How to build a print-ready KDP paperback full cover

Let the interior determine the cover

Do not finalize the cover before pagination is stable. KDP uses different spine factors for black-and-white interiors on white and cream paper. Even a small interior revision can change the page count and make an earlier cover width incorrect.

• White paper spine: page count × 0.002252 inches
• Cream paper spine: page count × 0.0025 inches
• Total width: two trim widths + spine + 0.25 inches
• Total height: trim height + 0.25 inches
• Spine text requires more than 79 pages

Prepare usable artwork

Artwork should fill either the complete wrap or the entire front-cover area, including bleed. Effective resolution depends on both pixel dimensions and physical print size. A large image can still fall below 300 DPI when stretched across a full wrap.

• Use a JPG or PNG with sufficient pixel dimensions
• Aim for at least 300 effective DPI
• Keep important faces and details away from trim and fold lines
• Do not rely on the preview alone for color accuracy
• Confirm that you own or licensed the artwork

Protect text and the barcode area

Bleed extends backgrounds beyond the final edge, while safe areas pull important content inward. Spine text also needs room on both sides of the fold. If you do not supply a barcode, KDP can place one in the lower-right area of the back cover, so the design should reserve that space.

• Extend backgrounds through all bleed edges
• Keep front and back text inside the safe area
• Keep spine text away from both folds
• Reserve a clear 2 × 1.2 inch barcode area
• Remove guides from the exported production PDF

Export and inspect the pair

Typeset Ready carries the finished interior page count, trim and paper choice into the cover builder automatically. It generates the cover at matching dimensions and keeps the interior and cover as separate PDFs, as KDP requires. Upload both files to KDP Print Previewer and order a physical proof.