Borító

Borító is the Hungarian term for the outer covering of an object, used to protect and decorate. In publishing and media the word most often denotes the cover of a book, magazine, or notebook, but it also applies to record sleeves, DVDs, CDs, and video games. A borító generally includes the front cover, back cover, and spine, and on hardbound editions may incorporate a dust jacket.

For books, the borító serves protection and marketing. The front cover typically shows the title, author, and artwork; the back cover offers a synopsis, blurbs, and publication data; the spine supports identification on shelves. Materials range from simple paper and cardboard to cloth or leather bindings for special editions.

Dust jackets are detachable paper wrappers used on many hardbacks. They provide extra protection, prevent wear, and carry promotional text such as reviews and author bios. Some markets favor jackets for aesthetic reasons, while others print the design directly on the case.

Design considerations include legibility, typography, color, imagery, and consistency with the publisher's branding. A closely designed borító can signal genre, set reader expectations, and influence purchasing decisions. It also conveys essential bibliographic information, including title, author, and publisher.

With digital publishing, cover art remains central for e-books and digital media. Online catalogs display covers as thumbnails, and responsive design requires readability on small screens. The cover also supports discoverability through metadata and search optimization.

In Hungarian publishing culture, borító design reflects local aesthetics and market conventions. Collectors often value original editions with distinctive covers, and reissues or translations may feature redesigned borító art to mark new editions.