What file formats are supported by KDP?

When you’re ready to publish your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), you’ll need to make sure that your manuscript is in the correct file format. KDP supports a variety of file formats, but not all of them are created equal. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different file formats that KDP supports, and we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each format.

Supported file formats

KDP supports the following file formats for books:

• .docx (Microsoft Word)
• .doc (Microsoft Word)
• .rtf (Rich Text Format)
• .txt (Plain Text)
• .mobi (Kindle eBook Format)
• .azw3 (Kindle eBook Format)
• .epub (EPUB)
• .pdf (Portable Document Format)

Of these formats, .docx, .doc, and .rtf are the most common formats used by authors. These formats are all based on the same underlying file format, which means that they can be easily converted into each other. However, .docx is the most up-to-date format, and it includes features that are not available in .doc or .rtf.

.mobi and .azw3 are the two Kindle eBook formats that KDP supports. These formats are optimized for reading on Kindle devices, and they include features such as variable fonts and page curl animation. .epub is another eBook format that KDP supports. This format is more widely used than .mobi and .azw3, but it is not optimized for reading on Kindle devices.

.pdf is a popular format for distributing documents, but it is not the best format for eBooks. PDFs are not optimized for reading on small screens, and they can be difficult to read on devices with limited screen real estate.

Choosing the right file format

The best file format for your book will depend on your intended audience and your goals for your book. If you’re planning to publish your book on Kindle, then you should choose a Kindle eBook format such as .mobi or .azw3. If you’re planning to distribute your book in other formats, such as PDF or EPUB, then you can choose the format that best suits your needs.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a file format for your book:

• The intended audience for your book. If you’re targeting readers who use Kindle devices, then you should choose a Kindle eBook format. If you’re targeting readers who use other devices, then you can choose a different format.
• Your goals for your book. If you’re planning to sell your book, then you should choose a format that is compatible with the major eBook retailers. If you’re planning to give your book away for free, then you can choose any format that you like.
• The features that you need. Some file formats support more features than others. For example, Kindle eBook formats support variable fonts and page curl animation, while PDFs do not.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can choose the file format that is best for your book.

Converting your manuscript to the correct file format

If you’re writing your book in Microsoft Word, then you can easily convert your manuscript to the correct file format. To do this, simply open your manuscript in Word and click on the “File” tab. Then, click on “Export” and select “Create eBook.” In the “Save As Type” field, select the desired file format. Finally, click on the “Save” button.

If you’re writing your book in a different program, then you may need to use a third-party converter to convert your manuscript to the correct file format. There are a number of different converters available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.

Once you’ve converted your manuscript to the correct file format, you can upload it to KDP and start selling your book!