Why did KDP reject my PDF?

The most common KDP print rejections are: fonts not embedded (KDP silently substitutes fonts, then flags the file), interior trim size not matching what you selected in the setup form, images under 300 DPI, missing or incorrect bleed on full-bleed pages, and odd page counts. Each one has a specific fix, and most can be auto-fixed without re-exporting from your source file.

How do I find out exactly what's wrong with my KDP file?

KDP's error messages are vague, 'your file does not meet our specifications' doesn't say which page or which spec. Upload your PDF to a pre-flight checker like BookReady to get the exact failing checks with page numbers: which fonts aren't embedded, which images are low-resolution, and whether your trim and bleed match KDP's spec.

Does KDP require PDF/X-1a like IngramSpark?

No, KDP accepts standard PDFs and prefers RGB for covers, unlike IngramSpark which requires CMYK PDF/X-1a. But KDP still enforces font embedding, 300 DPI images, accurate trim size, and bleed rules. If you're publishing on both platforms, you need two differently-built files, or a checker that validates against each platform's spec separately.

KDP Rejected Your PDF? Every Error, Fixed

KDP runs an automated pre-flight on every uploaded manuscript and cover. When it fails, you get a generic notice, sometimes just "your file does not meet our specifications." Below are the real causes behind KDP print rejections, what each one means, and how to fix it.

The 6 rejections behind KDP's vague errors

"Fonts are not embedded in your manuscript file."

1. Unembedded fonts

The #1 KDP rejection. Your PDF references a font installed on your computer instead of carrying the font inside the file. At print time, KDP substitutes whatever it has, and flags the file rather than guess.

Fix: re-export with "embed all fonts" enabled (Word: PDF/A option; InDesign/Affinity: default on). Or upload to BookReady, we report exactly which fonts and pages are affected, and auto-embed what we can.

"The trim size of your file does not match the trim size you selected."

2. Trim size mismatch

You chose 6"×9" in KDP's setup form, but your PDF pages measure something else, often 6.125"×9.25" because your export tool added bleed to every page, or 8.5"×11" because Word exported at letter size.

Fix: your PDF page size must equal trim size exactly (no-bleed books) or trim + 0.125" on three sides (bleed books). BookReady measures your actual page boxes and tells you which case you're in.

"Images in your file have low resolution and may appear blurry."

3. Images under 300 DPI

KDP wants 300 DPI at printed size. A 1000px-wide photo stretched across a 6" page is only ~167 DPI. Canva exports are the most common offender, the file metadata says 300 but the embedded pixels aren't.

Fix: replace flagged images with higher-resolution sources, or shrink their printed size. BookReady lists every low-DPI image with its page number and actual DPI.

"Your cover file does not meet our size requirements."

4. Cover dimensions / spine width wrong

A KDP paperback cover is one wraparound image: back + spine + front + bleed. The spine width depends on your exact page count and paper type, get the count wrong by 20 pages and your spine text wraps onto the front cover.

Fix: recalculate with your final page count (KDP white paper: pages × 0.002252"). Or use our cover checker, it computes the expected full-wrap size for your spec and measures your file against it.

"Your manuscript contains an odd number of pages." / blank-page issues

5. Page count problems

Print books need even page counts (a leaf has two sides). KDP usually auto-adds a blank page, but combined with other layout issues it can trigger a manual review or shift your layout.

Fix: end on an even page intentionally. Also check KDP's minimum (24 pages) and maximum (up to 828 for standard paper) for your trim.

"Text or images extend into the trim area / outside the margins."

6. Margin and bleed violations

Live content too close to the page edge gets cut when the printer trims the sheet. KDP enforces a minimum margin that grows with page count (thicker books need bigger gutters).

Fix: keep text at least 0.25" from the edge plus the gutter on the binding side; for full-bleed images, extend artwork 0.125" past trim. BookReady flags the exact pages where content crosses the line.

Stop guessing which one hit you

Upload your PDF, free scan, all 18 KDP checks, exact pages and fixes. Pay $9 only if you want the auto-fixed file.

Check my PDF against KDP's spec →

Publishing on IngramSpark too?

KDP and IngramSpark have different specs, KDP prefers RGB covers, Ingram requires CMYK PDF/X-1a. A file that passes KDP can still fail Ingram. Scan all 4 platforms at once →

KDP rejected your PDF.
Here's what it actually means.

The 6 rejections behind KDP's vague errors

1. Unembedded fonts

2. Trim size mismatch

3. Images under 300 DPI

4. Cover dimensions / spine width wrong

5. Page count problems

6. Margin and bleed violations

Stop guessing which one hit you

Publishing on IngramSpark too?

Get the KDP pre-flight checklist

KDP rejected your PDF.Here's what it actually means.

The 6 rejections behind KDP's vague errors

1. Unembedded fonts

2. Trim size mismatch

3. Images under 300 DPI

4. Cover dimensions / spine width wrong

5. Page count problems

6. Margin and bleed violations

Stop guessing which one hit you

Publishing on IngramSpark too?

Get the KDP pre-flight checklist

KDP rejected your PDF.
Here's what it actually means.