KDP CoverLab vs Amazon's Cover Creator

Amazon gives you a free cover tool built into KDP. Here's what it can and can't do — and when you need something more.

Quick comparison

Feature	KDP CoverLab Pro	Amazon KDP Cover Creator
Custom background images	✅ Upload anything	❌ Templates only
Custom fonts & text styling	✅ Full control	⚠ Limited presets
Back cover design	✅ Full designer	⚠ Basic text only
Hardcover support	✅ Case laminate	❌ Paperback only
Download cover for other use	✅ Your file, your rights	❌ KDP-only, no download if stock used
eBook cover	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Export formats	PNG, PDF, JPEG, TIFF	PDF only
Spine width auto-calc	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Price	Free tier · $4.99 for 10 credits · $9.99/mo · $99/yr unlimited	Free (built into KDP)

What Amazon's Cover Creator does well

It's free and it's integrated directly into the KDP publishing workflow. Spine width and resolution are handled automatically. If you need a basic cover quickly and aren't picky about design, it gets the job done with no external tools.

Where it falls short

Amazon's Cover Creator is intentionally limited. You can't upload custom background images if you want to use their stock photos — and if you do use stock, you can't download the cover file for use anywhere else (no social media, no other retailers, no marketing materials). The template selection is small, text styling is basic, and there's no hardcover support at all.

The back cover is especially restrictive. You can add a description, but you can't control layout, add custom images, or design the back cover the way you'd want for a professional-looking book.

When to use each tool

Use Amazon's Cover Creator if you're publishing your first book, want something quick and free, and don't need hardcover or marketing materials. Use KDP CoverLab Pro when you want a professional-quality cover you fully own and can use anywhere — especially for hardcover editions, multi-format exports, and back cover design.

🏆 Bottom line

Amazon's Cover Creator is a fine starting point for absolute beginners. But most authors outgrow it quickly once they want custom artwork, hardcover editions, or covers they can use for marketing beyond Amazon. KDP CoverLab Pro fills that gap without the cost of hiring a designer.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓Is Amazon's Cover Creator really free?

Yes, it's free and built into KDP. However, if you use their stock images, you can't download the cover file or use it outside of Amazon. If you upload your own images, you can download the PDF.

❓Can I switch from Cover Creator to KDP CoverLab Pro?

Yes. You can upload any new cover file to replace the one created with Cover Creator. Just make sure the dimensions match your book's trim size and page count — KDP CoverLab Pro calculates these automatically.

❓Does KDP CoverLab Pro work for hardcover?

Yes — and that's one of the biggest differences. Amazon's Cover Creator doesn't support hardcover at all. KDP CoverLab Pro supports full case laminate hardcover with wrap, hinge channel, and board overhang geometry.

Try KDP CoverLab Pro free

Design your cover, preview it with KDP's exact specs, and export when you're ready. No credit card required.

🚀 Create Your Cover Free