Magazine Features

Magazines share a group of features to match them to a standard magazine layout/format. These features can range slightly between different magazines and publishing companies, however most use them for a familiar reading experience for the consumers.

On the front page, the following features are most common:

• One main image that takes up all of front page
• This attracts the readers attention
• Usually ties in with the main feature article to attract readers 
• Studio photographs usually in medium close-up or mid shot. A studio is used for the environment to be more easily controlled (lighting, background etc.)
• Usually uses direct address (looking directly at you) to draw readers into buying magazine.
• Title (Masthead)
• Trademark, unique font to make it recognisable to readers
• Usually one or two words for memorability. 
• Fills the width of the cover, or is in the top left corner to stand out on cover
• Positioning statement (strap line)
• Puff - offer something else to the magazine such as free giveaways
• Buzz words - Usually with the main feature article. Used to attract attention e.g “Exclusive, free, plus”
• Barcode - This will be positioned at the bottom right, or up the right side.
• Cover line and main cover - Advertising contents etc.
• Strip - across the top or bottom containing lists of items which feature in the magazine so readers can find out whats inside at a quick glance. 
• Colour - small amount used with a simple colour scheme that can vary per issue - often to tie in with the cover shot. This keeps the cover interesting and visually appealing.

• Read - Leads the viewer to tell them where to start reading. Usually shown in large, bold font. 
• Drop capital is very popular with magazines and is used to tell the reader where to start reading from
• Pull quotes, sometimes large to stand out on page
• The name of the article writer
• Usually another photo shown among the text
• Sometimes there could be an icon of some sort to make it noticeable that it is regular content.
• Facts and upcoming important information 
• The headline is the biggest text on the page to attract attention of reader and describe the subject of the article
• Sometimes the double page spread will have an insert
• Quotations within the article