If you’re a self-publisher creating books for Amazon KDP and prefer using Google Docs instead of Word or InDesign, you’ve likely run into a frustrating problem: Google Docs doesn’t let you easily resize your document to KDP’s required trim sizes.
But don’t worry — whether you're formatting a paperback, a hardcover, or even a large print edition, there's now an easy way to resize your document with just one click.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to resize your Google Doc for KDP, why it matters, and how the KDP Doc Sizer™ Add-On simplifies everything.
Why Resizing Matters for KDP
Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) requires that your manuscript match the selected trim size (e.g. 6" x 9", 5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11", etc.). If your document is off even slightly, it will be rejected or look unprofessional in print.
Google Docs doesn’t offer preset book sizes, and manually adjusting margins and page dimensions can be time-consuming — especially if you need to resize for different formats (paperback, hardcover, large print).
This is where the KDP Doc Sizer™ Add-On helps: it provides one-click resizing for dozens of KDP-approved sizes, including standard and large print, with built-in support for inches and centimeters.
How to Manually Resize a Google Doc for KDP (The Hard Way)
If you try to format your book using only the built-in File > Page setup menu in Google Docs, you’ll quickly run into a wall.
Google Docs does not include standard KDP book sizes like 6" x 9", 5.5" x 8.5", or 8.25" x 11". In fact, it only offers a handful of preset paper sizes (Letter, A4, etc.) — and while you can enter some custom dimensions, the options are limited.
To “manually” format for KDP, you’d have to:
- Download a KDP MS Word template (for your trim size) from Amazon’s website or a paid sized template, e.g. from Etsy.
- Upload the template into Google Docs or copy/paste your manuscript into it.
- Convert it to Google Docs format by duplicating it as "Open in Google Docs"
- Delete the old MS Word version
- Adjust the content to fit the page and margins inside the template.
- Repeat this process for every new book size or project.
- Hope it exports correctly for KDP’s print preview, since Docs doesn't support true print-size locking.
It’s time-consuming, doesn’t save your settings, and offers no confirmation that you’ve done it correctly — especially across different print sizes.
That’s why many authors who prefer Google Docs either give up and switch to MS Word, or struggle through repeated trial and error — unless they use a tool built for this exact purpose.
How to Resize a Google Doc for KDP (The Easy Way)
With the KDP Doc Sizer™ Add-On, you can resize your document in two clicks. Plus, the add-on is available in all your Google Docs after you've installed it.
Here’s how:
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Open your Google Doc and go to
Extensions > KDP Doc Sizer > Open. -
Choose your format — e.g. “6 x 9 Paperback” and click once. Done.
The page size updates automatically, and the add-on even tells you what size is currently applied.
👉 Install KDP Doc Sizer™ for Free
What Trim Sizes Are Available?
Free users can access standard paperback and hardcover sizes, such as:
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5 x 8"
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5.5 x 8.5"
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6 x 9"
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6.14 x 9.21"
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8.25 x 11"
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8.5 x 11"
Premium users unlock additional features like:
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Large Print formats (8.5 x 11", 7 x 10")
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Custom page sizes
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Custom margins
See the full feature comparison
Privacy & How It Works Behind the Scenes
When you choose a size in the sidebar, the add-on uses the Google Docs API to:
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Update
DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody().setPageHeight()and.setPageWidth()values. -
Apply predefined or custom margin sizes.
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Display a confirmation message with the applied settings.
Because the add-on only requires access to the current document (not your entire Drive), it’s secure and privacy-focused.
Free With Optional Upgrade - Transparent Pricing
If you decide to upgrade, you can do so in one minute, and payment is handled via Stripe. You can choose either:
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Monthly plan: $4.99/month
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One-time purchase: $29.99
Once upgraded, the premium features unlock automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this with large print books?
Yes. The Premium version supports several large print formats used by educators, seniors, and workbook authors.
Does it work with Google Docs on mobile?
Currently, Google restricts sidebar functionality to desktop. You’ll need to use it on a computer.
Is the free version really free forever?
Yes. No trial, no upsells — you can resize standard paperback and hardcover books for free.
Final Thoughts
Formatting for Amazon KDP doesn’t need to involve Word templates, endless adjustments, or fiddling with margins. Whether you’re writing a novel, workbook, journal, or children’s book, KDP Doc Sizer™ saves time and eliminates mistakes — so you can focus on what matters most: writing and publishing.
👉 Get KDP Doc Sizer™ in the Google Workspace Marketplace