For Mac authors
Apple Pages → KDP Export Guide
If KDP keeps rejecting your Pages PDF, it’s usually one invisible thing: font embedding. This page gives you the exact export workflow to get accepted—fast.
The rule that prevents most rejections
Do not use File → Export → PDF in Pages for print books. Instead, export via the macOS Print dialog: File → Print → PDF → Save as PDF. This uses macOS Core Graphics and reliably embeds fonts.
Step-by-step: Pages to a KDP-accepted PDF
- Finalize content: review every page in thumbnail view; remove any placeholder text.
- Confirm trim size: set the exact dimensions in File → Page Setup.
- Export correctly: File → Print → click PDF (bottom-left) → Save as PDF…
- Verify fonts in Acrobat: File → Properties → Fonts → all fonts must be Embedded or Embedded Subset.
- Upload to KDP and preview: check margins, page numbers, and any image warnings.
Margin quick reference (safe defaults)
These are our template defaults (comfortable, print-friendly). KDP minimums vary by trim size, bleed, and page count—verify against KDP’s current rules.
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top / Bottom | 0.5" | Readable buffer + print tolerance |
| Outside | 0.5" | Standard paperback comfort |
| Inside (gutter) | 0.75" | Spine-side clearance (scales with page count) |
Troubleshooting: what KDP errors actually mean
“Fonts are not embedded”
Re-export using File → Print → Save as PDF, then verify fonts in Acrobat. If a font won’t embed, switch to a print-safe font (Georgia, Times New Roman, Palatino) or confirm the font license allows embedding.
“Document dimensions do not match a supported trim size”
Your page size is off by a tiny amount. In Pages: File → Page Setup → set a Custom size that exactly matches your chosen trim size (e.g. 6" × 9").
“Low-resolution images”
Replace images with 300 DPI originals. Don’t upscale small images—KDP will still detect them as low-res.
FAQ
Why does KDP say my fonts are not embedded?
Because Apple Pages’ built-in PDF export may reference fonts instead of embedding them. Fix: export via File → Print → Save as PDF (macOS Core Graphics), then verify fonts show “Embedded” or “Embedded Subset”.
Can I upload a .pages file to KDP?
No. KDP does not accept .pages. Use PDF for print interiors, or upload a .docx and let KDP convert it.
What margin settings should I use for KDP?
Our template baseline is top/bottom 0.5", outside 0.5", inside (gutter) 0.75". KDP’s minimum margins vary by trim size, whether you use bleed, and page count—always verify against the current KDP help docs before publishing.
How do I verify fonts are embedded?
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader and check File → Properties → Fonts. Every font should say “Embedded” or “Embedded Subset”.
KDP says my trim size is unsupported. What did I do wrong?
Your document dimensions don’t exactly match a supported trim size. In Pages: File → Page Setup → Custom Size and enter the exact width/height (e.g. 6 × 9 inches), then export again.
Should I use PDF or DOCX for KDP?
For print books, PDF is usually best because it preserves layout. DOCX can work well too, but you’ll have less control over the final appearance after conversion.
Want the full system (templates + guide)?
Our Apple Pages KDP Templates bundle includes all 6 trim sizes, 24 templates across page ranges, and the full PDF guide you referenced—built from real publishing experience.