If you’re a self-publishing author gearing up to release your book on Amazon, one question that’s bound to pop up early is: what format does KDP use for book covers? And no, it’s not as simple as uploading a pretty JPEG and calling it a day.
When it comes to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), the cover you choose has a lot more going on than aesthetics. It’s about compatibility, clarity, and compliance. Amazon has very specific formatting rules for paperback, eBook, and hardcover covers. Getting those details right isn’t just a tick-box—it could be the difference between a professional-looking product and a rejected upload.
So let’s break it down, piece by piece, with a little help from our own experience at Wright Book Associates, where we’ve helped dozens of indie authors polish and publish their work seamlessly.
Why So Much Fuss Over Cover Formatting?
Before we get into specs and file types, let’s talk about why this matters so much.
Your cover is the first thing a reader sees, online or in a shop. It’s not just your book’s face; it’s your handshake. And with Amazon being the largest self-publishing platform, KDP book cover formatting needs to meet strict criteria, or your book may never make it past the preview stage.
Plus, once that cover’s up, it’s everywhere: product listings, thumbnails, marketing graphics. So if you’re wondering what makes a book cover stand out, it’s a blend of compelling visuals and technical perfection.
Part 1: KDP Paperback Cover Requirements
So, what format does KDP use for book covers in print?
Let’s start with paperbacks—the most popular KDP format for self-published authors.
1. File Type and Colour Format
KDP accepts:
- PDF (for full wraparound covers, including spine and back)
- CMYK colour model
- At least 300 dpi resolution
You’ll want to flatten all layers and embed your fonts before uploading. If you’re unsure how to do this, or you’re using something like Canva, exporting in PDF Print usually gets you most of the way there.
2. Dimensions and Bleed
What size should a book cover design be? That depends entirely on your trim size and page count.
Amazon provides a cover calculator, but the general rule is:
- Add 0.125” (3.2 mm) bleed on all outer edges
- Include spine width, which changes based on the number of pages
- Leave 1.6” x 1” of blank white space at the bottom right for the barcode
A typical 6” x 9” paperback with 300 pages might have a full cover size (with bleed) of roughly 12.52” x 9.25”.
Part 2: Image Guidelines and Visual Design Best Practices
Let’s move beyond numbers for a second, because no one buys a book for its page dimensions.
So, how do you actually make a cover that looks good and works on KDP?
1. Cover Image Guidelines
Here’s what KDP is picky about:
- High-resolution images only – no blurry, pixelated uploads
- No transparencies or layered files – everything must be flattened
- No printer marks or crop marks – Amazon will reject those
- Avoid text too close to the edge – keep a 0.25” margin
- Don’t put anything over the barcode zone – it needs to stay clean and scannable.
If you’re trying to figure out where to put the author name on the book cover, the front, bottom, or top is standard. On the back, it usually sits above your bio or just below your blurb.
Want your book to be taken seriously? Use genre-specific fonts, cohesive colours, and bold contrast. That’s how you create a visual that stands out even as a thumbnail.
Part 3: Using KDP’s Cover Creator for eBooks & Hardbacks
Now, if you’re not up for designing the cover yourself, or don’t have access to design software, KDP offers a Cover Creator tool built into the upload process. It’s basic, but it gets the job done, especially for eBooks and hardbacks.
1. How It Works
You upload your manuscript, pick a layout, upload a background image or choose from Amazon’s stock photos, and input your title and author name. It auto-generates a front and back (for print) or just a front cover for eBooks.
2. Ideal for eBooks
For eBooks, the requirements are simpler:
- JPEG or TIFF
- RGB colour model
- Minimum 1000 pixels on the shortest side
- Recommended size: 2560 x 1600 pixels
There’s no spine or back cover—just a front. And yes, you still need to consider what should be on the back cover of a book, even if it’s not visible in an eBook, because it often becomes part of your Amazon description instead.
What About Hardcovers?
Hardbacks are a bit trickier, mostly because the dust jacket requires extra design space. The specs are similar to a paperback but with an additional bleed zone for flaps and jacket folds.
This is where many authors either:
- Turn to a professional designer
- Or use pre-formatted templates available via Amazon’s calculator
And for those wondering how authors create book covers when they’ve never designed anything in their lives, this is where Wright Book Associates often steps in, offering clarity, tools, and Book Cover Design Services that actually suit your genre, audience, and printing needs.
Bonus FAQS (Because Someone Always Asks)
1. Do authors have control over their covers?
If you’re self-publishing on KDP, the answer is yes—you control every design element. Traditional publishing? Not always. Often, the publisher takes the lead.
2. How do I find someone to design a book cover?
Start with freelancer platforms (like Reedsy, Fiverr, or Upwork) or work with a vetted team that understands not just design, but the publishing space—hello, Wright Book Associates.
3. Do book cover illustrators get royalties?
In most cases, no. Cover designers are paid upfront per project. However, if they’re also contributing story content or illustrations (like in graphic novels), separate agreements apply.
Final Thoughts
So now that we’ve walked through it all, let’s circle back to the big question: what format does KDP use for book covers?
For paperbacks and hardbacks: PDF, CMYK, with bleed and embedded fonts. For eBooks: JPEG or TIFF, RGB colour model, and sized properly. And while these specs might seem fussy, they’re there to make your book look its best on every device, shelf, and reader’s hand.
Your cover is the billboard for your story. Make it clear. Make it right. And if you need a bit of help—whether you’re in London, Birmingham, or anywhere across the UK—Wright Book Associates is here with guidance, care, and the creative muscle to make it shine.