Image resolution measures the quality and clarity of an image. For eBooks, image resolution is measured by pixels per inch (PPI). Images with high PPI (300 or higher) will be clearer than those with low PPI (less than 300).
There is a direct relationship between image PPI and image size. For example, an image that is 300 PPI at 1" x 1" (2.5 x 2.5 cm) is high-resolution. However, if you increase that image to 2" x 2" (5 x 5 cm), the resolution decreases by half to 150 PPI.
Think of PPI like blocks in a box. In image A, the blocks in the box are packed with little space around them. This is like a high-resolution image. In image B, you place those same blocks in a larger box, and the space around the blocks increases. This is a low-resolution image.
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eBook Manuscript Resources
Format Images in Your eBook
Format Images in Your eBook
Kindle Direct Publishing converts images for upload to the Kindle Store and display on Kindle and supported devices. We recommend that all images be submitted at 300 pixels per inch at the size they will appear in your eBook. The Kindle eBook format supports JPEG and GIF interior image files. To make sure readers have the best experience, use high-definition images wherever possible.
For detailed image guidelines, see section 9.4 of the Kindle Publishing Guidelines.
For detailed image guidelines, see section 9.4 of the Kindle Publishing Guidelines.
Tips for submitting high-resolution images
- Submit your images at their original size without downsizing the file size for faster upload.
- Submit your images separately from your Word manuscript in a ZIP folder. Why? Because Word can decrease the quality of your images.
- Scan physical images at a resolution of at least 300 PPI.
How to check image resolution
On a PC
- Right-click on the image file and select "Properties"
- In the image properties window, click on the "Details" tab
- Resolution can be found under the "Image" header
On a Mac
- Open the image file using the Preview application
- From the menu bar, select "Tools"
- Click "Adjust Size"
- Resolution can be found on the "Image Dimensions" box that pops up
Image position
For text-heavy books like novels, we recommend inserting images between lines of text. To insert an image in Word:
Working on a comic, graphic novel, or manga and want your images to fit the entire screen? Try Kindle Comic Creator. This tool makes it easy to import artwork, create their preferred customer reading experience, and see how their book will look on Kindle devices.
- Click where you want to insert the image
- Go to the Insert tab
- In the "Illustrations" section, click Pictures
- Find the image file you want to insert
- Click Insert
Working on a comic, graphic novel, or manga and want your images to fit the entire screen? Try Kindle Comic Creator. This tool makes it easy to import artwork, create their preferred customer reading experience, and see how their book will look on Kindle devices.
Devices and applications
On Kindle E-Ink devices with a black and white screen, images will appear in 16 shades of gray. Other Kindle devices and applications like the Fire and Kindle for iPhone or PC will display images in color.
