Frequently Asked Questions

To remove red eye, crop or edit your photo prior to uploading it to the YourCover design system, open your photo using Microsoft Picture Manager. This program can be found under Microsoft Office Tools in the "All Programs" list of your Start Menu.

After opening your photo, click on "Edit Picture" in the toolbar.
A series of tools will appear in the right side bar: Brightness & Contrast, Color, Crop, Rotate & Flip, Red Eye Removal.
Choose the tool you need, make your revisions, save and upload.

Cropping Your Photo

Though you think it might be helpful, don't pre-crop your photo using your computer photo-editing software prior to uploading it to the YourCover design system. When you use a photo that has already been cropped, you may be limiting the way your headlines can appear, and possibly make your photo look blurry. Using a crisp and un-cropped photo is the way to go! (Remember, the best resolution is 1024 x 1280.)

After you have uploaded your photo in Step #2, you can edit your photo using the size, move, rotate, flip image, black & white & masthead options found the bottom and to the left while creating your magazine cover.

How do I determine if my photo is of good quality for the magazine cover?

We recommend a pixel size of 1024 x 1280 for your picture and an 800 pixel width is the minimum size for uploading. If you do not know how to locate the pixel size of your photo, follow these steps:

In WINDOWS:

Right-click on the picture when viewing it in your photo program
Select Properties
Look under 'Summary' for the height & width [dimensions] in pixels.

On MAC:

Click the picture and 'Get Info' (Command-I).
Click 'More info' and look under 'Dimensions' for the height & width in pixels.

How do I upload my photo?

Please follow the steps below to upload your photo into your magazine cover:

After you have chosen your magazine cover template, click on the BROWSE button under "Step #2: upload your photo"
A window will open to locate your photo file
Click on the file you would like to upload then click OPEN
Now click on UPLOAD under Step #2: upload photo
Please wait while your photo uploads to your magazine cover

Adding/Changing Photo Prior to Ordering If later on down the road you are not satisfied with your front cover photo, you can change it!

After logging in you will be on your My Covers page, click on the magazine cover in which you would like to upload a new photo and it will appear in the magazine cover generator.
Click on STEP 2: UPLOAD IMAGE
Upload the new image

*Photos cannot be changed after ordering. A new order will be required.*

What if my photo looks blurry?

If you think it looks semi-blurry or you are absolutely positive that it is blurry, your best bet is to upload a different photo. If it looks blurry on your monitor, it will look blurry when printed. If you had cropped the photo significantly to zoom in on just one person, try to re-crop and add more of the image onto the front cover. However, please feel free to give us a call and we can view the image in our system and give you advice on proceeding.

Troubleshooting Photo Upload Issues - .JPG error

A common problem users have is that there file type is being 'denied' by the system. The design system prefers jpg files - important - make sure the file extension name is ".jpg" in lower case not ".JPG" or "JPEG". We keep fixing the glitch so it should accept the file if it is in upper case but sometimes it reverts back - weird. To change the file type name, just right click on the file, click 'rename' in the box that pops up and change it to lower case.

We cannot accept bitmap files (.bmp) or pdf files (.pdf). You can change your file to a jpg by saving it as one.

Can't Get Your Photo to Upload? - Uploading Photos

Uploading a photo to the design system is probably the hardest part of designing your magazine cover. For the web-savvy it is no big deal but if you're not all that familiar with digital photography it can be frustrating.

You need a photo with a high resolution - we recommend 1024 x 1280 and the minimum acceptable width is 800 pixels. Just because it looks good on your computer screen doesn't mean it will look good when printed at 8" x 10" (or on a poster at 18" x 24"). Photos from Facebook or that you download from a friend's online photo account won't be at a high enough resolution. Check your photo's resolution by right clicking on the photo and looking under properties (you can also open it in a photo application like Microsoft Office Picture Manager or Paint to see the properties/attributes).

How do I scan photos to use for my gift?

Scan a photo - if you want to use an older photo from the pre-digital days; make sure you scan it at a minimum dpi of 300. (DPI means dots per inch and indicates how many dots of color are in each inch of the photo) Also, if you are only using a small portion of a 4x6 photo, scan it as a 5 x 7 or an 8 x10 so that when you crop into a small portion it is still at a high resolution. Some scanners will allow you to scan just a portion of your photo so you can crop the image you want to see on the magazine cover prior to uploading it. Always remember to scan only the photo, not the entire scanning bed. If you do not have the proper equipment, bring it to your local photo shop, or stores such as FedEx Office, Wal-Mart, Target or Staples that offer scanning services.

Silverlight Installation Issues

Why do I have to install Silverlight? Is it safe? Where can I download it?

