IngramSpark PDF Requirements Explained: How to Export a Perfect Print-Ready File

Why Your PDF Export Matters

Your IngramSpark print book is only as good as the PDF you upload. Even a beautifully designed book can be rejected or print incorrectly if the PDF doesn’t meet IngramSpark’s technical standards.
This guide explains exactly how to prepare and export a perfect print-ready PDF for IngramSpark — including color settings, bleed, fonts, file format, and common mistakes to avoid.

Understanding IngramSpark’s PDF/X-1a:2001 Requirement

IngramSpark requires all interior and cover files to be exported as PDF/X-1a:2001.

Why PDF/X-1a Is Required

• Embeds all fonts

• Flattens transparency

• Converts colors to CMYK

• Eliminates hidden layers or RGB data

• Ensures consistent printing across all global printers

What Happens If You Upload a Regular PDF

• Colors may shift

• Fonts might not display correctly

• Transparencies can cause visual errors

• IngramSpark may reject your file immediately

Required Color Mode: CMYK Only

IngramSpark prints using CMYK color presses, so all artwork and images must be in CMYK.

What This Means

• RGB images will be converted and may look dull

• Neons and overly bright colors may shift

• Children's book illustrations must be adjusted manually for best results

How to Convert Images to CMYK

Use a professional tool like:

• Adobe Photoshop

• Illustrator

• Affinity Photo

• Procreate (CMYK color profile enabled before exporting)

Never convert to CMYK after exporting the PDF — convert at the illustration level before placing the images into your layout.

Required Image Resolution: 300 DPI

Every illustration and photo must be at least 300 DPI to ensure sharp printing.

Avoid These Issues

• Enlarging small images (causes pixelation)

• Mixing low and high resolution artwork

• Using screenshots or compressed images

• Exporting illustrations directly from Canva at 96 DPI

Always check DPI before inserting images into your layout.

Trim Size and Bleed Setup

Your PDF must match the exact trim size you selected inside IngramSpark.

Trim Size

Choose a size IngramSpark supports:

• 8.5" x 8.5"

• 7" x 10"

• 6" x 9"

• 8" x 10"
  …or many others.

If your PDF is even 0.01" off, IngramSpark will reject it.

Bleed

IngramSpark requires:

• 0.125" (3 mm) on all sides when artwork touches the edge.

Example:
A book sized 8.5" x 8.5" becomes 8.75" x 8.75" with bleed.

Always ensure bleed is added correctly in your export settings.

Font Embedding: Mandatory for Successful Printing

All fonts inside your PDF must be embedded.

How to Ensure Fonts Are Embedded

• Export as PDF/X-1a, which embeds fonts automatically

• Use licensed, professional fonts

• Avoid decorative fonts with restricted embedding permissions

• Convert decorative titles to vector outlines if needed

If fonts are not embedded, text may print incorrectly or shift on the page.

Transparency and Layers Must Be Flattened

Transparency effects like shadows, glows, or semi-transparent layers cause issues in printing.

How to Fix

• Flatten transparency before exporting

• Avoid layer blending modes

• Use rasterized effects instead of live effects

• Export using PDF/X-1a to flatten everything automatically

This step prevents strange artifacts, shadows, or printing glitches.

Exporting a Print-Ready PDF (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps in your design software:

Step 1: Set Trim Size

Enter the exact dimensions of your final book size.

Step 2: Add Bleed

Add 0.125" on all sides.

Step 3: Set Color Mode to CMYK

Convert all images and your document profile.

Step 4: Insert Photos and Illustrations

Ensure they are 300 DPI and properly aligned.

Step 5: Export as PDF/X-1a:2001

This is the most important part.

Step 6: Review Every Page

Check:

• Bleed lines

• Margins

• Text spacing

• Image sharpness

• Correct page order

Step 7: Upload to IngramSpark

If there are errors, IngramSpark will flag them immediately.

Common PDF Export Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent issues authors face:

Incorrect Color Mode

• RGB instead of CMYK

Missing Bleed

• Artwork stops at trim line instead of bleed line

Low-Resolution Images

• Blurry illustrations

• Pixelation on full-page spreads

Wrong PDF Preset

• Exporting as a normal PDF instead of PDF/X-1a

Incorrect Page Size

• A mismatch between trim size and PDF size

Unembedded Fonts

• Missing or default font replacements

Fixing these before uploading saves time and avoids reformatting fees.

Final PDF Checklist for IngramSpark

Before uploading, confirm:

• Trim size is correct

• Bleed added (0.125" on all sides)

• CMYK color mode

• 300 DPI images

• Fonts embedded

• Transparency flattened

• Exported as PDF/X-1a

• Page count matches

• No text near trim edges

• No misaligned spreads

A file that meets this checklist is almost always accepted instantly.

Conclusion: Create a Professional Print-Ready PDF With Confidence

Exporting a correct PDF is the final — and most important — step in publishing with IngramSpark. By following the required guidelines for color, bleed, fonts, page size, and transparency, you ensure your book prints beautifully and looks professional.

If you want a flawless, print-ready PDF prepared for you:

👉 Whimsy Studios offers complete IngramSpark formatting and PDF export services for children’s books, picture books, and illustrated stories — trusted by 500+ authors worldwide.
Let your book meet every IngramSpark requirement the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need two different PDFs for KDP and IngramSpark?

Yes — IngramSpark requires CMYK and PDF/X-1a, while KDP accepts RGB.

Why does my PDF look dull after converting to CMYK?

CMYK can mute colors. Adjust illustrations before exporting to avoid dull print.

Can I use Canva to export a print-ready PDF?

Yes, but you must convert the PDF to PDF/X-1a and ensure artwork is CMYK.