The document outlines the common codes and conventions used on magazine front covers. It describes elements such as the masthead which displays the magazine title, the main image that represents the lead story, and cover lines that advertise additional stories. Other standard elements are tag lines under the masthead, strips listing contents, buzz words to attract attention, and barcodes displaying price and issue information. Overall, the document provides an overview of the typical visual components of a magazine cover and how they are designed to entice readers.

1. Codes and Conventions
of Magazine Front
Covers

2. Strip
Masthead
Main
Images /
Anchorage
Cover
Lines
Main Cover
Line
Barcode
Buzz
Word
Cover
Lines with
small
images

3. Masthead
Main Cover
Line
Tag Line
Main
cover line
Main Image
Cover
Lines

4. Puff
Cover lines
with small
images
Date/
month
/ price
Main Cover
Line
Masthead
Buzz Word
Main Image
Other Cover
Lines
Strip

5. Puff
Masthead
Cover lines
Cover
Lines
Main Image /
Anchorage
Barcode
Main Cover
Line

6. Codes and Conventions of the Magazine
Masthead:
Examples
Masthead:
• It is the title block of a magazine, usually
most eye-catching and has to be distinct.
• It is normally bold and simple to draw
attention of the reader.
• It represents the genre of the magazine.

7. Tag Line: Usually found
underneath the
masthead. Gives
description or highlights
issue.
Strip: Across the top or
bottom containing list of
items which feature in the
magazine. This conveys
that the magazine is full of
interesting stories and the
audience is getting value for
money.

8. Main Image / Anchorage
• Usually features the main story/article of a magazine.
• Medium to close-up shots and represents the genre of the
magazine.
• In the sports magazine the picture is acting as an inspirational tool
to attract teenagers towards cricket by presenting well known
cricketers.
Main Cover Line
• Largest text on cover after title and it anchors the meaning of
the image.
• May contain a sub-line in smaller text giving more information
about the article. It acts as a symbol of attracting the audience
to read the magazine.
Cover Lines
• Lines of text on front cover to draw attention of audience
• These are there to educate audience about what else can be
found in the magazine.
• They are normally written in bold and on the side of magazine
cover

9. Pug and puff
• Puff- offers something else to the magazine
such as free give away.
• Pug-gives promotional offers. It looks like a
sticker on the magazine cover.
Buzz Words
• Usually with the main feature article. They are
used to attract attention such as "Exclusive,
Free, Plus "
Barcode/Price
• Positioned along the right and bottom. Along it
will sometimes be date/month of edition, price,
website and issue number,

10. Header and footer bars: Like a strip, presents
highlights of the magazine. Could have a
slogan, description or added attraction.
Header Bar
Footer Bar