Key conventions of a magazine front cover

There are a few features in which you would find on a front cover of a magazine. These includes:

• The main image. The main image usually dominates the front cover. it is usually a medium close up or a close up shot. The main image can cover the masthead or placed behind it. 

• Barcode. The barcode is usually located at the front of the front cover  so that it is more visible.

• Coverlines. A coverline is usually one or two words explaining whats in the magazine. They are usually coloured and bold. They are also normally in large text so that it attracts the readers attention.

• Masthead. The masthead can be located at the top of the masthead, it is usually in a very unique font or design and takes up most of the front cover after the main image. It is usually one or two words and it represents the magazine company.

• Puff. A puff is something extra like an advert in which readers may be able to win free gifts.

• The main coverline. The main coverline goes with the the main image, and can relate to it. it anchors it to its meaning.