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How to Review Your Book Files (Formatting)

Print PDFs show you the fixed layout, while ebook files show you the flexible layout.

When your book is formatted, we’ll provide you with print-ready PDF files and ebook files (.epub). These are the versions that will be uploaded to publishing platforms like KDP.
 
You may notice that we don’t provide “2-page spread view” files, and here’s why: Those files cannot be uploaded to KDP and aren’t useful beyond checking layout.
 
The good news? There are easy, free tools you can use to review your files in the same way readers will experience your book.
 
Reviewing Your Print PDF in Acrobat Reader
Your print-ready PDF is the exact file that will be sent to print. To check how it looks in a book:
  1. Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader (free).
  2. Open your PDF file in Acrobat Reader.
  3. Go to the top menu and select:
    • View > Page Display > Two Page View
    • View > Page Display > Show Cover Page in Two Page View
This way, the pages will display on the correct left/right side, just like they would in a real book.
 
✨Pro tip: Our formatters always ensure your pages are aligned properly for the final published version. If you notice something odd (like a chapter starting on the left when it should be on the right), don’t worry—just reach out to us. We’ll confirm everything is correct for the production files.
 
Reviewing Your Ebook in Kindle Previewer
Ebook files work differently than print PDFs. They’re designed to reflow, meaning the text adapts to different screen sizes (like a Kindle Paperwhite vs. a phone). Because of this:
  • Ebook files are usually in .epub format.
  • You cannot open an .epub in Microsoft Word or Acrobat.
  • You’ll need Kindle Previewer (also free).
Here’s how:
  1. Download and install Kindle Previewer from Amazon’s site.
  2. Open your ebook file (.epub) in Kindle Previewer.
  3. Toggle between different device views (tablet, phone, e-reader) to see how your book will look for readers.
Why is this important? Formatting for ebooks is about making sure the content flows smoothly across devices, rather than locking down exact page layouts.
 
Final Notes
  • No 2-page spreads: Since you’ll upload individual print PDFs and ebooks to KDP, spread files aren’t useful for publishing.
  • Always check both formats: Print PDFs show you the fixed layout, while ebook files show you the flexible layout.
  • Free tools: Acrobat Reader and Kindle Previewer are both free and widely used by publishers.
By reviewing your files this way, you’ll get a clear sense of how your readers will experience your book—whether they’re holding it in their hands or swiping through it on a Kindle.