Format Ebook Images for Small Screens and Reflow

Where to start

Place images where they support the surrounding text and keep them legible when the reading area changes. A diagram that works on a desktop may become unreadable on a phone. Decide whether readers need to inspect fine detail or simply understand the overall scene.

Use the original image and keep captions as actual text where possible. For meaningful illustrations, provide alternative text supported by the authoring workflow. A label that says only ‘image’ does not explain the information a reader would miss.

Test images in context

• Insert the image in reading order near the paragraph that introduces it.
• Avoid a fixed width that exceeds a narrow reading area.
• Keep labels large enough to survive scaling, or move detailed information into nearby prose.
• Check captions, alternative text and any references such as ‘Figure 2.’
• Preview on a small screen, at larger type sizes and with a dark reader theme.

Redesign a dense diagram

A balcony plan with twelve tiny annotations may shrink into an illegible rectangle. Split it into an overview and two detail images, or number the areas and explain them in a short list. Do not rely solely on red and green to distinguish conditions; add labels or patterns.

A transparent image can behave differently against a dark background. Inspect the actual result rather than assuming white paper behind it. A visible white panel may be appropriate for a technical diagram if it preserves contrast and makes the information readable.

Check your result

• Essential labels remain readable on a phone.
• Captions do not become detached or misleading.
• Images do not force horizontal scrolling.
• Readers can understand important information without relying only on color.

References and scope

Reference material checked October 28, 2026. The exercises and examples are editorial guidance, not results from a comparative product test. EarnDraft publishes this guide and sells book-creation software.

KDP ebook formatting guide