IngramSpark interior file specs for print books

IngramSpark prints and distributes to bookstores and libraries, and its interior file rules differ from KDP's in a few ways. Here is what its file creation guide and help articles ask for.

Specs checked against the official pages linked below on October 26, 2026. Platforms update their rules, so check the source before you upload.

The file

• One single-page PDF for the interior, separate from the cover. No spreads (2-up pages), and multiple files are rejected.
• All fonts embedded. IngramSpark says files with unembedded fonts are rejected. To check in Acrobat: File > Properties > Fonts. Every font should say “Embedded” or “Embedded Subset.” IngramSpark warns that Acrobat's default “Standard” setting doesn't embed the base 14 fonts.
• PDF/X: IngramSpark recommends PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002, which embed fonts by default.
• No crop, registration or printer marks.
• No spot colors or ICC profiles. Text at 24 pt or smaller should be 100% black only.
• Rule lines at least 0.125 pt at 100% black.

Margins and safety area

IngramSpark recommends a margin of at least 0.5 inch (13 mm) on all sides of the text block, covering body text, headers, footers and page numbers. Its printers allow a 1/16 inch (2 mm) variance, so anything closer to the edge risks being trimmed.

Bleed

If nothing prints to the edge, build pages at the exact trim size. If something does, add 0.125 inch (3 mm) to the top, bottom and outside edges only. IngramSpark says not to add bleed to the gutter (bind) edge, since that shifts the page.

Page count and the barcode page

IngramSpark adds a barcode page as the last page of every interior and stores page counts as an even number. If your interior has an odd number of pages, one page is added for the barcode. If it has an even number, a blank page goes in before the barcode page.

Trim sizes

IngramSpark offers many trim sizes. The common novel sizes 5 x 8, 5.06 x 7.81, 5.25 x 8, 5.5 x 8.5 and 6 x 9 inches appear in both IngramSpark's and KDP's lists, which helps if you publish on both.

One file for KDP and IngramSpark?

For the same trim size and no bleed, one PDF can usually meet both sets of published specs. Use at least 0.5 inch on every side, make the inside margin at least KDP's minimum for your page count (see our KDP specs guide), embed every font, and export single pages with no marks. Always review each platform's proof before you approve it.

Sources

• IngramSpark File Creation Guide (PDF)
• IngramSpark: File Requirements for Print Books
• IngramSpark: Understanding Title Processing

FAQ

What margins does IngramSpark require?

IngramSpark recommends at least 0.5 inch (13 mm) on all sides of the text block, including headers, footers and page numbers.

Does IngramSpark need PDF/X?

IngramSpark recommends PDF/X-1a:2001 or PDF/X-3:2002. Whatever the format, all fonts must be embedded or the file is rejected.

Where does bleed go on an IngramSpark interior?

0.125 inch (3 mm) on the top, bottom and outside edges only, never on the gutter side.