Bleed is extra image area that extends beyond the final trim size. When books are printed and cut, the cutting isn't perfectly precise. Bleed ensures that if the cut is slightly off, you won't have white edges showing on your cover.
KDP requires 0.125 inches (1/8 inch or 3.175 mm) of bleed on all sides of your cover. This means your background imagery and colors should extend 0.125" beyond the trim line in all directions.
Bleed Requirements:
- • All sides: 0.125 inches (3.175 mm)
- • Top: 0.125" beyond final height
- • Bottom: 0.125" beyond final height
- • Left: 0.125" beyond final width
- • Right: 0.125" beyond final width
What Is the Safe Zone?
The safe zone is the area where you should keep all important content (text, logos, faces, critical imagery) to ensure they don't get cut off during trimming. KDP recommends keeping important elements at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line.
Safe Zone Guidelines:
- • Title text: Keep 0.125" minimum from trim edge
- • Author name: Keep 0.125" minimum from trim edge
- • Important imagery (faces, logos): Keep 0.25" from edge for extra safety
- • Spine text: Keep 0.0625" from spine edges (tighter tolerance)
- • Back cover text: Keep 0.25" from all edges for barcode and reading comfort
Visualizing Bleed and Safe Zones
Common Bleed Mistakes
No Bleed Added
Creating cover at exact trim size without bleed results in white edges when book is cut.
Solution: Always add 0.125" to all sides. Use KDP calculator which includes bleed in dimensions.
Text Too Close to Edge
Placing title or important elements right at trim line risks them being cut off.
Solution: Keep all text and important elements at least 0.125" inside trim, preferably 0.25" for extra safety.
Background Doesn't Extend to Bleed
Background colors or images that stop at trim line instead of extending to bleed edge.
Solution: Ensure all background elements extend fully to the outer bleed edge.
Perfect Bleed and Safe Zones, Automatically
KDPEasy handles all technical specifications—correct bleed, safe zones, and dimensions guaranteed
See How It WorksColor Space: RGB vs CMYK
Understanding color modes is crucial for ensuring your cover colors look correct when printed. The wrong color mode can cause significant color shifts between your screen and printed book.
RGB vs CMYK Explained
RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Used for: Screens, digital displays, eBooks
How it works: Colors created by mixing light. Brighter colors, wider gamut.
KDP recommendation: Amazon recommends RGB for uploads and converts to CMYK during printing. Design in RGB for more vibrant colors on screen.
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black)
Used for: Professional printing
How it works: Colors created by mixing ink. More limited color range than RGB.
KDP compatibility: Accepted but may look different than RGB. Amazon converts RGB to CMYK anyway, so RGB is usually better.
Which Should You Use?
Recommendation for KDP:
Use RGB for both eBooks and print books. Amazon's system is optimized for RGB and will convert to CMYK during the printing process. Designing in RGB gives you more vibrant on-screen colors and better control.
If you design in CMYK, colors may shift when Amazon converts the file, and you have less predictability over the final result.
Understanding Color Shifts
Some RGB colors cannot be reproduced in CMYK printing. Bright, saturated colors often shift:
- Bright blues and purples: May appear darker or duller in print
- Neon colors: Will be significantly muted—avoid neon greens, pinks, oranges
- Pure RGB colors: Colors at max values (255, 0, 0) may shift
Always Order a Proof Copy:
Colors on screen never exactly match printed results. Before approving your book for sale, order a physical proof copy to verify the colors look acceptable. Make adjustments if needed.
Color Best Practices
- Use RGB color mode for KDP uploads unless you have specific reasons to use CMYK
- Avoid extremely saturated colors if print accuracy is critical
- Test with soft-proofing: Use Photoshop's "Proof Colors" (View → Proof Setup → Working CMYK) to simulate how colors will print
- Order proof copies for every new cover to verify color accuracy
- Stick to safer colors: Earth tones, muted colors, and colors with some gray mixed in print more predictably
Front Cover, Back Cover, and Spine Layout
Your KDP cover file contains three sections: front cover, spine, and back cover—all in one continuous image. Understanding the layout and proper element placement is essential.