Silverlight is a plug in from Microsoft. It is a program that is similar to Adobe Flash and it allows our platform (cover editor) to update in real time the changes you make to the magazine covers that you are creating. The plug in is totally safe and is used by sites such as Netflix and eBay. You can find the download here (http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/)

Page keeps saying Silverlight is not installed but I just installed it (troubleshooting).

Silverlight does not work on iPads or in the Chrome browser on a Mac. When troubleshooting please try the following:
Close your browser & reopen.
Try a different browser.
Shut down and restart your computer.
For Macs, you will find support from Microsoft here (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/981760) and for PC's you will find it here (http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight)

How Do I Create a YourCover Magazine Cover?

Do you offer full magazines with the inside pages?

No, we do not offer inside pages to our magazine cover. Our magazine cover is printed on a single piece of 8" x 10" high quality, glossy photo paper.

I am not familiar with how this works…

With YourCover personalized magazine covers, you create your own personalized magazine cover using our magazine cover generator. Everything is done online; you upload your own photo, personalize your headlines according to the person you are making it for and then place your order when you are finished!

Start by clicking the orange CREATE YOURCOVER NOW button on the homepage and follow our easy steps, and get creative! We have default headlines for each occasion, so you don't have to think of your own from scratch!

What are the purchase options?

See our Gift Ideas page for details.

Do you offer invitations?

Your personalized magazine cover can be made into an invitation by including who, what, where, when and all other details within your magazine cover headlines! We do not offer any other size options other than the 8 ½ x 11 jpg photo file download or photo print. If this size is too big for you, simply re-save your image files in a smaller size. You can also work with your local printing store [FedEx Office or Staple's], to help you get it down to the appropriate size.

What size are the prints available in?

Our individual cover prints are printed on 8" x 10" advanced glossy photo paper.

How to Use the Headline Suggestion Tool…

YES! We do give text suggestions for your front cover headlines! It's ok if you didn't see it on the design page, it can be easily missed. It is located under the 'Choose a Custom Color' in the green box, called 'Headline Ideas.'

To use this handy tool, click on any one of your headlines, then click on 'Headlines Ideas.' It will display topics related to what you would like to say. For example: age, animals, relationships, sports, shopping, and more! Click on the topic that best suits you and a window will pop up. This window contains your text hints! Just click on INSERT and the phrase will insert right into the text box. Personalize our text hint so it relates to your magazine cover and click UPDATE to make your change official!

What To Do If The Headline Is Over Someone's Face?

If your headlines are appearing over people's faces, then here's what you should do.

Choose the headline that is covering the person's face & click and drag to a different location.
If that does not seem to help, you can also use the photo edits [size, move, rotate, masthead, etc] to adjust the photo to move it away from beneath the headlines.

Busy Background? What Font to Use...

If you are having a hard time trying to find the right font for your busy background, keep in mind of the basic rule of your magazine cover. You want a font that people can read! At this point it is not about how it looks because if your photo is busy, chances are your font and font color will blend in with the background. Choose a font that is bold and large to come through your busy background [Verdana, Comic Sans MS, & Century Gothic] and try them in bold as well. Also increasing the font size will help contrast your text against the busy background. Keep playing around with the suggested fonts, as well as the many colors (white often works well), and I'm sure you will find the one that matches perfectly! Don't worry though, we do review orders prior to printing and if your text is illegible, you will be contacted.

White is Not Vanilla

White is not boring! Though you may think you are being 'uncreative' by choosing such a 'vanilla-flavored' color - think again - the color white really pops off most photo backgrounds. If you have a dark background or a busy background in your photo, white might be your best choice for being able to read your clever headlines.

Ordering a Magazine Cover

Can I stop working on my personalized magazine covers and come back later?

Yes. Just be sure to click "save yourcover for later" under "next steps" in the orange box to be able to save your magazine cover to edit at a later date.

Why does YourCover need my email address to log into my account?

This is a unique way to identify your account and enable you to log in and out of our site with ease. You won't be bombarded by emails; but we may contact you to remind you to finish an incomplete project. We do not sell or give customers' email addresses to third parties for any commercial purpose.

When I create a magazine cover, why must I turn off my pop-up blocker?

Almost all our directions, tips and hints are placed in pop-ups. If you do not turn it off or add www.YourCover.com to your allowable-sites list, you will not be able to use the text-guidance system or view any hints and tips. You may have more than one type of pop-up blocker. Check your virus protection software, your operating system software and your internet software (i.e., if you use toolbars from Google, AOL or Yahoo, check for their pop-up blockers).

How long does it take to get to me after I order?

