First impressions are everything; even in the world of yearbooks. A yearbook cover is the first thing anyone sees when they pick it up for the first time. It sets the tone of the yearbook and provides a preview of the story within. That’s why we want to help you design and create the best yearbook cover possible.

yearbook cover

It is essential that the yearbook cover capture the perfect mix of school spirit and have a special uniqueness to it. Was there a saying that students said during the year? Was there a memorable event every student will be able to recall for years to come? A cover design is a critical component to the overall success of the yearbook.

“So how do you make it great?”


First you need to determine your style. It should ultimately match the overall theme and be consistent from the front cover to the back.

YearbookLife’s free Pictavo design program offers a variety of yearbook templates to choose from. If you do decide to go with creating something custom, you may want to browse the internet to find inspiration and get ideas.

Once you have settled on an idea, utilize a designer in your school or perhaps an art teacher that has skills in Photoshop and Illustrator to design and create your yearbook cover. Go over the vision in detail and ask for a few versions utilizing both colors and the logo of your school as well as a version without.

Once complete, utilize social media or create a survey to ask students, teachers, faculty and parents their preference and why.

Don’t rush your yearbook cover. Utilize your yearbook committee and their various ideas and resources for making your yearbook cover one you and your classmates will cherish for decades.