KDP cover setup · Updated 2026-05-30
KDP right-to-left cover layout guide
Plan KDP right-to-left paperback cover spread order, front/back placement, spine position, and barcode side before exporting a cover guide.
Reading direction changes the spread order
For left-to-right paperbacks, the full cover spread is normally back cover on the left, spine in the center, and front cover on the right. KDP states that for right-to-left content, the front cover is placed to the left of the spine and the back cover to the right. Barcode placement also changes.
LTR versus RTL planning map
Do not mirror only the cover art at the last minute. Set reading direction before placing front-cover art, back-cover copy, author bio, barcode, and spine text.
| Reading direction | Left of spine | Right of spine | Barcode planning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left-to-right | Back cover | Front cover | Lower area of the back cover on the left panel |
| Right-to-left | Front cover | Back cover | Lower area of the back cover on the right panel |
How to use the calculator for RTL books
Switch reading direction before checking the preview. The physical size formula does not change, but panel labeling and barcode placement do. Recheck all back-cover text and barcode-safe regions after changing direction.