The report template can be used for any A4 sized document that requires a front and/or back cover. The template is suitable for spiral binding and is divided as follows:
This template is designed for use in MS Word. You will need to use tools on the drawing toolbar which can be accessed via the View, Toolbars menu. The font used in the template is Arial (the font on most computers). Alternatively use Helvetica font as indicated.
The front cover of the report template is divided into three sections as follows:
The background consists of a coloured box. Although any colour can be used, it is essential to provide enough contrast so that the heading text and logo (both white) are easily legible. Darker colours will make white text stand out more. The colours we recommend (from the standard Word pallette) are the dark and mid-range colours. Use a colour that complements the photo used.
Main heading. This text should be white. Use capitals and lower case, in Arial or Helvetica font, and centre the text.
Subheading. This should also be white. Use capitals (or capitals and lower case if the heading is long).
Use Arial or Helvetica light font, and centre the text. The subheading is optional and should be deleted if not required.
The photo (size 210mm x 145mm should be of a good composition and high enough resolution to print well (ideally pixels: 2560 x 1920, megapixels: 4.9-5.0, resolution: 300dpi). It should be inserted into a text box to help positioning.
Text is optional (can be used for a web address or one line of additional information).
In the template, this box is the same colour as the top section, but a different colour could be used. However, the colour needs to be light enough to see the black text clearly.
Use capitals and lower case, Arial or Helvetica light font, and centre the text.
A coloured box to match the front top section (it looks more professional when the front and back cover are the same colour), with a white logo, covers most of the back page.
Additional white text can also be put in this box, eg address, phone number, email.
Use capitals and lower case, Arial or Helvetica font, and centre the text.
This comprises a coloured box the same size as the bottom front but a different colour. The colour needs to be dark enough to see the white text clearly.
Text is optional (can be used for additional information).
Use capitals, Arial or Helvetica light font, and centre the text.
There is a white surround on the templates which will also appear on the final document. This is because a desktop or Print Services printer does not print to the edge of the page. After printing, the surround can be trimmed manually with the rest of the document, resulting in the final size being slightly smaller than A4.