Kindle, EPUB and print explained
The practical differences between a reflowable ebook file and a fixed physical edition.
An ebook and a printed book may contain the same work, but they are different reading products with different production constraints.
Reflowable ebooks
Most prose ebooks are reflowable. The reader can change text size, line spacing and display settings, so fixed page numbers and print-perfect line endings do not carry across reliably.
EPUB and Kindle
EPUB is a widely used ebook format. Amazon KDP accepts EPUB and recommends checking it with Kindle Previewer before upload. KDP also supports other preparation routes, including Kindle Create and KPF.
Print editions
Paperback and hardback files are fixed. Trim size, margins, page count, spine width, paper choice, bleed and cover geometry all matter. A print-ready PDF is not a substitute for a responsive ebook file.
Metadata joins the editions
Matching title, subtitle, author and other core details helps retailers connect formats correctly. Each edition still needs its own controlled record and applicable identifier.
Authoritative sources
- Amazon KDP: Supported ebook manuscript formats
- Amazon KDP: Upload and preview book content
- Amazon KDP: Link book formats
Editorial note: This guide provides general publishing information, not legal, tax or professional advice for a particular project.