How to export for Etsy digital downloads
This shows you how to export a smaller, optimized PDF suitable for selling as a digital download on Etsy.
Before you start
- Your book must have completed pages.
- Etsy digital downloads have a 20MB file size limit per listing file.
Steps
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Open your book from My Books.
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Click the Download button in the book editor toolbar.
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Select Etsy PDF.
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Wait 1-2 minutes for the PDF to generate.
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The PDF opens in a new tab. Save it and upload to your Etsy listing as a digital download file.
How it differs from the KDP PDF
| KDP PDF | Etsy PDF | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 DPI | 150 DPI |
| Blank pages | Yes (backing pages) | No |
| File size | Large (50-200MB) | Small (under 20MB) |
| Bleed | Included | Not included |
| Use case | Print-on-demand upload | Customer downloads and prints at home |
What to expect
A compact PDF under 20MB with all your book pages in sequence — no blank backing pages, no bleed margins. Customers can print these at home on standard paper or at a print shop.
Common issues
PDF is still over 20MB For books with 40+ pages, the Etsy export compresses images further. If it's still too large, split the book into two volumes or reduce page count.
Image quality looks lower than KDP export That's expected — Etsy exports use 150 DPI (vs 300 for KDP) to meet the file size limit. At standard home printing, the difference is minimal.