How to Format a Book for IngramSpark (So One File Works on KDP Too)

IngramSpark's print rules are stricter than Amazon KDP's in a few places that matter. Build to the stricter spec once, and the same interior PDF is far more likely to clear both platforms.

Key takeaways#

• IngramSpark asks for PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002, embedded fonts, and a recommended minimum 0.5" (13 mm) margin on all sides of the text block (File Creation Guide).
• Bleed is 0.125" (3 mm) on the three trim edges only — top, bottom and outside — not on the bind/gutter edge.
• KDP gutters scale with page count; IngramSpark's flat 0.5" recommendation is often the safer shared target for a dual upload.
• As of early 2026, IngramSpark removed paid revision upload fees for everyone (unlimited free revisions). Still upload a complete interior PDF when you change anything — partial page swaps are rejected.
• Lock trim size and page count before the cover spine. Use the free cover calculator (UK).

Why format for IngramSpark first?#

KDP is where many UK authors sell. IngramSpark (including UK print) is how bookshops and libraries usually order a self-published paperback through normal wholesale channels. If you want both, you have two choices: maintain two interiors, or build one file that meets the tougher checks.

Meeting IngramSpark's margin, bleed and PDF/X rules almost always satisfies KDP as well. The reverse is not always true — a KDP-only Word export with tight outside margins or a non-PDF/X file can fail IngramSpark even when Amazon accepted it.

For money and channel trade-offs, see Amazon KDP vs IngramSpark royalties. For the bookshop path, see how to get your self-published book into bookshops.

IngramSpark interior specs (plain English)#

Verified against IngramSpark's File Creation Guide (print interiors):

File type. Single-page PDF (one page per PDF page, not spreads). Prefer PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002. Embed all fonts. Do not include crop, registration or printer marks.

Margins. Recommended minimum 0.5" (13 mm) from final trim on all sides for body text, headers, footers, page numbers and non-bleeding art. Printing allows about 1/16" (0.0625") variance — text parked on the trim line can get cut.

Bleed. If any element reaches the edge, add 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on top, bottom and outside edges only. Do not add bleed to the gutter/bind edge (that shifts the page).

Images. About 300 ppi at final size. Convert spot colours; keep black-and-white interiors in grayscale where appropriate.

Revisions. Re-upload the entire interior PDF. Partial replacements are not accepted. Revision uploads are free as of the 2026 pricing change (confirm in your IngramSpark account if you are unsure).

How this compares with KDP margins#

KDP's inside margin (gutter) grows with page count — from 0.375" on short books up to 0.875" on very long ones — and outside margins depend on whether you use bleed. Our KDP margins and gutter tables cover the Amazon side.

For a dual-platform novel, a practical approach is:

1. 1Choose trim size (see how to choose a book trim size).
2. 2Set mirror margins with at least 0.5" on all sides (meets IngramSpark's recommendation and sits comfortably inside most KDP gutter bands for mid-length books).
3. 3If your KDP page count would require a gutter larger than 0.5", use that larger gutter on both files so Amazon stays happy too.
4. 4Export print PDF to PDF/X-1a with fonts embedded, correct page size, and bleed only if you truly need edge-to-edge art.

Step-by-step: one interior for both#

1. Freeze the manuscript

Do not design the spine while chapters are still moving. Finish editing first. Formatting is layout, not a second draft.

2. Set the page size to trim (then add bleed if needed)

Build pages at the final trim (for example 6 × 9 in). Only enlarge the document for bleed if images or backgrounds truly go to the edge. IngramSpark's guide includes US and UK/AUS bleed charts for common trims.

3. Apply safe margins

Keep live text inside a 0.5" frame. Page numbers and running heads count. If you also need a KDP gutter above 0.5" for a long book, increase the inside margin to match.

4. Export PDF/X with embedded fonts

From InDesign or another pro layout tool, export PDF/X-1a (or X-3), no printer marks, correct bleed settings. From Word, export is harder to keep PDF/X-clean — many authors move complex books to a layout app or a formatter at this point.

5. Upload IngramSpark, then KDP

Upload the same interior to IngramSpark and run their previewer. Then upload to KDP and use Print Previewer. Fix once; re-export once; replace on both.

6. Build the cover after page count locks

Spine width depends on page count and paper. Generate platform templates or use the cover calculator (UK). IngramSpark and KDP both need full-wrap covers with bleed; do not reuse a front-only ebook JPEG as a paperback wrap.

Ebook files are a separate job#

This post is about print interiors. Your ebook is usually a reflowable EPUB (and KDP's Kindle conversion). Do not submit a fixed print PDF as your ebook. A clean workflow delivers print PDF (with and without bleed if needed) plus EPUB — the same split our book formatting packages use for KDP and IngramSpark.

When DIY hits a wall#

Word can produce a simple novel if you are careful with mirror margins and PDF export. Illustrated books, workbooks, poetry with odd breaks, and multi-level non-fiction headings fight Word. If KDP or IngramSpark flags a problem caused by a file we delivered, we fix that formatting issue free under our retailer-ready file promise (content, metadata, rights and platform-policy issues are outside that promise).

Frequently asked questions#

Next step#

Would rather not wrestle PDF/X settings? We will format your first chapter free so you can see the print layout before you pay. Full print and ebook formatting is prepared for KDP and IngramSpark.