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Create a Cover - Canva

If you decide not to use KDP or IngramSpark's cover creator, below you find a guide on how to do so using Canva.  Well, the way I do.  Again, like with all my guides, they may not be the best way or the "right" way, but they work for me.  

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Creating a Cover Step by Step on Canva

Alright, so you want to create a professional book cover using Canva? Perfect. I’ll walk you through it step by step using the same process I used for Thorns of Tragedy and Truth. Let’s make sure your cover looks sharp and fits KDP’s requirements without any headaches.

Step 1: Get Your Cover Template from KDP

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Before we jump into Canva, you need to download the correct template for your book size.

  1. Go to KDP’s Cover Calculator

  2. Enter your book details (trim size, paper type, page count)

  3. Click Download Template

  4. Extract the ZIP file and keep the PNG or PDF handy

This template will ensure your cover is sized correctly, including the spine and barcode area.

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Step 2: Open Canva & Set Up Your Cover

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  1. Head to Canva and log in (or create an account).

  2. Click Create a design → Upload

  3. Select your PNG image of the paperback template

  4. Select use in a new design and select custom size

  5. Use the size from the template and input in the dimensions (ensure to switch to the correct units of measurement)

  6. Click create

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Step 3: Upload the KDP Template

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Now that your canvas is ready it is time to design your cover!

What I do, is add elements.  Mainly black squares, which I use to fill the spaces of the template leaving slight markers to the border of the spine and pages, and the barcode area (in a different color so I know not to cover it).  To do this

  1. ​ Click Elements 

  2. Select the black square shape

  3.  Position and drag the shape to cover the template

  4.  To add pictures, click Uploads and add which ever pictures you want for the cover

  5.  Click Text to add text boxes​

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Step 6: Remove the Template & Export

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Before downloading, remove the KDP template layer.

  1. Click on the template image and delete it.

  2. Click Download.

  3. Select PDF Print (best for high-quality publishing).

  4. Make sure Flatten PDF is checked.

  5. Download and double-check everything.

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Step 7: Upload to KDP

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  1. Go back to KDP’s Paperback setup.

  2. Click Upload Cover File.

  3. Select the PDF you just downloaded.

  4. Use KDP’s Previewer to make sure everything aligns.

  5. If it looks good, submit it!

Final Thoughts

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And that’s it! You’ve got a professionally designed book cover ready for publishing. Canva makes it super easy to adjust and tweak, so feel free to experiment with different styles.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Now go create something awesome!

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