Cover Layout Structure
BACK COVER
Left section
Width = Trim width + bleed
SPINE
Center section
Width = Calculated spine width
FRONT COVER
Right section
Width = Trim width + bleed
Total width = Back width + Spine width + Front width = (Trim width × 2) + Spine + (Bleed × 2)
Front Cover Elements
- Title: Primary element, largest text, positioned in upper half or center
- Author name: Bottom third, smaller than title unless you're famous
- Subtitle (optional): Below title, smaller font
- Background imagery: Must extend to bleed on top, right, and bottom edges
- Series information (optional): Top or bottom, small text
Spine Elements
Spine requirements depend on spine width (which depends on page count):
Spine Minimum Width:
Books under 130 pages cannot have spine text. The spine is too narrow for readable text. Leave spine blank or use only a color/pattern.
For 130+ pages, spine text is optional but recommended for shelf visibility.
- Text orientation: Runs from top to bottom (vertical), readable when book is face-up on a table
- Content: Typically title and author name, in that order from top to bottom
- Safe zone: Keep text at least 0.0625" (1/16") from spine edges—tighter than other safe zones
- Font size: Small enough to fit within spine width, typically 8-14pt depending on spine width
Back Cover Elements
- Book description/blurb: 100-200 word summary in center area
- Author bio (optional): Brief bio or credentials at bottom
- Testimonials/endorsements (optional): Pull quotes from reviews
- Barcode space: Leave 2" × 1.2" minimum blank white space in lower right corner
- Background: Must extend to bleed on top, left, and bottom edges
Barcode Placement
Amazon automatically adds an ISBN barcode to your printed book. You don't need to create or add the barcode yourself—but you must leave space for it on your back cover.
Barcode Requirements
Barcode Space Specifications:
- • Location: Lower right corner of back cover
- • Minimum size: 2 inches wide × 1.2 inches tall
- • Recommended size: 2.5" × 1.5" for safety margin
- • Background: Must be solid white or very light color
- • Position: 0.25" minimum from bottom and right edges
- • Orientation: Barcode will be horizontal (landscape)
How to Reserve Barcode Space
Method 1: White Rectangle (Recommended)
Create a white or very light-colored rectangle measuring 2" × 1.2" (minimum) or 2.5" × 1.5" (recommended) in the lower right corner of your back cover. Leave this space completely blank.
Method 2: Background Extension
If your back cover has a light background, you can extend it to the barcode area without adding a separate white box—but ensure the area is light enough for barcode visibility.
Method 3: Use KDP Template
Download KDP's cover template which has the barcode area already marked. Design around this marked space.
Common Barcode Mistakes:
- • No barcode space: Amazon will reject or place barcode over your text/images
- • Dark background: Barcode must scan—dark backgrounds prevent this
- • Too small: Space less than 2" × 1.2" may cause scanning issues
- • Wrong location: Barcode must be in lower right corner, not left or center
- • Adding your own barcode: Don't add a barcode yourself—Amazon does this
Designing Around the Barcode
The barcode requirement affects back cover design. Here's how to work with it:
- Text placement: Keep book description and other text in the upper 2/3 of back cover to avoid barcode area
- Visual balance: Consider the barcode as part of your composition—balance it with text or visual elements on the left side
- Background treatment: Make barcode area blend naturally with back cover design while maintaining light color
Never Worry About Technical Requirements Again
KDPEasy automatically handles all specifications—dimensions, bleed, safe zones, barcode space, and color modes
Create Perfect CoverCommon Cover Rejection Reasons
Understanding why covers get rejected helps you avoid frustrating delays. Here are the most common reasons Amazon rejects covers, and how to prevent each one:
1. Incorrect Dimensions
The Problem: Cover size doesn't match the calculated dimensions for your specific page count and trim size. This is the #1 rejection reason.
