How to format a book for Kindle in 2026

Which file types does Amazon KDP accept?

For eBooks, Amazon KDP accepts Microsoft Word (DOC/DOCX), EPUB, and KPF (Kindle Package Format, produced by Kindle Create). KDP converts whatever you upload into its own Kindle format, so the quality of the source file decides the quality of the finished book.

MOBI is no longer accepted for new or updated reflowable Kindle eBooks. If an old guide tells you to export MOBI, skip that step. For a full comparison, see EPUB vs KPF vs MOBI.

Step 1: Clean up the manuscript in Word

Most Kindle formatting problems start in the Word file. eReaders let readers change the font, size, and margins, so anything faked with spaces or manual line breaks falls apart.

1. Turn on formatting marks (¶) so you can see hidden tabs, spaces, and breaks.
2. Apply Heading 1 to every chapter title. The table of contents and Kindle's navigation are built from these headings.
3. Set paragraph indents with the Normal style (first-line indent around 0.2–0.3 in) and delete every tab or run of spaces used for indentation.
4. Insert a page break before each chapter instead of pressing Enter until a new page starts.
5. Remove headers, footers, and page numbers. eBooks reflow, so there are no fixed pages.
6. Avoid hard-coded fonts and sizes. Let the device's default typeface do its job.

Step 2: Add front and back matter

A typical Kindle eBook opens with a title page and copyright page, then a linked table of contents, then the story. Back matter is where indie authors earn their next sale: an 'About the author' page, links to your other books, and a newsletter sign-up.

• Title page: title, subtitle, author name.
• Copyright page: copyright line, edition, ISBN (optional for Kindle), credits.
• Table of contents: generated from your headings and fully linked.
• Back matter: about the author, also-by list, call to action.

Step 3: Build a linked table of contents

Kindle readers expect to tap a chapter in the table of contents and jump straight to it. In Word, use References → Table of Contents built from your Heading 1 styles, with hyperlinks enabled instead of page numbers. The Kindle 'Go To' menu also uses this structure, so a correct heading hierarchy fixes both at once.

Step 4: Prepare images, tables, and special elements

• Insert images in line with text, not floating or wrapped, so they stay anchored to the right paragraph.
• Use high-resolution JPEG for photos and PNG for line art, and add alt text for accessibility.
• Keep tables simple. Wide tables become unreadable on phones, so split them or convert them into lists.
• Footnotes become tappable endnotes in most conversions. Check that every one links both ways.
• Poetry, recipes, and scene breaks need custom styles so their spacing survives reflow.

Picture-heavy books such as children's books, cookbooks, and comics usually need a fixed layout instead. See fixed-layout eBook formatting.

Step 5: Get the cover size right

KDP's ideal eBook cover is 2,560 pixels tall × 1,600 pixels wide (a 1.6:1 ratio), saved as a JPEG or TIFF. The eBook cover is uploaded separately from the manuscript, so you don't need to place it inside the Word file.

If you're also releasing a paperback, the print cover is a full wrap (back, spine, and front) whose spine width depends on your page count and paper. We design both as an add-on to formatting. Still at the idea stage? Tools like GetPressReady generate a book together with a matching cover and print wrap sized to your trim.

Step 6: Test in Kindle Previewer before you publish

Amazon's free Kindle Previewer converts your file the same way KDP does and lets you switch between phone, tablet, and Kindle e-reader views. Check each of these:

• Every table of contents link goes to the right chapter.
• There are no blank pages or stray page breaks.
• Text stays readable at the largest and smallest font sizes, and in dark mode.
• Images aren't cropped and tables don't overflow the screen.
• Drop caps, scene breaks, and special characters display correctly.

The most common Kindle formatting mistakes

Should you format it yourself or hire a formatter?

A text-only novel with clean Word styles is very doable yourself with free tools. Books with images, tables, footnotes, poetry, or a tight launch date are where a professional saves time and avoids rejected uploads. Compare the options in hiring a formatter vs DIY, or check what ebook formatting costs.