How to use the templates

It depends on the product: KDP templates are edited in Word; textbook packs are built from an HTML manuscript with the included tools.

KDP templates (Word)

Unzip the download and install the fonts in fonts/ (see FONTS.txt).
Open source.docx in Microsoft Word. Replace the title, the sample paragraphs and the example pictures. Leave the margins as they are.
File → Save as PDF (or Export → PDF). Do not add crop marks.
On KDP, upload that PDF as the manuscript and cover.pdf as the cover, then check the previewer.
Books with bleed (cookbook, photo book, picture book): the included interior.pdf already has 0.125 in bleed. A PDF saved from Word does not, so if you replace pictures keep them away from the page edge.
Tick Low-content on KDP for planners and journals. Novels, cookbooks, photo books, workbooks, picture books and puzzle books are generally not low-content.

Cover size depends on page count and paper. If you change the page count, the spine width changes and the cover must be adjusted.
Keep the barcode area at the lower right of the back cover empty.
Always replace the example title and “[Example] Author” with your own.

Get the textbook pack from a style page and unzip it.
Use the free form on the same page to generate book.json and chapter skeletons, and unzip them over the pack folder.
Fill in the HTML manuscript and run build.bat (or ./build.sh on macOS and Linux).
Add --print for the printer’s PDF/X-4, the CMYK file and a preflight report. Check with your printer’s ICC profile and a proof before printing.

If you get stuck, see the FAQ or email us.