coverbilder

Coverbilder are the images shown on the front cover of a media item, used across print and digital formats to identify and market the item. In German-language publishing and media industries, the term refers to the visual on the cover of books, magazines, albums, films, and software. The cover image is chosen to convey the genre, tone, and content and to support the branding of the author, publisher, or catalog, often combining photography, illustration, typography, and layout elements.

In print, coverbilder appear on dust jackets for hardcovers, book jackets, magazine covers, and vinyl or CD sleeves. In digital contexts, they accompany catalog listings, streaming services, and e-commerce product pages. They must work at various sizes and resolutions, with considerations such as legibility of the title, color contrast, and how the image crops for thumbnails or mobile displays. Common digital formats include JPEG and PNG, while print requires higher resolution and proper color management.

Creation and rights: coverbilder are typically produced by photographers, illustrators, or design studios under licensing agreements. Copyright and licensing determine how the image may be used, reproduced, and redistributed. Providing accessible design, including alt text for screen readers, is increasingly standard.

Historical context: the concept has long existed in publishing, but the visual language of coverbilder evolved with dust jackets in the 20th century and with the rise of digital catalogs, where cover art also supports searchability, branding, and discoverability.

See also: book cover, album cover, dust jacket.