How to Make a Magazine Cover
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Set Up Your Document in InDesign
Open Adobe InDesign.
Create a new document:
Size: 8.5 x 11 inches, portrait orientation.
Margins: Set to 0.5 inches (adjust as needed).
Bleed: Use 0.125 inches to allow the image to extend beyond the edge of the page.
Check the "Facing Pages" option since I'm assuming you'll be designing a full magazine.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Right Image
Select an impactful image with the following criteria:
Clear Background: Minimal distractions to ensure text readability.
Eye Contact: A subject looking directly at the camera.
Dynamic Pose: A visually engaging action or stance.
Color Harmony: Ensure the subject's colors complement or contrast effectively with the text and background.
You can always refer to the examples that I've linked here to see how each of these criterias are utilized in these covers.
Step 2: Preparing the Image in Photoshop to Overlay with Text
Open the image that you're using in Adobe Photoshop:
Use the Select Subject Tool to isolate the subject.
This is usually in the Contextual Task Bar, if you don't have this bar turned on, you can also go to Select > Subject from the top.
It will usually give you a pretty good selection of your subject, but for the most important part of our image (the top) we'll want to refine it.
Refine edges with the Refine Edge Brush Tool, especially around hair or intricate details.
Create two layers:
Background Layer: The full image.
Cutout Layer: Isolated subject.
Save the Photoshop file (.PSD) for import into InDesign.
Note that there's no need to export this as a JPEG or PNG, we will import the native PSD file straight into InDesign. Any changes you make in the Photoshop file will also automatically update in InDesign.
Step 3: Import and Position the Image in InDesign
Return to InDesign and import your .PSD file:
Use File > Place or drag and drop the file into your document.
Adjust the image to fit the page, extending to the bleed margins for a full-bleed effect. Note that this is very important if we want this to print properly.
Right-click the image and select Fitting > Fit Frame Proportionally if needed.
Use the Type Tool in InDesign to create the magazine title:
Choose a Serif Font (e.g., Merriweather, Baskerville, Times New Roman, Garamond, etc.) for a classic look. Here I'm using Baskerville.
Set the title size to approximately 120 pt, adjusting based on your design.
Center-align the text and place it prominently at the top of the cover.
Enhance typography & Selecting Text Color:
Stretch the title text slightly for a professional magazine aesthetic by changing "Vertical Scale" on the top property ribbon to 125%.
Select text colors:
Use the Color Theme Tool (Shift + I) to extract complementary colors from the image.
Choose contrasting or complementary colors to ensure text readability (e.g., yellow for highlights, black/white for base text).
Layer the image:
Duplicate the image layer by copying the image and pasting another one in place. (Right click > Paste in Place)
Place one layer above the text and one below. If you expand your layers, you'll see that there's now 3 items. Make sure your second image layer is on top of the title text layer.
Use Object > Object Layer Options to hide the background of the top image, keeping only the subject visible for a "text-behind-subject" effect.
Step 4: Add Supporting Text and Graphics
Identify blank areas in the design for text placement (e.g., bottom or sides).
Create typographic variations. Here I'm giving you 4 different ones to work with but feel free to make them as simple or as complicated as you need.
Basic Style: Header with descriptive text below.
Highlighted Style: Text with a background color block for emphasis.
In order to get the block, create a text box with the Type Tool (T) and make it center justified while adjusting it to be the correct size.
Click on the text box itself and change the "fill" to your highlight color.
Right click on the box and select "Text Frame Options" and make sure that Vertical Justification is set to "Center".
Page Reference Style: Highlighted number (e.g., "Page 26") with supporting text.
Complete Style: Header, Subheading, and body paragraph. Adjust the color of each to highlight color if it works with your composition.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add a barcode to the corner of the cover to make it resemble a real magazine.
If you don't have your barcode yet, leave space for the barcode or add a placeholder image.
Lock critical layers (e.g., subject layer) to prevent accidental edits.
Double-check alignment, text readability, and overall design balance.
By following these steps, you’ll create a professional and visually appealing magazine cover using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign!
