How to Create Interior Pages for KDP: Complete 8-Step Tutorial

You need a completed manuscript in Word, Google Docs, or similar word processor. Your content should be final—no major edits after formatting. Download KDP's latest templates from your dashboard under "Publishing Resources" (updated monthly as of 2026).

Have your trim size decided. Standard options are 5"x8", 5.5"x8.5", or 6"x9" for most genres. Page count affects spine width calculations, so finalize your content first.

Install a PDF creator that supports PDF/A format. Adobe Acrobat Pro works best, but free alternatives like LibreOffice Writer export clean PDFs that KDP accepts without conversion errors.

Open your word processor and create a new document. Set page size to your chosen trim size exactly—not "close enough." For 6"x9", set width to 6.00" and height to 9.00".

Set margins based on page count. Under 150 pages: 0.25" all sides. Over 150 pages: 0.375" inside margin, 0.25" for top, bottom, and outside. The inside margin accounts for binding.

Enable "Mirror Margins" or "Different Odd and Even Pages" so inside margins alternate correctly. Left pages have wider right margins, right pages have wider left margins.

Avoid: Using default document settings. Standard 8.5"x11" with 1" margins will create upload errors and require complete reformatting.

Insert page numbers in the header or footer, never in the main text. Position them in the outside corners—left side for even pages, right side for odd pages. Use 10-12pt font, same family as your body text.

Add running headers with your book title on even pages, chapter titles on odd pages. Keep headers 0.5" from page edge. Some authors skip headers entirely—both approaches work.

Start page numbering on the first page of Chapter 1, not the title page. Copyright pages, table of contents, and acknowledgments typically use Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) or no numbers.

Avoid: Centering page numbers. KDP's printing process can shift center-aligned elements, making pages look unprofessional.

Set body text to 11-12pt for most genres. Use readable fonts: Times New Roman, Garamond, or Minion Pro. Avoid decorative fonts for body text—save those for chapter headings only.

Set line spacing to 1.15-1.3 (not single or double). This creates comfortable reading without wasting pages. Paragraph spacing should be 0pt before, 6pt after, with 0.25" first-line indent.

Justify your text for a professional look, but enable hyphenation to prevent large gaps between words. Most word processors have automatic hyphenation settings.

Avoid: Using Arial or Calibri for print books. These fonts look amateur in paperback format and reduce readability.

Start each chapter on a new page using page breaks, not multiple returns. Insert chapter headings 2-3" from the top of the page. Use larger font (16-18pt) or different styling for chapter titles.

Format any special elements: block quotes (indent 0.5" both sides), bulleted lists (0.25" indent), or dialogue (standard paragraph format with quotation marks). Keep formatting consistent throughout.

Handle widows and orphans—single lines at the top or bottom of pages. Adjust spacing slightly or rewrite sentences to eliminate them. They look unprofessional in print.

Avoid: Using different fonts for each chapter heading. Consistency matters more than creativity in interior formatting.

Images must be 300 DPI minimum at actual print size. A 3"x3" image needs to be 900x900 pixels. Lower resolution creates pixelated prints that look amateur.

Position images using your word processor's image tools. Wrap text around images or place them on separate lines with center alignment. Leave 0.125" space between text and images.

Color images increase printing costs significantly—$0.012 per page vs $0.0025 for black and white. Consider if color adds enough value to justify the higher retail price needed for profit.

Avoid: Copying images from websites. Most are 72 DPI and will print poorly. Use stock photo sites or create original graphics at proper resolution.

Add essential front matter: title page, copyright page, and table of contents (if needed). The title page should match your cover exactly—same title, subtitle, and author name.

Copyright page includes copyright notice, ISBN (if you have one), publisher info, and edition details. Keep it simple and professional. Add "First Edition" and publication year.

Back matter can include author bio, other books, or acknowledgments. Don't exceed 3-4 pages total—readers want content, not filler. Some genres benefit from a "Also by [Author]" page to promote your other titles.

Avoid: Overcomplicating the copyright page with legal disclaimers. Basic copyright notice suffices for most indie authors.

Export as PDF using "Print" quality settings, not "Web" or "Screen." Choose PDF/A format if available—it prevents compatibility issues with KDP's system.

Embed all fonts in the PDF. This option appears in advanced export settings. Without embedded fonts, KDP substitutes default fonts that may not match your design.

Check file size before uploading. Paperback interiors cannot exceed 650MB, ebooks max at 50MB. Large files usually indicate uncompressed images that need optimization.

Avoid: Using "Smallest File Size" export option. This compresses images below 300 DPI and creates quality issues in print.

Log into your KDP account and navigate to your book's content tab. Click "Upload Manuscript" and select your PDF file. KDP's system processes the file and shows a preview within 2-3 minutes.

Use the online previewer to check every page. Look for text cutoffs, image quality issues, or formatting problems. The previewer shows exactly how your book will print.

Order a proof copy before going live. Digital previews miss subtle issues that appear in physical books. Proof copies cost $2-8 depending on page count and arrive in 3-5 business days.

Avoid: Skipping the proof copy step. Print reveals issues that screens don't show, especially with margins and image quality.

File Won't Upload: Check file size (under 650MB) and format (PDF only). Remove any password protection or encryption from the PDF.

Text Appears Cut Off: Your margins are too small. Increase inside margins to 0.375" for books over 150 pages, 0.25" minimum for shorter books.

Images Look Blurry: Resolution is below 300 DPI. Re-export images at higher resolution and recreate your PDF.

Page Numbers Don't Align: You're using center alignment instead of alternating left/right. Set up mirror margins and position numbers in outside corners of each page.