Low-content books like journals, planners, notebooks, and workbooks are a popular way to earn passive income on Amazon KDP. Unlike novels, these books don’t require long manuscripts, but they do need professional-looking interiors. Canva, a free and easy-to-use design tool, makes this process simple for beginners.
In this guide, we will show you how to design a low-content book interior in Canva, step by step. We will also cover best practices, tips for KDP, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is a Low-Content Book?
A low-content book is a type of book that has minimal text and focuses on interactive or fillable content. Examples include:
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Journals
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Planners
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Notebooks
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Coloring books
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Logbooks
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Workbooks
These books are easy to create and sell because they don’t require complex writing, but formatting the interior properly is essential for professionalism.
Related: Guide to Selling Printables Online
Why Canva is Ideal for Low-Content Book Interiors
Canva is beginner-friendly and comes with many advantages:
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Drag-and-drop interface: No design skills needed.
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Templates: Pre-made layouts for journals, planners, and notebooks.
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Custom dimensions: Set page sizes to match KDP requirements.
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Export options: Download as PDF for KDP upload.
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Free and premium elements: Access to fonts, lines, grids, and shapes.
Step 1: Plan Your Low-Content Book Interior
Before opening Canva, plan your book carefully:
Determine Your Book Size
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Popular KDP sizes: 6x9 inches, 7x10 inches, 8.5x11 inches.
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Your interior design must match the trim size.
Decide on Page Count
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Low-content books typically have 50–200 pages.
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For journals, 100 pages is a common choice.
Identify Your Book Type
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Journal, planner, or logbook?
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Each type has a specific layout style.
Step 2: Set Up Canva for KDP
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Go to Canva.com and log in.
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Click Create a Design → Custom Size.
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Enter dimensions in inches (e.g., 6x9 inches).
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Select PDF Print as the file type for high-quality export.
Tip: Always set a 0.125-inch bleed for print books to avoid content being cut off.
Step 3: Create a Template for Your Pages
Use Grids and Guides
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Grids help align elements consistently across pages.
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Canva allows you to add lines, boxes, and frames to maintain structure.
Add Page Elements
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For journals: add lined pages, dotted grids, or blank spaces.
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For planners: add calendars, checklists, and tables.
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For logbooks: include rows and columns for tracking data.
Maintain Consistency
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Use the same fonts, line styles, and colors throughout the book.
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Avoid cluttering pages with too many decorative elements.
Step 4: Add Text and Fonts
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Use simple, readable fonts like Arial, Lato, or Montserrat.
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For headers, you can use bold or decorative fonts, but limit fancy fonts to titles only.
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Keep font size between 10–14 pt for body text.
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Align text properly using Canva’s alignment tools.
Step 5: Include Interactive Features
Even though your book is print-based, you can still create interactive designs:
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Checkboxes for planners and to-do lists.
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Numbered rows for trackers or habit logs.
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Spaces for reflections or notes.
Tip: Use Canva shapes and lines for clean, consistent layouts.
Step 6: Duplicate Pages for Full Book Interior
Once your first page template is ready:
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Duplicate the page multiple times to fill the book.
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Modify small elements for variety (like different checklists or prompts).
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Keep page numbering consistent (if applicable).
Step 7: Export Your Canva Interior for KDP
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Click Share → Download → PDF Print.
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Check “Crop marks and bleed” if your book has edge-to-edge designs.
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Ensure the file size does not exceed KDP limits (50MB for standard uploads).
Step 8: Upload to Amazon KDP
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Log in to your KDP dashboard.
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Create a new paperback or hardcover book.
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Upload your interior PDF.
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Preview using KDP’s online previewer to check for errors.
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Adjust margins, page order, or spacing if necessary.
Best Practices for Low-Content Book Interiors
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Minimalist design: Less clutter, easier to read.
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Consistency: Use the same fonts, colors, and margins.
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Bleed awareness: Extend background elements to the bleed line.
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High-quality elements: Avoid pixelated images or lines.
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Test print: Always order a proof copy to check layout and readability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Misaligned elements that cut off during printing.
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Fonts too small or decorative fonts for body text.
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Forgetting bleed or margin guidelines.
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Using low-resolution images.
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Forgetting to preview the PDF before uploading.
Additional Tips for Success
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Use Canva templates: They save time and maintain professional layouts.
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Mix page styles: For journals, combine lined pages with prompt pages.
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Add a cover page: Even a simple cover enhances appeal.
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Research competitors: Look at top-selling low-content books for inspiration.
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Include internal links: If selling digital versions, clickable links enhance usability.
Related: Amazon KDP Book Formatting for Beginners
Why Designing Interiors Matters
The interior of your book affects:
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Reader experience: Clean layouts make your book enjoyable.
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Sales potential: Professional designs attract more buyers.
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Reviews: Neat formatting reduces complaints and negative feedback.
Even low-content books need careful attention to design, not just the cover.
Conclusion
Designing a low-content book interior in Canva is easy, affordable, and beginner-friendly. By planning carefully, using templates, maintaining consistency, and following KDP guidelines, you can create professional-quality interiors that sell.
Remember: your interior is just as important as your cover. Take time to design it properly, and your readers will appreciate the effort.
Next Step: Learn How to Sell Printables Online to leverage your Canva-designed interiors for extra income.
