How to fix a PDF page size that doesn't match your trim size
Updated October 31, 2026 · Amazon KDP · IngramSpark · Barnes & Noble Press · Lulu
Every printer checks that your PDF pages are exactly the size of the book you ordered. Off by a fraction of an inch is still a rejection.
The error: “Interior page size does not match the trim size selected”
Interior page size does not match the trim size selected
Paraphrased. KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press and Lulu each word this differently.
Other ways people search for this error
- “Page size does not match trim size”
- “Manuscript size does not match trim size”
- “PDF page size wrong for KDP”
Quick fix: SparkPrep scans your cover and interior against the exact platform rules, pinpoints the issue, and fixes it for you with one click.
Why you get “Interior page size does not match the trim size selected”
When you set up your book you choose a trim size, like 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9". Your interior PDF has to be that exact size. Word and Google Docs start at letter size (8.5" x 11"), so a book typed there and saved as PDF is the wrong size unless you change it.
If your interior has pictures that run to the edge (bleed), KDP wants the page 0.125" wider and 0.25" taller than the trim size. Without bleed, the page is exactly the trim size.
How to fix “Interior page size does not match the trim size selected” manually (the hard way)
If you want to try adjusting the files yourself, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Open your manuscript in Word, Google Docs or InDesign.
- Go to Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes (Word) and type your exact trim size, for example 6" x 9". If your book has bleed, add 0.125" to the width and 0.25" to the height.
- Scroll through the whole book: pictures, tables and page breaks will have moved. Put them back.
- Re-export as a PDF. Don't use "Fit to page" or "Shrink to fit" when you save it.
- Re-upload it to your printer and wait for the file review again. If it fails, you start over.
Step by step in your app
Microsoft Word
- Layout → Size → More Paper Sizes.
- Enter your trim width and height (add 0.125" to the width and 0.25" to the height only if your book has bleed).
- Set Apply to: Whole document.
- Re-check page breaks, then File → Save As → PDF.
Google Docs
- File → Page setup → Paper size → Custom, and enter your trim size.
- File → Download → PDF document.
Adobe InDesign
- File → Document Setup: set the page size to your trim size.
- Export with File → Export → Adobe PDF (Print).
You can fix this by hand with the steps above. Or drop your file into SparkPrep and let it find the problem and fix it for you, in minutes. Try it on your file.
How to fix it instantly (the SparkPrep way)
If you don't have expensive design software, or you just want to get your book published without the headache, let SparkPrep handle it.
SparkPrep was built by a self-published author whose own book was rejected 18 times. It checks your files against the exact print rules Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press and Lulu publish.
When you upload your file to SparkPrep:
- We automatically scan for page size, bleed, spine width, safety margins, ink coverage and embedded fonts.
- We explain any hidden errors in plain English.
- We fix what can be fixed automatically, tell you exactly what's left, and export a print-ready PDF/X-1a, checked again before you download it.
Stop fighting the bots. Drop your file into SparkPrep today and get back to marketing your book!
Fix my page sizeWhat it costs to get this fixed
| Hire a professional interior formatter | SparkPrep | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $800 | One price per book for the cover, the inside pages, or both |
| Time | Book a freelancer, wait for their schedule, then go back and forth on changes | Upload and get your fixed, print-ready files in minutes |
| Printer check | Depends on the freelancer | Checked against your printer's own rules, every time |
Freelancer prices are Reedsy's own published figures (source). A great designer is worth it for original artwork. If you just need your files right for the printer, you don't need to pay designer prices.
Quick answers
What size should my interior PDF be?
Exactly your trim size, such as 6 by 9 inches. If your interior has bleed, KDP wants it 0.125 inch wider and 0.25 inch taller.
Why is my Word PDF the wrong size?
Word starts every document at letter size (8.5 by 11 inches). Change the paper size to your trim size before saving as PDF.
More guides
- How to fix "font cannot be embedded because of licensing restrictions"
- How to fix the "font not embedded" error in your book PDF
- How to fix "interior content extends outside the safety area"
- How to fix a KDP margin error (with the gutter table)
- All guides
SparkPrep is an independent tool and is not affiliated with Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble Press or Lulu.