What is bleed on a KDP book cover?
Bleed is the extra 0.125" (1/8 inch) of image that extends beyond the trim line on all outer edges of your cover. It ensures no white edges appear after trimming. Your cover PDF dimensions include this bleed area — 0.25" is added to the total width and 0.25" to the total height.
Key Details
- Paperback bleed: 0.125" on all four outer edges
- Total added to width: 0.25" (0.125" left + 0.125" right)
- Total added to height: 0.25" (0.125" top + 0.125" bottom)
- Hardcover: bleed is included within the wrap area, not added separately
- Important content should be at least 0.25" inside the trim line (safe margin)