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KDP ebook file formats: manuscript and cover requirements

Checked against Amazon’s pages on 2026-11-09. Not affiliated with Amazon.

What file formats does Amazon KDP accept for Kindle ebook manuscripts and covers?

KDP recommends DOC/DOCX, KPF (made with Kindle Create) or EPUB (2.0 or 3.0) for ebook manuscripts, and also accepts HTML, RTF, TXT and PDF. MOBI is no longer accepted for new uploads: reflowable MOBI ended on August 1, 2021 and fixed-layout MOBI on March 18, 2025. The ideal cover is 2,560 pixels high by 1,600 pixels wide, in RGB, under 50 MB.

Key facts
Recommended manuscript formatsDOC/DOCX, KPF, EPUB
Other accepted formatsHTML (ZIP, HTM, HTML), RTF, TXT, PDF
MOBINot accepted for new uploads or revisions (fully retired March 18, 2025)
Ideal cover size2,560 x 1,600 px (height x width)
Maximum cover size10,000 px per side, under 50 MB
Cover color modeRGB
PDF languagesEnglish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque

Terms on this page: EPUB · Kindle Create

Manuscript formats

KDP lists three recommended formats. Word files (DOC/DOCX) usually convert well, though complex formatting may not. KPF files come from Kindle Create, which handles typesetting, themes and the table of contents for you. EPUB files from any third-party tool are accepted if they meet the Kindle Publishing Guidelines, and Amazon suggests validating them in Kindle Previewer before upload. HTML, RTF, plain text and PDF are also accepted, but PDF only in nine Western European languages.

The end of MOBI

MOBI support ended in two steps: reflowable books on August 1, 2021 and fixed-layout books on March 18, 2025. Use EPUB, DOCX or KPF for reflowable books, and KPF or EPUB for fixed-layout books. Re-uploading as EPUB does not change what readers receive, and the switch has no effect on royalties.

Cover image

The marketing cover is uploaded separately from the manuscript. Amazon’s recommended size is 2,560 pixels high by 1,600 pixels wide (a 1.6:1 ratio), with 2,500 pixels of height for best quality on high-definition screens. Files must be 10,000 pixels or fewer per side and under 50 MB. RGB is the recommended color mode; the newer guidelines say CMYK is converted automatically. Accepted formats differ by page: the cover criteria page lists TIFF and JPEG, while the Kindle Publishing Guidelines add PNG and non-animated GIF and name JPEG as preferred. JPEG works under both.

Common mistakes

  • Stretching a small image to reach 2,560 x 1,600 lowers quality. Amazon says to create a new image instead.
  • Adding an HTML cover page inside the book on top of the cover image can show the cover twice or make conversion fail.
  • White or very light covers fade into the page; Amazon suggests a 3-4 pixel medium gray border.
  • Prices or temporary promotions printed on the cover are not allowed.

Amazon changes these rules; the linked KDP help pages are the authority.

Questions

Do I have to re-upload old books that were published from MOBI files?
No. The MOBI change applies only to new uploads and revisions; previously published ebooks that you are not updating need no action.
Does KDP require EPUB 3?
No. Amazon accepts both EPUB 2.0 and EPUB 3.0 files that meet the Kindle Publishing Guidelines.
Which file should I use for a fixed-layout or children's ebook?
KDP points fixed-layout books to KPF files from Kindle Create or to EPUB. Japanese horizontal episodic manga can also use JPG images.
What is the minimum cover size?
Amazon's two cover pages differ: one gives a minimum of 1,000 x 625 pixels, the newer Kindle Publishing Guidelines say at least 500 pixels on the longest side. Staying near 2,560 x 1,600 avoids both limits and the upload warning.

Related tools

Sources

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