Amazon KDP: EPUB & PDF Publishing Guide

Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) is the world's largest self-publishing platform. Whether you're publishing an ebook or print book, understanding file format requirements is crucial for success. This guide covers everything you need to know about EPUB and PDF formats for KDP.

Understanding KDP's Two Services

Amazon KDP offers two publishing options:

• Kindle Ebook: Digital books for Kindle devices and apps (uses EPUB/KPF)
• KDP Print: Physical paperback and hardcover books (requires PDF)

Each service has different file format requirements.

Kindle Ebook: File Format Requirements

Accepted Formats

KDP accepts these formats for Kindle ebooks:

• EPUB (.epub): Recommended — best format for most books
• KPF (.kpf): Kindle Package Format from Kindle Create
• DOCX (.docx): Microsoft Word format
• MOBI (.mobi): Legacy format (still accepted but not recommended)
• HTML (.html, .htm): Web format with CSS

Why EPUB Is Best for KDP

EPUB is the recommended format because:

• Industry-standard format with predictable results
• Better conversion to Kindle format (Amazon converts internally)
• More control over formatting than DOCX
• Works across multiple publishing platforms
• Professional-quality output

EPUB Guidelines for KDP

To ensure successful publishing:

• Use EPUB 2 or EPUB 3: Both work, but EPUB 2 has wider compatibility
• Include a table of contents: Required for navigation
• Add cover image: Upload separately in KDP (don't embed in EPUB)
• Test thoroughly: Use Kindle Previewer before publishing
• Avoid DRM in source: Your EPUB should be DRM-free

Creating EPUB for KDP

Method 1: From Word Document

1. Format your manuscript in Word using styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, Normal)
2. Export to EPUB using Amazon's Kindle Create software
3. Or use Calibre to convert DOCX to EPUB
4. Review in Kindle Previewer
5. Upload to KDP

Method 2: Using Vellum (Mac Only)

Vellum is a premium tool that creates beautiful ebooks:

1. Import your manuscript (Word, Scrivener, etc.)
2. Choose a style and customize
3. Export for Kindle (generates optimized files)
4. Upload directly to KDP

Method 3: Using Sigil or Calibre (Free)

1. Create or import your content into Sigil
2. Structure with proper HTML and CSS
3. Add metadata and table of contents
4. Export as EPUB
5. Test in Kindle Previewer
6. Upload to KDP

KDP Print: PDF Requirements

For physical books, KDP Print requires PDF files:

Interior PDF Requirements

• Single PDF file: Entire book interior in one file
• Correct page size: Match your chosen trim size
• Fonts embedded: All fonts must be embedded
• Images at 300 DPI: For print quality
• Proper margins: Account for bleed and gutter
• PDF/X-1a:2001: Recommended format for print

Cover PDF Requirements

• Single-page PDF: Full wraparound cover (front, spine, back)
• Use KDP's cover calculator: For exact dimensions
• Include bleed: 0.125" on all edges
• 300 DPI minimum: For print quality
• RGB or CMYK: KDP accepts both

Converting EPUB to PDF for Review Copies

Authors often need PDF versions for:

• Sending to beta readers and editors
• Self-review before publishing
• Creating print proofs
• Marketing and promotional use

CheersPDF can convert your EPUB to PDF quickly for these purposes. This is useful when you've finalized your ebook EPUB and need a readable PDF version.

Converting PDF to EPUB for Ebook Publishing

If you have a PDF manuscript (perhaps from a designer), you may need to convert to EPUB for the Kindle ebook version:

1. Use CheersPDF's PDF to EPUB converter
2. Review the converted EPUB carefully
3. Edit in Sigil or Calibre if needed
4. Test in Kindle Previewer before uploading

Note: PDF to EPUB conversion works best with text-based PDFs. Complex layouts may need manual cleanup.

Kindle Previewer: Essential Testing Tool

Always preview before publishing. Amazon's free Kindle Previewer lets you:

• See exactly how your ebook will look on Kindle devices
• Check formatting on different screen sizes
• Verify table of contents works correctly
• Test image quality and placement
• Identify errors before publishing

Download Kindle Previewer free from Amazon's website.

Common KDP Formatting Issues

Table of Contents Problems

• Use proper heading styles (Heading 1 for chapters)
• KDP requires a navigational table of contents
• Generate TOC using your ebook software, not manually

Image Quality Issues

• Use high-resolution images (1000+ pixels on longest side)
• Avoid JPEGs with heavy compression
• Test image display in Kindle Previewer

Font Problems

• Stick to common fonts that embed properly
• Test on actual Kindle devices when possible
• Remember readers can override your font choices

Spacing and Layout Issues

• Don't use multiple line breaks for spacing
• Use CSS for consistent spacing
• Remember ebooks reflow — don't force page breaks

Publishing Simultaneously on Other Platforms

Your EPUB works across multiple platforms:

• Apple Books: Upload EPUB directly
• Kobo: Uses EPUB natively
• Google Play Books: Accepts EPUB and PDF
• Draft2Digital: Distributes to multiple retailers
• Smashwords: Wide distribution network

Creating a quality EPUB gives you flexibility to publish everywhere, not just Amazon.

KDP Publishing Checklist

Before hitting publish, verify:

• ☐ EPUB or KPF file tested in Kindle Previewer
• ☐ Cover image meets specifications (2560 x 1600 px recommended)
• ☐ Table of contents works properly
• ☐ Book description finalized
• ☐ Categories and keywords selected
• ☐ Pricing set for each marketplace
• ☐ Rights and territory settings correct
• ☐ For print: Interior and cover PDFs ready

Editorial Contributor

Written by Arjun Nanda

Arjun directly tests DOM rendering performance in mobile web-views, maximizing scroll fluidity for heavily converted, graphic-dense document files.