Writing & StyleStyle guide

Cover Page

A cover page is a designed first-page layer that can present title and other document information. Word provides predesigned cover-page layouts, but academic, institutional and publisher requirements can define a separate title-page standard that must be followed instead.

Quick answer

Use a cover page when the document or template calls for a designed first page. Do not assume a software cover-page template automatically satisfies an academic or publisher title-page specification.

Key details

Core Issuecreating a designed first page without confusing software templates with formal title-page requirements
Registerreports, proposals, resumes and other designed documents

Important caveats

Software Boundary

Word’s cover-page gallery is a product feature; its layouts do not override a required institutional or publisher title-page specification.

Further guidance

Document Role

Use a cover page to present high-level identifying information before the main content when the document type or template calls for one.

Word Behavior

In Word, inserting a cover page creates a dedicated first-page design and the built-in cover page does not display page numbers.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Add a cover page in Word (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Word cover-page insertion behavior and first-page treatment

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