Paperback Print Options (Beta)

Help Topics

Help
- Welcome
- KDP Jumpstart
Accounts
- Create an Account
- Manage Your Account
Prepare, Publish, Promote
Update Published Books
Sales, Royalties, Taxes
Legal
- Kindle Direct Publishing Terms and Conditions
  - Pricing Page
  - List Price Requirements
- Program Policies

Contact Us

Have feedback? Can't find your answer in our Help pages?

Search Help

Prepare, Publish, Promote Publish Your Book Upload Content Paperback Print Options (Beta)

Before you upload your paperback manuscript and cover to KDP, you'll choose your print options. Browse the topics below to learn about ink and paper types, trim sizes, bleed settings, and cover finishes.

What are my ink and paper options?

You have three ink and paper options:

Black ink & 55# cream paper
Black ink & 55# white paper
Color ink & 60# white paper

If your paperback is printed with black ink, you can choose cream or white paper. For paperbacks with color ink, you can choose white paper, which shows a higher contrast for images and graphics. For example, you’re publishing a textbook with lots of images, tables, and charts. White paper will make these visual elements more striking.

When choosing your ink and paper type:

Select "color ink" if any images in your paperback are supposed to print in color.
Set up a separate paperback on your Bookshelf if you have a black & white and color version of your book.
Remember that the cost for paperbacks printed in color is higher. Paper type doesn’t affect printing costs. Learn more about paperback printing cost.

What are my trim size options?

The most common trim size for paperbacks in the U.S. is 6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm), this will be displayed as the default option when you access the “Print Options” from the Paperback Content section of your book. If you want a different trim size, click “Select a different size” from the “Print Options” section and choose from Standard and Non-standard Trim sizes. Here’s a list of industry-standard options:

5" x 8"	(12.7 x 20.32 cm)
5.06" x 7.81"	(12.85 x 19.84 cm)
5.25" x 8"	(13.34 x 20.32 cm)
5.5" x 8.5"	(13.97 x 21.59 cm)
6" x 9"	(15.24 x 22.86 cm)
6.14" x 9.21"	(15.6 x 23.39 cm)
6.69" x 9.61"	(16.99 x 24.4 cm)
7" x 10"	(17.78 x 25.4 cm)
7.44" x 9.69"	(18.9 x 24.61 cm)
7.5" x 9.25"	(19.05 x 23.5 cm)
8" x 10"	(20.32 x 25.4 cm)
8.5" x 11"	(21.59 x 27.94 cm)
8.25" x 6"	(20.96 x 15.24 cm)
8.25" x 8.25"	(20.96 x 20.96 cm)
8.5" x 8.5"	(21.59 x 21.59 cm)

What is bleed?

"Bleed" occurs when images, background colors, or design elements extend to the edge of the page. Setting your interior to "bleed" will allow printing at or off the edge of a page. It's used for images and illustrations.

Most books use "no bleed" unless there's a specific reason to apply "bleed." Changing the bleed settings won't change the printing cost.

What are my cover finish options?

You have two cover finish options: glossy and matte.

Glossy finish is shiny. It makes black covers darker and artwork more striking. It's typical for textbooks, children's books, and nonfiction.
Matte finish has minimal sheen and a subtle, polished look. It's typical for novels and other fiction.

Please rate your experience using this page

Thank you! We appreciate your feedback.

Help Topics

Contact Us

Paperback Print Options (Beta)