Pictures in a KDP paperback: resolution, color and transparency

Every rule KDP's help pages give about the pictures in a paperback, quoted with its page. Read from kdp.amazon.com on 2026-10-20.

Pictures under 200 DPI where they are placed (must fix)

"Any image containing less than 200 DPI."
KDP, Format Images in Your Book
"Downsampling, or decreasing resolution, of images is disabled."
KDP, Save Your Manuscript File

Pictures under KDP's recommended 300 DPI where they are placed (advised)

"All images (both cover and manuscript) should be at least 300 DPI."
KDP, Paperback Submission Guidelines

Pictures over 600 DPI (slow processing, big file) (advised)

"We recommend a maximum resolution of 600 DPI"
KDP, Paperback Submission Guidelines

Transparency or layers not flattened (must fix)

"Flatten transparent objects and layers in the native file before publishing."
KDP, Paperback Submission Guidelines
"Flatten all transparencies."
KDP, Create a Paperback Cover
"Unflattened layers and transparencies can cause errors in upload and later on in production."
KDP, Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues

Spot colors (must fix)

"please don't include spot colors in your files."
KDP, Create a Paperback Cover

RGB and CMYK mixed in one file (advised)

"We don't recommend using multiple color spaces in a file"
KDP, Create a Paperback Cover

Cover pictures not in CMYK (advised)

"Images should be in CMYK color to ensure your cover looks good in print."
KDP, Create a Paperback Cover

Moire patterns in scanned or toned pictures (advised)

"A moiré pattern is an optical effect"
KDP, Fix Paperback and Hardcover Formatting Issues

Rejection Checker note: Look at scanned prints and halftone or screen-tone art at 100% zoom; KDP suggests 600 DPI and tones at one angle for comics and manga.