IngramSpark vs Amazon KDP Formatting: What Authors Must Know Before Publishing

Two Platforms, Two Very Different Formatting Rules

IngramSpark and Amazon KDP are the two most popular print-on-demand platforms for self-published authors. While both allow you to publish paperbacks, their formatting requirements are not the same. Using the wrong trim size, color mode, or PDF settings can lead to rejections, unexpected printing issues, or books that look different across platforms.
This guide compares IngramSpark and KDP formatting side-by-side so you can prepare files correctly the first time.

Key Differences Between IngramSpark and KDP Formatting

Although both platforms print books, their technical rules and print outputs differ. Understanding these differences helps you decide whether to format once for both — or create separate files.

Trim Sizes: KDP Offers More Flexibility, IngramSpark Offers More Industry Standards

IngramSpark

• Offers a wide range of industry-standard trim sizes

• Ideal for bookstores and libraries

• Common for children’s books: 8.5" x 8.5", 7" x 10", 8" x 10"

KDP

• Slightly more flexible with custom trim sizes

• Better suited for indie authors printing primarily for Amazon

• Sizes like 8.25" x 8.25" are common but not industry-standard

Why This Matters

A trim size accepted by KDP may not be accepted by IngramSpark — especially for hardcovers or global distribution. Many authors choose a trim size both platforms support to avoid double formatting.

Color Mode: KDP Accepts RGB, IngramSpark Requires CMYK

This is one of the biggest differences.

IngramSpark

• Requires CMYK color profile

• Ensures accurate color printing

• Better for illustrated or picture-heavy books

KDP

• Accepts RGB interiors

• Often converts colors during printing

• Can shift colors in children’s books

Recommendation

If your book includes illustrations or full-color pages, always design in CMYK for IngramSpark-quality consistency.

Bleed Requirements: Similar, But IngramSpark Is Stricter

IngramSpark

• Bleed: 0.125" (3 mm) on all sides

• Very strict bleed margin enforcement

• Incorrect bleed often causes rejections

KDP

• Same 0.125" bleed

• Slightly more lenient, but improper bleed still causes warnings

Tip

Always design children’s books and fully illustrated pages with full bleed to avoid white edges.

PDF Export Requirements: IngramSpark Requires PDF/X-1a, KDP Does Not

IngramSpark

• Mandatory: PDF/X-1a:2001

• Ensures embedded fonts, flattened layers, and CMYK color

• Rejects files with transparency or RGB colors

KDP

• Accepts regular PDFs

• Allows layers, RGB images, and live text

• Fewer technical checks

Why You Need Two Different Exports

Even if the layout is identical, the export settings for IngramSpark must be stricter. Many authors create two separate PDFs:

• One optimized for KDP (RGB allowed)

• One optimized for IngramSpark (PDF/X-1a CMYK only)

Image Resolution: Both Require 300 DPI, But IngramSpark Enforces It More

Children’s books, photo books, and illustrated stories require sharp images.

IngramSpark

• Rejects low-resolution images

• Flags DPI issues during upload

KDP

• May accept lower DPI, but prints poorly

• Blurry images reflect badly on the final product

Tip

Always prepare illustrations at 300 DPI, especially full-page spreads.

Margins and Safe Zones

Both platforms have similar margin rules, but IngramSpark is more precise.

Recommended Margins

• 0.5" for normal books

• 0.75" for children’s books

• Keep text 0.25" inside margins

KDP may accept tighter margins, but bookstores require professional spacing — which IngramSpark is designed for.

Hardcover Options: IngramSpark Wins

IngramSpark

• Premium color hardcovers

• Dust jackets

• Library-ready formats

• More professional print quality

KDP

• Limited hardcover options

• No dust jackets

If your target includes bookstores or libraries, IngramSpark is the better choice.

Can You Use One File for Both Platforms?

Yes — but not always recommended.

When one file works

• Black-and-white novels

• Text-heavy non-fiction

• Simple interiors without bleed

When you should export two different files

• Children’s books

• Picture books

• Full-color books

• Any CMYK-sensitive illustrations

• Hardcover editions

Creating separate files ensures your book prints consistently on both platforms.

Upload Experience: KDP Is Easier, IngramSpark Is Stricter

KDP

• Beginner-friendly

• Automatic previews

• Less technical rejection

• No upload fees

IngramSpark

• More professional

• Strict formatting reviews

• Upload fees (unless you have a promo code)

Many authors start on KDP and then publish wide using IngramSpark once formatting is perfected.

Conclusion: Choose Based on Your Publishing Goals

KDP is excellent for Amazon sales, quick publishing, and beginners. IngramSpark is ideal for bookstore-quality printing, global distribution, and professional-grade children’s books.

For many authors, the best solution is using both — but with properly formatted files.

If you want your book formatted perfectly for both platforms:

👉 Whimsy Studios offers professional formatting for IngramSpark and KDP, specializing in children’s books and picture books.
Save time, avoid rejections, and publish with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I format in RGB or CMYK?

Use CMYK for IngramSpark, RGB is acceptable for KDP — but CMYK prints more accurately.

Can I upload the same file to both?

Not recommended for full-color books. Export two versions.

Which platform gives better print quality?

IngramSpark generally offers more consistent and professional print quality, especially for color books.