In the professional and academic arenas, many projects require you to create a cover page. Since this is the first thing the reader sees, the cover design should be professional and convey clearly what the content inside is about. The information and elements you include will depend on the type of document you are creating and other specifics of the project. We have numerous cover page templates available in various formats, all of which can be customized to fit your needs.
Cover pages should not be confused with cover letters and cover sheets. A cover letter is typically submitted alongside a resume by job seekers applying for a new position, while a cover sheet is a document you send along with a fax to provide additional information to the recipient. We have hundreds of free resume cover letter templates available here, and several fax cover sheet templates available here.
The style, layout and color spread should be seamlessly blended together in a way that accurately reflects the content inside, and is in keeping with any other specific requirements.
American Psychological Association (APA): Currently in its Sixth Edition, the APA format is typically used in the social sciences field. The APA cover should include a running header, title, author’s name, institution name, and any author notes you want to include. Times New Roman in font size 12 is also recommended.
Modern Language Association (MLA): Currently in its Eighth Edition, the MLA format is typically used in the arts and humanities fields. While this format does not require you to create a cover page, some instructors may still want it. If you are asked for a title page, be sure to follow the specific guidelines you are given.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): Currently in its 16th Edition, the CMS format is also often used in the arts and humanities. In this format, you may be required to create a standalone title page, or you may be asked to include the title on the first page of your text. As always, consult with your instructor for additional formatting guidelines.
For more in-depth APA, MLA, and CMS formatting instructions and other free academic writing resources, check out the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab).
In the corporate world, the cover page design is largely dependent on the nature of the organization and the type of document you are producing. Certain cover pages should be formal and professional, while others may call for more creativity and flare. For example, technical reports that mostly show facts and figures typically have more conservative covers, while business and marketing plans might be more colorful and use attractive imagery that makes the reader feel good about the company. Your title page should identify with the brand, be consistent with the organization’s mission, and follow all pre-set guidelines. Above all, be sure to create a design that will be pleasing to your target audience.
Whether you are creating a magazine, ebook or paperback book cover, a compelling design is essential for the success of the project. The cover is what sells the book, and if it doesn’t immediately grab the attention of potential readers, many will not take the time to read the description and learn what the book is about. Keep in mind that many consumers today shop for books and magazines using electronic formats such as tablets and smartphones, rather than on bookshelves. For this reason, the title should be large and easy to read and the graphics should be professionally designed in a way that allows the reader to connect emotionally with the subject matter. Also make sure any graphic images are easily viewable in thumbnail size, so they can be seen by readers on all devices.
We have an extensive cover page gallery with numerous free template designs you can use. Our cover and title page templates are M.S. Word-based, and can be edited using Microsoft Word, Open Office, or Mac Pages. Find the template that best suits your needs, download it, and quickly get started on your cover page project.
These cover page templates have everything you need to easily put together the title page for your APA-formatted academic report. Each title page contains a running head, Times New Roman size 12 font, and the correct spacing requirements for the information you need to insert. From standard and typical APA formats to formats with multiple authors and multiple affiliations, we provide a wide range of options to fit your requirements.
Whether you need a cover page for an annual financial report, marketing report, business proposal or any other type of corporate project, our report cover page templates can help put the best face on your project. Each template is formal, professional and designed to impress your audience.
Looking for a cover that allows you to showcase your creativity? Our cover page design templates provide several options that can be used as they are or as a starting point to create a more unique design. These designs feature stylish images and fashionable color schemes blended seamlessly to help tell your story. They can be used for more creative projects such as magazine and book covers, brochures, and family scrapbooks.