How to Export Your Book as an ePub or PDF and Choose a Size
Click Export at the top right, confirm the format and size, then click Export PDF or Export ePub. The file downloads directly.
Click the Export button in the top-right corner of the Writing Studio. Confirm the format and size in the window that opens, then click Export PDF or Export ePub. The file downloads directly, with no print dialog.
What formats can I export?
Export offers an ePub, plus a PDF in six sizes:
- Paperback 6×9.
- Paperback 5.5×8.5.
- Paperback 5.25×8.
- Workbook 8.5×11.
- Hardcover 5.5×8.5.
- Hardcover 6×9.
Hardcover is a PDF size choice, not a separate file type. Export is always available any time to download a real PDF or ePub copy straight to your computer.
How do I export?
- Make sure your Front End tab is filled in (title, author name and ISBN). Those fields fill your title page and impressum automatically.
- Click ⬇ Export in the top-right corner of the Writing Studio.
- In the window Confirm what you're exporting, open the Format dropdown and pick your format or size.
- Click 📄 Export PDF or 📱 Export ePub.
The file downloads directly, with no print dialog.
Why does the size matter so much?
The window reminds you: "KDP requires your PDF's page size to exactly match the trim size you select on their end." Pick the same size here that you will choose when you set up your print book on KDP. For help with that step, see our guide to publishing on KDP and the KDP manuscript file guide.
How do I check the page size before I export?
In Page Preview, the Format dropdown (for example, "Paperback 6×9") sets the page size for Page Preview and PDF export. Page Preview is built by the same print engine and the same request as the real PDF export, so every chapter page looks exactly like the exported PDF. See How do Format, Template and Paragraph style work?
What do my pictures look like in the export?
The picture button accepts any PNG or JPG at any size. The saved book and the PDF keep the full-quality pictures. When you export an ePub, the app makes smaller copies of the pictures just for that file so the Kindle file stays small, because Amazon KDP does not allow 99-cent pricing for a file over 3 MB. Your book and PDF are not affected. See How does the Writing Studio prepare my pictures for print?
How do the PDF and the ePub differ?
The Front End visual canvas previews the PDF template. An ePub is reflowable: its layout adapts to the reader rather than reproducing the fixed PDF positions. Both include your entered dedication and cover designer credit, and dedication paragraph breaks are kept. The PDF table of contents has page numbers, and the ePub table of contents entries are navigation links. Imported chapter titles are preserved without adding duplicate chapter prefixes.
Do I need to save before I export?
Your typing saves automatically. PDF and ePub downloads read the latest saved manuscript sections. If a save fails, resolve the save error ("Not saved — retry") before exporting. Do not export while a save error is showing.
Can I download from My Books too?
Yes. Each book card in My Books has PDF and ePub download buttons.
For the full tour, see How to Export Your Book as an ePub or a Print PDF.
Not sure where to start? The Course Coach inside the app guides you through each step, so you are never stuck on a button.
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Last checked in the app: October 14, 2026.
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