frontpage

A front page is the initial or most prominent page of a publication or website. In traditional print media, the front page is the first page of a newspaper or magazine and serves as the primary entry point for readers. In digital contexts, the front page or homepage is the main landing page of a website and acts as a gateway to other sections, articles, or products.

In newspapers and magazines, the front page typically features the leading headlines, the largest images, and the publication’s name and date. The design emphasizes visual hierarchy to draw attention to the most important news of the day and to establish brand identity.

On the web, the front page or homepage is designed to welcome visitors and guide them to content with clear navigation, fast load times, and accessible layouts. Common elements include a masthead or logo, navigation menus, a hero or featured content area, search functionality, and links to popular sections. Personalization and dynamic content may tailor recommendations or updates to the user.

Terminology varies by region and context. “Front page” is more commonly used for the first page of a print edition or for the top-level page in some publications, while “homepage” is widely used for the main web page. Some discussions also distinguish landing pages, which are entry points designed for specific campaigns.

Historically, the term “FrontPage” refers to a Microsoft web authoring tool released in the 1990s; it was later discontinued as web design software evolved.