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.
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
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.
Practical Application
First determine whether the document needs a designed cover page, a formal title page, or neither. Follow the document template or publisher/institution specification for required title, author, date, branding, and other elements.
Reader Check
Are you meeting the actual document specification rather than assuming a software-generated cover template satisfies it?
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.
Worked Example
A business proposal may use a branded cover with project title, client, date, and company mark, while a thesis may require a separately specified institutional title page.
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.
- Add a cover page in Word (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Word cover-page insertion behavior and first-page treatment