KDP Cover Technical Specifications
KDP Trim Sizes
| Trim Size | Width | Height | Common Use |
| 5" × 8" | 5" | 8" | Fiction, Novels |
| 5.06" × 7.81" | 5.06" | 7.81" | Pocket novels |
| 5.25" × 8" | 5.25" | 8" | Trade fiction |
| 5.5" × 8.5" | 5.5" | 8.5" | Fiction, Memoirs |
| 6" × 9" | 6" | 9" | Non-fiction, Guides |
| 7" × 10" | 7" | 10" | Textbooks, Workbooks |
| 7.5" × 9.25" | 7.5" | 9.25" | Journals, Planners |
| 8" × 10" | 8" | 10" | Coloring Books, Activity |
| 8.5" × 8.5" | 8.5" | 8.5" | Square format books |
| 8.5" × 11" | 8.5" | 11" | Coloring Books, Workbooks |
Required Bleed
Your cover file must be larger than your trim size
Background colors/images must extend to the bleed edge
The bleed area will be cut off during printing
Safe Zone Requirements
Title and author name: minimum 0.25" from all trim edges
Spine text: minimum 0.0625" from each spine edge
Barcode area: keep lower-right 2" × 1.2" of back cover clear
DPI Requirements
**Minimum DPI:** 300 DPI
**Recommended:** 300 DPI
**Maximum useful:** 600 DPI (above this is unnecessary)
Width: 6.25" × 300 = 1875 pixels
Height: 9.25" × 300 = 2775 pixels
Width: 8.75" × 300 = 2625 pixels
Height: 11.25" × 300 = 3375 pixels
File Format Requirements
**Accepted formats:** PDF only (for print covers)
**Maximum file size:** 650 MB
**Color mode:** RGB or CMYK (CMYK recommended for accurate print colors)
**PDF version:** PDF 1.3 or higher
Spine Width Requirements
| Paper Type | Formula |
| White Paper | Pages × 0.002252" |
| Cream Paper | Pages × 0.0025" |
| Color Paper | Pages × 0.002347" |
Image Quality Guidelines
Avoid using web images (usually 72 DPI)
Vector graphics (SVG, EPS) can be scaled without quality loss
JPEG compression artifacts will be visible in print — use PNG for logos and graphics
Avoid extreme dark gradients — they may appear banded in print
Quick Spec Reference Card
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