Prevention: Always use the KDP Cover Calculator before creating your cover. Double-check page count is accurate. Verify dimensions in your design software before export.
Example: Using 6.125" × 9.25" when calculator shows 6.375" × 9.25" for your specific book
2. Resolution Below 300 DPI
The Problem: Cover file resolution is below the required 300 DPI, resulting in pixelated or blurry print quality.
Prevention: Create your cover at 300 DPI from the start. Don't upscale lower-resolution images—this doesn't work. Verify DPI before uploading.
Common mistake: Designing at 72 DPI (screen resolution) instead of 300 DPI (print resolution)
3. Missing or Insufficient Bleed
The Problem: Background doesn't extend 0.125" beyond trim line, or cover created at exact trim size without bleed.
Prevention: Ensure all background colors and imagery extend fully to the outer edge (0.125" beyond trim on all sides). Use KDP templates with bleed guides.
Result of missing bleed: White edges on printed book where cut was slightly off
4. Text or Important Elements Outside Safe Zone
The Problem: Title, author name, or critical imagery too close to trim edge, risking being cut off during production.
Prevention: Keep all text and important elements at least 0.125" inside the trim line, preferably 0.25" for extra safety. Use safe zone guides.
High-risk areas: Spine text, back cover description, author name
5. Missing or Inadequate Barcode Space
The Problem: No space reserved for barcode, or space is too small/dark, preventing proper barcode placement and scanning.
Prevention: Reserve minimum 2" × 1.2" white or very light space in lower right corner of back cover. Don't place text or dark images in this area.
Amazon will reject or potentially place barcode over your content if space is inadequate
6. Prohibited Content
The Problem: Cover contains content that violates Amazon's content guidelines, such as explicit material, misleading information, or copyright violations.
Prevention: Follow Amazon's content guidelines. Don't use images you don't have rights to. Avoid explicit imagery inappropriate for public retail display. Don't make false claims (like "Amazon Bestseller" if untrue).
Review Amazon KDP Content Guidelines before finalizing cover design
7. File Format or Corruption Issues
The Problem: File is corrupted, uses unsupported format, or exceeds 40 MB size limit.
Prevention: Use PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or PNG formats. Ensure file isn't corrupted by testing it before upload. Compress if over 40 MB while maintaining 300 DPI.
If PDF, ensure fonts are embedded and transparency is flattened
8. Spine Width Mismatch
The Problem: Spine width in your cover doesn't match the calculated spine width for your page count, causing misalignment.
Prevention: Use KDP calculator's exact spine width. Don't estimate. If page count changes, recalculate entire cover. Center spine content precisely.
Even 0.1" error in spine width causes front/back cover misalignment
9. Poor Print Quality
The Problem: Cover images are too blurry, pixelated, or low quality for professional printing, even if technically 300 DPI.
Prevention: Use high-quality source images. Avoid over-compressed JPEGs. Don't stretch or upscale low-resolution images. Test print quality with proof copy.
A 300 DPI image created by upscaling a 72 DPI image will still look terrible
10. Incorrect Spine Text Orientation
The Problem: Spine text runs bottom-to-top instead of top-to-bottom, or is horizontal when it should be vertical.
Prevention: Spine text should read vertically from top to bottom, readable when book is lying face-up. Test by rotating your screen or printing.
Standard: Title at top, author name below, reading top-to-bottom
Pre-Upload Checklist:
- □ Dimensions verified with KDP calculator for exact page count
- □ Resolution is 300 DPI (verified in image properties)
- □ Bleed extends 0.125" beyond trim on all sides
- □ All text is 0.125" inside safe zone
- □ Barcode space (2" × 1.2" minimum) reserved in lower right
- □ File format is PDF, JPEG, TIFF, or PNG
- □ File size is under 40 MB
- □ Spine width matches calculator exactly
- □ Spine text orientation correct (top to bottom)
- □ No prohibited content or copyright violations
- □ Colors are appropriate (RGB recommended)
- □ File tested and opens correctly
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should my KDP book cover be?
