Top Mistakes Authors Make When Formatting for IngramSpark (And How to Avoid Them)

Small Formatting Errors Can Lead to Big Problems

IngramSpark is known for its strict formatting requirements, and even small mistakes can lead to upload rejections, printing issues, or books that don’t look the way you expected. Many authors unknowingly repeat the same errors — especially when formatting children’s books, picture books, or full-color interiors.
This guide breaks down the most common mistakes authors make on IngramSpark and provides clear advice on how to avoid them.

Choosing the Wrong Trim Size

One of the earliest mistakes authors make is selecting a trim size that doesn’t match IngramSpark’s accepted dimensions.

Why This Is a Problem

• The PDF gets rejected instantly

• Images and text become misaligned

• Changing trim size later requires reformatting the entire book

How to Avoid It

• Choose a trim size before designing your book

• Use popular sizes like 8.5" x 8.5", 7" x 10", or 6" x 9"

• Confirm the trim size matches IngramSpark’s list of supported dimensions

Forgetting to Add Bleed to Full-Page Illustrations

Bleed is required whenever artwork touches the edge of the page. Missing bleed is the #1 cause of formatting rejection.

Why This Happens

• Authors export PDFs without bleed turned on

• Illustrators forget to extend images beyond the trim line

• Canva users design pages without adding extra bleed space

How to Avoid It

• Add 0.125" (3 mm) bleed on all sides

• Export your file with bleed included

• Check every full-bleed page in your PDF before uploading

Designing Without Enough Margin or Safe Zone

If text or important artwork sits too close to the edge, trimming may cut off parts of your content.

Problems This Causes

• Cropped text

• Uneven page appearance

• Necessary reformatting

How to Avoid It

• Use margins of 0.5" to 0.75"

• Keep text 0.25" inside the margin

• Avoid placing important elements near the gutter (spine)

Using RGB Images Instead of CMYK

IngramSpark requires CMYK color mode for print-ready PDFs. Authors often upload RGB images — especially from Canva or Procreate — without realizing the colors will shift.

What This Causes

• Dull or muted print colors

• Incorrect color reproduction

• Upload errors

How to Avoid It

• Convert illustrations to CMYK before placing them into your layout

• Use tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Affinity

• Export your final PDF as PDF/X-1a, which forces CMYK

Exporting the Wrong PDF Format

IngramSpark only accepts PDFs exported using PDF/X-1a:2001. Many authors upload regular PDFs, which leads to rejection.

Problems This Causes

• Unembedded fonts

• Transparency issues

• Incorrect color profiles

• Printing inconsistencies

How to Avoid It

• Always use PDF/X-1a:2001 when exporting your final file

• Avoid using default export presets

• Double-check settings before exporting

Low-Resolution Images (Below 300 DPI)

Picture books and illustrated stories require crisp, high-resolution images. Anything below 300 DPI will print blurry or pixelated.

Why Authors Make This Mistake

• Resizing small images to fill the page

• Using screenshots or compressed artwork

• Exporting low-resolution Canva designs

How to Avoid It

• Create all illustrations at 300 DPI

• Avoid enlarging small artwork

• Always check resolution before placing images in your design

Not Flattening Transparent Elements

Transparency effects — shadows, glows, or semi-transparent PNGs — can cause printing issues.

What Happens

• Unexpected artifacts appear

• Colors print incorrectly

• Elements disappear in print

How to Avoid It

• Flatten transparency before exporting

• Avoid heavy transparency effects in your illustrations

• Exporting as PDF/X-1a automatically removes transparency issues

Misaligned Spreads in Picture Books

Many authors design spreads beautifully — but fail to export them correctly as single pages.

Problems This Causes

• Split characters or objects in the gutter

• Misaligned artwork when printed

• Incomplete bleed across the spread

How to Avoid It

• Design in spreads, export as single pages

• Ensure gutter-safe placement

• Extend artwork across both pages with proper bleed

Incorrect Page Count

Page count on IngramSpark must match your PDF exactly. Picture books especially must follow standard page count patterns (often divisible by 4).

Why This Is a Problem

• Rejected files

• Misaligned printing

• Incorrect binding setup

How to Avoid It

• Use page counts like 24, 28, 32, 36

• Add blank pages if needed

• Ensure your exported PDF includes all pages

Using Decorative or Unlicensed Fonts

Some fonts cannot be embedded due to licensing restrictions, leading to printing errors.

What Happens

• Text prints in a default font

• PDF is rejected

• Pages display incorrectly in print

How to Avoid It

• Use fonts that allow embedding

• Convert title text to outlines if needed

• Always export as PDF/X-1a to embed fonts automatically

Conclusion: Avoiding These Mistakes Leads to Smooth Publishing

Most IngramSpark formatting issues come from small oversights — wrong bleed settings, incorrect trim size, low DPI images, or improper PDF export settings. By understanding these common errors, you can prevent delays and ensure your book prints beautifully.

If you want a perfectly formatted file without dealing with technical issues:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common IngramSpark formatting error?

Missing bleed or exporting the PDF incorrectly.

Can I use Canva to format for IngramSpark?

Yes — but you must manually add bleed and convert the PDF to PDF/X-1a.

Should I convert my illustrations to CMYK before exporting?

Yes, always convert artwork to CMYK before placing it into your layout.