The cover is the first impression of your yearbook and should reflect the theme and uniqueness of your school year. Before you jump into inspiration and designing, it’s important to make sure you understand cover terminology. Let’s get started with four terms:

Bleed: 

When an element extends past the grid and to the outside edge of the page. This can be used for color, graphics and dominant photos, but never copy.

Spine: 

Area of the yearbook connecting the front and back lids. The name of the school, name of the book, city/state, volume number and year should appear on the spine in a way that reflects the theme.

Crimp: 

Open a yearbook and lay it facedown. On either side of the spine, there’s an area called the crimp. Copy shouldn’t cross over the crimp because of distortion during the production process and repeated opening and closing of the cover.

Wrap: 

Area of the yearbook folding around the binders board that will be covered by the endsheet. If design elements are intended to go into the wrap area, they should extend to the farthest edge, similar to a bleed.

Find resources, ideas and more at ybk.link/cover-prep. 

Be sure to learn all cover terminology and guidelines for submitting your cover. Reference the Before You Submit checklist with a high-res PDF, then check off the boxes.

Watch this eDesign tutorial
before you begin designing your cover. Don’t forget to always let your rep know when you’re ready to submit. 

Need to rewind? All previous Adviser Assistance emails
are available on their own page.

Varsity Yearbook recycles 2,000+ tons of paper
and 200+ tons of aluminum plates every year.