Last updated on May 1st, 2023
As an eBook writer, you would naturally focus on your book content and less on the front book cover dimensions or size. But, guess what? These factors will eventually play a critical role. To help you out, we’ve shared the complete eBook cover size guide along with the must-know publishing tips. Have a look!
The Content is King! No wonder. But while creating the eBook, you might skip considering the eBook cover size, thinking it doesn’t matter on digital platforms. It does! Though there are no golden rules for cover dimensions, we’ve noted some expert-approved industry standards.
Let’s help you demystify the right eBook cover dimensions!
What is An eBook Cover?
They say you shouldn’t judge the book by its cover, but that’s not great advice. When was the last time you read an eBook that didn’t have a great cover?
An eBook cover is one of your best sales tools because people will always judge a book by its cover. Even if it’s tiny and barely visible as they’re scrolling – people will judge.
The greatest eBook covers aren’t just created to attract attention; they’re set up to convey a message. They’re always the first teaser or the prequel. It entices the reader to choose your eBook.
An eBook cover conveys the key thoughts, messages and neatly sums up the major themes of your book with ease. It’s a great way to show your audience what they can expect from your work!
Not only is it perfect for conveying the right emotions and messages, but eBook covers are also meant to help you stand out from the crowd. That’s what makes them such great sales tools.
People will not choose your book if they don’t like the cover. So, do your best to create the best, most attractive, and comprehensive eBook cover. One that people can judge your book based on!
How To Choose The Right eBook Cover Dimensions?
Consider these factors when determining the eBook cover size and dimension:
01. Reader Size
Your readers might be using a personal e-reader to read new books. A thorough understanding of e-reader sizes can help you choose the correct eBook cover dimensions.
02. Genre
It might come as a shocker, but different genres call for different size specifications. You have to decide how you’re going to pack and market the book. Make sure to consider the genre to decide on your eBook cover size.
03. Word Count
When choosing a page and cover size, you should consider the word count. Varying lengths of content complement different eBook cover dimensions. For instance, you don’t want to go for a large cover size for a short novella.
04. Designer
The designer can help you make important decisions regarding page size, cover art, and image size. On the other hand, you should try to procure more knowledge about eBook cover sizes if you are self-publishing.
05. Cost
Do you know that the size of your eBook also fluctuates? If you are self-publishing a book, you might want to keep the size small to cut down costs.
eBook Sizes For Different Platforms
Since there is no physical size for eBooks, it can be difficult to figure out the dimensions. However, the eBook cover dimensions differ from one publishing platform to another.
Here Are Industry Standards For The Most Common Publishing Platforms
01. Standard eBook Cover Size
If you plan to publish your eBook on different platforms or another platform that is not listed above, you can use the standard ebook cover size. It is not very practical to create different file sizes for different platforms.
The standard eBook cover dimensions range from 1500 to 1800 pixels. Also, we suggest you stick to a ratio of 1:1:6 which is quite common.
Additionally, we recommend going for a resolution of 300 DPI as the publishers will apply compression later on.
02. Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Recommended Size
Kindle is probably one of the most common devices in the eBook category. Kindle Direct Publishing is an Amazon platform that lets you self-publish eBooks. The recommended eBook cover size for kindles is 2560×1600 pixels.
Also, the KDP ratio is 1:1.6. KDP accepts only two file formats – TIFF and JPEG. If you want the best image quality, refrain from uploading an uncompressed file.
It is because Amazon will implement additional compression to your eBook cover image. Also, the cover image file should be less than 50 megabytes in size.
03. Wattpad Cover Recommended Size
Wattpad has a phenomenal community that includes different kinds of literary works. If Wattpad is the publishing medium for your eBook, then the best size would be 512x 800 pixels.
This site is not only practical but also looks more attractive to the readers. As for the image format for Wattpad, PNG or JPEG are the best fit.
04. Kobo Recommended Size
Kobo is another popular e-reader. For all the would-be authors, Kobo recommends keeping the eBook cover dimensions to the standard sizing. The best file size for Kobo eBooks is 1448 x 1072 resolution.
The platform also suggests keeping the file size limited to 5 megabytes and nothing larger. Also, a 300 DPI resolution will work great for the platform.
05. Audiobook Cover Size
If you are making an audiobook, the eBook cover size will differ significantly when you publish an eBook. Audiobooks cover sizes follow a ratio of 1:1. Also, to use this 1:1 ratio, we suggest that you keep the resolution to 3200×3200.
Many claim that this eBook cover size is much like traditional CDs.
How To Design An eBook?
While designing eBook cover templates, you’ve to keep the following aspects in mind:
i. File Format
If you submit any cover file to an online print service, you might want to choose the right file type. The right type will help you keep the final size down and retain the best quality.
Typically, the best file formats for an eBook are PNG, JPG, and TIFF files. Alternatively, you can even share the eBook in PDF files.
ii. Resolution
When you measure the resolution, you’ll have to use the PPI (pixels per inch). It is because you are posting the book on a digital medium. Most of the print-on-demand sites do not accept files over 2 megabytes.
For this reason, most eBook publishers do not use a resolution of 300 DPI or over. Remember, the higher the resolution, the more will be the final file size.
The industry standard is 72 DPI usually. Also, please do not use anything below 72 DPI as it can be blurry.
iii. Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the height and width of the rectangle. Typically, for eBook cover dimensions, you want to use rectangles only.
You’ll notice that the aspect ratios are mentioned as mathematical ratios. Even the eBook cover templates come in the same ratio. The thing is that each publishing platform has different aspect ratio requirements.
iv. Colors
If you are looking for eBook cover designing tips, color should be one of your considerations. The colors matter as much as the fonts, size, pixels, and everything else.
The best color mode for eBooks is RGB. RBG ensures that your final output turns out to be of the highest quality.
Please refrain from using CMYK as it is apt for only print mediums.
Tools To Design A Perfect Size eBook
These are the expert-approved and top-performing eBook designing tools:
01. Designhill
Unlike Canva and Fiverr, Designhill is much more professional. The official website has a host of graphic designers willing to create eBook cover for you!
There are two specific ways you can get your eBook cover created. Firstly, you can launch your own contest and have designers send in submissions and pick the best of them all. Secondly, you can employ a graphic designer to create your designer one-on-one to create your cover!
With Designhill, you’ll get various other features such as 24/7 support, multiple revisions, full ownership of the art, and a host of the best designers on the platform!
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02. Canva
Canva has one of the most extensive eBook cover templates libraries. The tool has multiple advanced features to draw the attention of scrolling readers. You can experiment with side rent graphics, vectors, and stock images to figure what’s the best for you.
Even with minimal designing experience, you can get on board on Canva and use its eBook templates. Also, since eBooks are a collaborative affair, Canva lets you save everything over the cloud.
03. Fiverr
Unlike Canva, Fiverr does not require any manual input from your side. On the contrary, Fiverr lets you hire the best eBook designers to get the job done. There are hundreds of eBook designers listed on the platform.
Fiverr also lets you mull over their portfolios. The best part? The pricing is pretty competitive. You can get a solid and attractive eBook cover design at minimal expenditure.
To Wrap It Up
With all the knowledge about the perfect eBook cover size, we think you’re ready to get started. You can smoothen out your eBook designing journey by using the tools mentioned earlier.
Right now, PPI, width ratio, and EPUB might sound like a foreign dialect, but as an eBook writer/publisher, you need to make them your buddies. After all, sometimes the book is judged by the cover!
