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IngramSpark Requirements — File Specs & Submission Guide

Everything you need to know about file specs, margins, and metadata for publishing through IngramSpark. Updated for 2026.

Overview

Why IngramSpark?

IngramSpark is the indie author’s gateway to bookstores, libraries, and global distribution. While KDP locks you into Amazon, IngramSpark puts your book in front of 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide — including Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and library purchasing systems.

The tradeoff is stricter PDF requirements. IngramSpark demands PDF/X-1a:2001 with CMYK color, fully embedded fonts, and flattened transparency. If your file passes IngramSpark, it will pass KDP too — but not the other way around.

IngramSpark offers both print-on-demand and offset printing options, making it viable for single copies and large print runs alike. Many serious indie authors use both platforms: KDP for Amazon sales, IngramSpark for everywhere else.

Interior

Print interior requirements

IngramSpark’s interior specs are stricter than KDP’s. Every item below is validated on upload.

File format

PDF/X-1a:2001 — stricter than KDP’s PDF/A. All transparency must be flattened, all fonts embedded, and no layers present.

Page size

Must exactly match the selected trim size. No rounding, no approximation.

Color space

CMYK for color interiors (not sRGB — this is a key difference from KDP). Grayscale for black-and-white.

Font embedding

All fonts must be fully embedded. No font subsetting issues — if IngramSpark can’t find the font data, the file is rejected.

Image resolution

300 DPI minimum. Color images must be in CMYK color space, not RGB.

Bleed

0.125″ on all sides if content reaches the page edge. Required for images or backgrounds that extend to the trim.

Page count

Must be even. Limits vary by trim size — check IngramSpark’s trim-specific page count ranges.

Crop marks & layers

No crop marks in the PDF. No layers — the PDF must be completely flat.

Comparison

Key differences from KDP

IngramSpark is stricter across the board. Here is what changes between platforms.

Spec KDP IngramSpark
PDF format PDF/A or PDF 1.4+ PDF/X-1a:2001
Color space sRGB or CMYK CMYK required for color
Margin minimums Scale by page count Same scale, enforced strictly
Cover file PDF or JPG accepted PDF only
Hardcover Available Available
Distribution Amazon only 40,000+ retailers, libraries
ISBN Free (Amazon-exclusive) You must provide your own
Practical takeaway: If you format to IngramSpark’s requirements from the start, your files will work on both platforms without changes. Format for KDP first and you may need to re-export for IngramSpark.
Margins

Margin requirements

IngramSpark uses the same minimum inside margins as KDP, but enforces them more strictly.

Minimum inside (gutter) margin by page count

Page Count Minimum Inside Margin
24–150 0.375″
151–300 0.5″
301–500 0.625″
501–700 0.75″
701+ 0.875″
Outside, top, and bottom margins: 0.25″ minimum. These minimums are the same as KDP, but IngramSpark is more likely to reject files that are right at the boundary. Build in extra room — professional interiors typically use 0.5″–0.7″ on the outside and 0.6″–0.8″ on top and bottom.
Cover

Cover requirements

IngramSpark does not accept JPEG covers for print. PDF only.

Format

PDF only. Unlike KDP, IngramSpark does not accept JPEG covers for print books.

Layout

Single-page PDF: back cover + spine + front cover, all in one file.

Spine width

Page count × 0.002252″ (white 50lb paper) or × 0.0025″ (cream/natural paper).

Bleed

0.125″ on all edges of the cover.

Safety margin

Keep critical content 0.25″ from the trim edge to avoid being cut off.

Color & resolution

CMYK color space. 300 DPI minimum resolution.

Barcode

IngramSpark adds the barcode automatically. Leave a blank white space (1.5″ × 1.25″) on the back cover lower right for barcode placement.

Ebook

Ebook requirements

IngramSpark ebook distribution is an add-on service, separate from print.

File format

EPUB 2 or EPUB 3. Standard reflowable format.

Cover image

JPEG, minimum 1400px on the shortest side.

DRM

Optional. Adobe DRM is available through IngramSpark.

Metadata

Must be embedded in the EPUB file itself.

Distribution

Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and more. IngramSpark ebook distribution reaches most major ebook retailers.

Metadata

Metadata requirements

IngramSpark requires detailed metadata at the time of title setup. Have all of this ready before you begin.

  • Title, subtitle
  • Author name
  • ISBN (required — you must purchase your own)
  • BISAC category codes (up to 3)
  • Description (up to 350 words for IngramSpark)
  • Trim size
  • Page count
  • Paper type (white, cream/natural)
  • Binding type (paperback, hardcover — case laminate or dust jacket)
  • Retail price (you set the price per market/currency)
  • Publication date
  • Distribution territories
ISBN note: Unlike KDP, which offers free Amazon-exclusive ISBNs, IngramSpark requires you to supply your own ISBN. In the US, purchase from Bowker (myidentifiers.com). Buying a block of 10 reduces the per-unit cost significantly.
Troubleshooting

Common rejection reasons

IngramSpark’s automated checks catch these issues on upload. Fix them before you submit.

  1. PDF not in PDF/X-1a:2001 format
  2. Color images in RGB instead of CMYK
  3. Fonts not fully embedded
  4. Transparency not flattened
  5. Cover spine width doesn’t match page count
  6. Missing barcode safe zone on back cover
  7. Page size doesn’t match selected trim
  8. Bleed area missing or incorrect
  9. Inside margins too narrow for page count
  10. PDF contains layers (must be flat)
Pro tip: Format to IngramSpark specs from the start and you will never face a rejection on either platform. Cambric exports PDF/X-1a:2001 with embedded fonts and flattened transparency by default.
Further Reading

Related guides and tools

Guide KDP Requirements — comparison Guide Trim Size Guides Free Tool KDP Book Calculator Free Tool Formatting Checklist Blog IngramSpark Formatting Guide Blog KDP Formatting Guide
Common Questions

IngramSpark FAQ

What PDF format does IngramSpark require?
PDF/X-1a:2001. This is stricter than KDP's requirements. The PDF must have all fonts embedded, all transparency flattened, CMYK color space for color content, and no layers. Most professional formatting tools can export in this format.
Do I need my own ISBN for IngramSpark?
Yes. Unlike KDP, IngramSpark requires you to provide your own ISBN. In the US, ISBNs are purchased from Bowker. Many other countries have a national ISBN agency that provides them free or at low cost.
What's the difference between IngramSpark and KDP for printing?
KDP prints and distributes exclusively through Amazon. IngramSpark distributes to 40,000+ retailers and libraries worldwide, including Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, and library systems. Many authors use both: KDP for Amazon sales and IngramSpark for everywhere else.
Can I use the same PDF for KDP and IngramSpark?
If your PDF meets IngramSpark's PDF/X-1a:2001 requirements with CMYK color, it will also work on KDP. The reverse isn't always true — KDP accepts sRGB and simpler PDF formats that IngramSpark rejects.
Does IngramSpark offer hardcover?
Yes. IngramSpark supports both case laminate (printed cover glued to boards) and dust jacket (paper jacket over boards) hardcovers. You'll need a different cover template for each binding type.
Publish Everywhere

One export. Every store.

Cambric exports IngramSpark-compatible PDFs that also pass KDP validation. Format once, publish everywhere.

Get Cambric