Cover size varies based on trim size, page count, and paper type. Use the KDP Cover Calculator to get exact dimensions for your specific book. For example, a 6×9 inch book with 200 pages on white paper would have a cover approximately 12.375" wide × 9.25" tall (including bleed). Never use standard sizes—always calculate for each book individually.
What DPI should I use for KDP covers?
Always use 300 DPI (dots per inch) for KDP print covers. This is the minimum resolution required for professional print quality. Lower resolutions like 72 or 150 DPI will result in blurry, pixelated covers and will likely be rejected by Amazon. Create your cover at 300 DPI from the beginning—upscaling lower resolutions doesn't work.
Should I use RGB or CMYK for KDP covers?
Amazon recommends RGB color mode for both ebooks and print covers. While CMYK is accepted, Amazon converts everything to their printing process anyway. Designing in RGB gives you better on-screen preview and more control. Some bright RGB colors will shift slightly when printed—always order a proof copy to verify color accuracy before approving for sale.
How do I calculate spine width for my KDP book?
Use the KDP Cover Calculator which automatically calculates spine width based on page count and paper type. Approximate formula: page count × 0.002252" for white paper B&W, × 0.0025" for cream paper. Never guess—spine width must be exact or your front and back covers will be misaligned. Recalculate if your page count changes.
What file format should I use for my KDP cover?
KDP accepts PDF, JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. PDF is recommended for print books as it preserves quality, fonts, and colors best. JPEG works well for ebooks and simple designs. Ensure files are under 40 MB, at 300 DPI resolution, and for PDFs, embed fonts and flatten transparency before uploading.
What are bleed and safe zones, and why do they matter?
Bleed is extra image area (0.125") extending beyond the trim line to prevent white edges if cutting is slightly off. Safe zone is 0.125" inside the trim line where you should keep all important text and imagery to prevent it from being cut off. Background colors must extend to bleed; text must stay in safe zone. This ensures professional results despite minor variations in cutting.
Do I need to add a barcode to my KDP cover?
No, Amazon automatically adds the barcode—never add your own. However, you must reserve space for it: minimum 2" wide × 1.2" tall white or very light-colored rectangle in the lower right corner of the back cover, at least 0.25" from edges. This space must be left blank for Amazon to place their barcode.
Can my book have spine text if it's under 130 pages?
No, books under 130 pages have spines too narrow for readable text. For these books, leave the spine blank or use only a solid color/pattern. Attempting to add text will result in unreadable, unprofessional results. For books 130+ pages, spine text is optional but recommended for bookstore shelf visibility.
How do I prevent my KDP cover from being rejected?
Use the KDP Cover Calculator for exact dimensions, create at 300 DPI, include 0.125" bleed, keep text in safe zones, reserve barcode space (2" × 1.2" lower right), use accepted file formats (PDF recommended), stay under 40 MB, and follow content guidelines. Always verify these requirements before uploading. Order a proof copy to check quality before approving.
What if my page count changes after I create my cover?
You must create a new cover. Page count affects spine width and total cover width, so your original cover won't fit correctly. Use the KDP calculator with the new page count to get updated dimensions, then adjust your cover accordingly. Even small page count changes (10-20 pages) require recalculation to maintain proper alignment.
Related Guides & Resources
Book Cover Design Principles
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AI Book Covers Guide
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Common Cover Design Mistakes
Avoid the mistakes that make book covers look amateur
KDPEasy Features
See how KDPEasy handles all requirements automatically
Create KDP-Perfect Covers Every Time
KDPEasy automatically handles all technical requirements—perfect dimensions, bleed, safe zones, barcode space, and optimal file format. Never face rejection again.