User`s guide

Publishing on Kindle: Guidelines for Publishers
• XML (such as DocBook, etc.)
• HTML, XHTML
• EPUB (also known as IDPF or OEB)
The process of converting non-reflowable content (such as PDF or scans) to reflowable content is labor-
intensive and requires specialized formatting knowledge.
As you explore conversion house options, Amazon recommends that you confirm which source format(s)
the conversion house requires to convert files for use on Kindle.
The preferred outputs from conversion houses to be processed by Amazon are:
• Books in Amazon Kindle Format (.mobi/.prc)
• Metadata in ONIX format (XML)
Amazon can also process content in EPUB source format. KindleGen compiles the file and runs checks
for common errors. Any errors or warnings will prevent the titles from becoming available. These errors
must be fixed in the EPUB file before the title is published in the Kindle store. Titles in EPUB format must
be tested on Amazon software and/or hardware and must abide by the publishing guidelines in this
document.
Conversion houses can be of service in helping publishers supply eBook retailers with metadata. Search
the web for “eBook conversion” to find a list of partners to work with.
3 General Formatting Guidelines
Kindle Format 8 (KF8) is the next generation file format (replacing Mobi 7) for Kindle books and supports
HTML 5 and CSS 3. The following table outlines Kindle Format 8 features and device/application support:
Features & Benefits
All Kindle Devices and Apps
except 1
st
& 2
nd
Generation
Kindles and Kindle DX
Full support for CSS to enable publishers to control all
elements of the text layout, including line spacing,
alignment, justification, margin, color, style, & border.
Yes
Support for drop cap character at the beginning of
paragraphs.
Yes
Support for floating elements that includes boxed text,
callouts, sidebars, & images with text wrapping.
Yes
Support for numbered and bulleted lists.
Yes
Support for nested tables and merged cells required by
technical and textbooks.
Yes
Support for background images on pages and for text on
background images.
Yes
Support for Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) that can be
zoomed without loss of fidelity.
Yes
Support for embedded fonts that allows publishers to
have a custom look & feel for the book.
Yes
Support for rounded corners of boxed elements.
Yes
Support for drop shadow.
Yes
Support for outline text.
Yes
Kindle Publishing Guidelines Amazon.com 11