Creating an interior for Amazon KDP can feel confusing, especially if you want to design it in Canva.
Trim sizes, margins, bleed, page limits, and blank page rules are the most common reasons books get rejected. This guide walks through how to create a proper KDP interior template and then safely customise it in Canva.
What is a KDP interior template?
A KDP interior template is the file that becomes the inside pages of your book.
It controls:
- Page size (trim size)
- Margins and gutter spacing
- Page count
- Page numbering
- Bleed settings
- Interior layout style
This file is uploaded to Amazon KDP as your manuscript.
Why Canva is popular for KDP interiors
Canva is popular because it:
- Is easy to use
- Works in the browser
- Has text, graphics, and layout tools
- Requires no design software experience
However, Canva does not automatically set up KDP-safe margins or trim sizes. That is where most creators run into problems.
The safest Canva workflow for KDP
The safest approach is:
- Generate a correct KDP interior template as a PDF
- Upload that PDF into Canva
- Design on top of it
- Export as PDF Print
- Upload the final file to KDP
This ensures your layout matches KDP requirements before you design anything.
Step 1: Choose the correct binding and trim size
Start by selecting:
- Paperback or hardcover
- The exact trim size you plan to use on KDP
Common trim sizes include:
- 6" x 9"
- 8.5" x 11"
- 5.5" x 8.5"
Your interior file must match the trim size exactly or KDP will reject it.
Step 2: Select ink and paper type
KDP page limits depend on:
- Black and white or colour
- White or cream paper
- Paperback or hardcover
Some combinations are not allowed. Always check that your page count falls within the allowed range for your chosen setup.
Step 3: Set page count correctly
KDP requires:
- A minimum number of pages
- A maximum number of pages based on trim and ink type
For notebooks and journals, remember:
- 120 pages means 60 physical sheets
- Page count must match your final upload exactly
Step 4: Choose an interior style
For low content books, common styles include:
- Blank
- Ruled
- Dot grid
- Graph paper
Blank interiors should usually include discreet page numbers to avoid rejection for being completely empty.
Step 5: Margins and gutter spacing
Margins are critical for print.
As page count increases, the inner margin near the spine must increase to prevent content being swallowed by the binding.
A print-safe margin mode:
- Alternates inner and outer margins
- Adds extra gutter space
- Protects content near the spine
This is strongly recommended for most books.
Step 6: Bleed settings
Bleed is required if:
- Any artwork touches the edge of the page
If your interior is text-only or lined pages, no bleed is usually correct.
If you plan to add background graphics in Canva, bleed should be enabled.
Step 7: Optional pages and numbering
Useful optional elements include:
- “This book belongs to” page
- Discreet page numbers
These help with:
- User experience
- Avoiding blank interior rejections
- Professional presentation
Step 8: Generate the interior PDF
Once all settings are chosen, generate the interior as a PDF.
This PDF:
- Matches your trim size
- Includes correct margins and gutter
- Can be uploaded directly to KDP
- Can also be imported into Canva for editing
Step 9: Edit the interior in Canva
In Canva:
- Upload the generated PDF
- Add text, prompts, or graphics
- Keep content inside safe margins
- Do not resize the pages
- Export as PDF Print
Avoid using standard PDF export as it can reduce print quality.
Step 10: Upload to Amazon KDP
When uploading:
- Select the same trim size used in your template
- Enable bleed only if your interior uses it
- Review every page in the Print Previewer
Always fix warnings before publishing.
Use our KDP Interior Template Generator for Canva
Use our KDP Interior Template Generator:
Create a KDP interior template
It lets you:
- Choose binding, trim size, and ink type
- Set page count within KDP limits
- Apply print-safe margins and gutter spacing
- Add optional belongs pages and discreet numbering
- Generate a Canva-ready PDF in seconds
Everything runs locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
Common KDP interior mistakes to avoid
These cause most rejections:
- Wrong trim size
- Missing gutter margin
- Blank interiors with no numbering
- Using Canva without a proper template
- Incorrect bleed settings
Starting with a correct template avoids all of these.
Who this guide is for
This guide is ideal if you:
- Create notebooks or journals
- Publish low content books
- Design interiors in Canva
- Want to avoid KDP rejections
- Do not want to use InDesign
Final thoughts
KDP interiors do not need to be complicated, but they must be precise.
Using a proper interior template first lets you focus on creativity in Canva while staying safely inside Amazon’s print requirements.