The 4 Fs

The four Fs are what are used to identify main parts of the covers of magazines. They are as follows:

Format

The design and layout choices to span every copy of each magazine. The format is what defines the overall appearance of the magazine; it is important that the format is the same each issue to ensure continuity and so as not to confuse customers. The format includes the logo, cover lines, size (of the magazine), and department headers.

Formula

Another word for the formula of the magazine is 'editorial content'. It is an overall term for what is covered and inside the magazine- the type of each article and sections contribute to the overall Formula of the magazine.

Frame

The margins and gutters around the cover of the magazine are known as the Frame. Some magazines use the same size and width of margins on each of their issues, which become part of the Format. The frame establishes consistency across all of the issues.

Function

The function of the magazine is the message that it is trying to put across to its readers- it has to show the target audience, genre(s) covered, etc.