How to format an ebook manuscript for KDP
A Kindle ebook is "reflowable": readers change the font size, so there are no fixed pages, and print features such as page numbers don't apply. This guide follows Amazon KDP's own formatting guidance, in the order you'll do the work, using Microsoft Word. A dedicated formatting app does most of these steps for you.
1. Pick the file type you'll upload
KDP lists three recommended formats for ebook manuscripts:
- DOC/DOCX (Word). Most files convert well, but complex formatting may not.
- KPF, the file made by Amazon's free Kindle Create app. Kindle Create handles the typesetting and builds the table of contents.
- EPUB, made with any third-party tool, as long as it meets the Kindle Publishing Guidelines. KDP recommends checking it in Kindle Previewer before you upload.
KDP also accepts HTML, RTF, plain text and PDF. KDP supports PDF only for some languages (English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan, Galician and Basque). Since March 2025, KDP no longer accepts MOBI files for fixed-layout ebooks.
2. Set paragraph style once, not by hand
Tabs don't carry over to Kindle, so don't indent paragraphs with the Tab key. KDP's guide says to modify Word's Normal style instead:
- Home tab → right-click Normal → Modify → Format → Paragraph.
- Set a First line indent of 0.2" (5 mm).
- Set spacing Before and After to 0 pt and line spacing to Single.
3. Mark every chapter title as Heading 1
Apply Heading 1 to each chapter title and center it. This keeps chapters consistent and lets Word build a table of contents from the headings.
4. Add a table of contents, front matter and back matter
- Table of contents: build it from your headings in Word, or let Kindle Create generate one.
- Front matter: KDP says your ebook should include a title page with the title and author name. Dedication and copyright pages are optional.
- Back matter can include an About the Author page and a bibliography.
5. Insert page breaks, links and footnotes the right way
- Use Insert → Page Break where a new page should start, such as between chapters. Don't press Enter repeatedly.
- Insert links with Word's Hyperlink tool. KDP's quality guidelines cover which external links are acceptable.
- Insert footnotes with References → Insert Footnote. KDP converts them to endnotes, and they must link back and forth.
6. Remove things that belong only in print
Before you save, KDP's checklist says to remove or avoid:
- Page numbers, headers and footers. Ebooks have no fixed pages, so they don't apply.
- Your cover image. Don't put it inside the manuscript; KDP adds the cover you upload during setup.
- Text boxes and shapes. If you need a diagram, insert it as an image.
- Extra hard returns. Press Enter only to start a new paragraph, not at the end of each line.
- Track Changes. Turn it off (Review tab → Tracking).
- Drop caps made in Word. They may not display as intended. KDP suggests adding them in Kindle Create instead.
Spell-check, then proofread by eye as well; KDP notes the tools miss errors.
7. Converting a paperback file? Reformat it
If your book is already out as a paperback, KDP says to reformat the manuscript to its ebook guidelines rather than reuse the print file. Print files contain fixed page numbers, headers and layout that cause errors in a reflowable ebook.
8. Preview, then upload
- Preview the Word file in Kindle Previewer (a free desktop app), or use Kindle Create's Preview button. Both show tablets, Kindle e-readers and phones.
- Upload the DOCX (or the KPF from Kindle Create) on your KDP Bookshelf.
- After upload, do one last check in KDP's Online Previewer.
KDP reviews the file after you submit it. If it fails a check, you edit and resubmit.
Doing this with a formatting app instead
Apps in our formatting category automate most of the steps above. You import the manuscript, pick a style, and the app builds the title page, table of contents and EPUB. You still need to remove print-only elements from the source file and preview the result. For a breakdown of options and prices, see Vellum vs Atticus and Vellum alternatives, which include free options.