Your personalized magazine covers will be professionally printed on advanced glossy photo paper within 2 business days of order placement. Our FedEx Ground and United States Postal Service shipment service delivers your personalized magazine covers within another 1-5 days. However, when shipping by 1st Class USPS there is no guarantee your package will arrive within a set amount of time. To ensure timely delivery, place your order at least 10 days before your event. 2-day and overnight shipping is available as well as Priority Mail.

How long does it take to make a YourCover?

Well, there is no official answer for this question! It all depends on how much time you would like to spend designing your magazine cover. :o) You can be super quick and design your magazine cover in as little as 10 minutes by making minimal changes to the default headlines, colors and fonts that automatically appear on your magazine cover. But if you want to get super creative it can take more time as you gather photos, play with the font and colors, and re-write the headlines on your magazine cover. So it really depends on your creative style and how much time you would like to spend. (If you are interested in delivery times, see the previous question.)

Using your Credit Card. How and why you're safe...

YourCover has encrypted communication using an SSL certificates from GeoTrust® which is the ultimate online security and trust solution delivering both 256-bit encryption and the True Site trust mark providing third-party website identity validation.

Sites secured with GeoTrust's SSL certificates are utilizing the highest level of encryption or security possible. This means you can rest assured that communications (e.g. credit card numbers) between your browser and this site's web servers are private and secure when the SSL session is activated during the ordering process.

Do You Accept Checks?

No, YourCover does not accept checks. We accept payment through Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Can I Re-order?

Please follow these instructions to re-order your personalized magazine cover:

Sign In (the link can be found at the very top right of every page on the site).
Click 'Purchase History'
Click 'Re-Order' underneath your order number to order the necessary items

Multiple Copies

If you would like more copies of your personalized magazine cover, you can order them at the same time and same price as your individual front or front and back cover print or you can re-order later. If you are looking to place a bulk order [ie 30 or more], please inquire at support@yourcover.com.

When I purchase the download, am I able to print off as many copies as I want?

Yes! When you have purchased your download, your personalized magazine is yours and you can print off as many copies as you need.

What size is the download available in?

The photo file download comes as an 8 ½ x 11 JPG photo file.

Shipping Information

What types of shipping are available, and what are the costs and delivery times?

Shipping Method	Cost	Tracking & Delivery Time	Available For:
Instant Download	n/a	Instantaneous – download available instantly upon purchase	All Magazine Cover Designs
USPS 1st Class Mail	Free	No tracking, 1 – 15 business days	Only for prints shipped within USA (no frames or accessories)
USPS Priority Mail	$5.05+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, 2-3 business days, delivery date not guaranteed	Prints and/or frames within USA (no accessories)
FedEx Ground	$5.00+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, 1 – 5 business days – No Saturday delivery	Prints and/or frames within USA (no accessories)
FedEx 2-Day	$12+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, 2 business days guaranteed – No Saturday delivery	Prints and/or frames within USA (no accessories)
FedEx Overnight	$12+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, next business day delivery guaranteed – No Saturday delivery	Prints and/or frames within USA (no accessories)
Accessory Shipments & -shipment method varies depending on your location, rush & international shipping are NOT available	$5.35 for 1st item, $1.95 for each add'l item	Tracking # given, 1-5 business days	Canvas Prints, mugs, mouse pads, t-shirts & posters-No international shipments available.
USPS International Priority Mail	$15+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, 3-15 business days, No delivery date guarantee	Prints and/or frames(no accessories)
USPS International Express Mail	$20+(depending on your location)	Tracking # given, 3-10 business days, No delivery date guarantee	Prints and/or frames(no accessories)

How long does it take to get my YourCover fake magazine cover shipped/delivered?

Can You Deliver My Order On Saturday?

No, there is no guarantee that orders can be delivered on Saturday.

Can My Order Ship Out On a Saturday or Sunday?

YourCover's normal business hours are Monday-Friday between 9-5 ET. Orders placed on Friday after 1:00PM ET, or on Saturday, Sunday or a Holiday, will ship out on Monday (or the next business day).

Rush Shipping

For those orders that need to get to you faster, we offer two-day and overnight shipping. (Shipment days do not include the day you order. Saturday delivery is not available or included in 2-day or overnight.) Orders placed over the weekend will ship on Monday.

How much does it cost to ship the fake magazine covers I make at YourCover?

Shipping is free when you purchase a photo print for shipment by USPS 1st class mail (within the US only). If you also order a frame or any accessories, additional shipping fees will apply depending on your location within the US. Shipping rates are calculated in the shopping cart but can be as low as $4.95.

Do you ship personalized magazine covers internationally (including Canada)?

Yes, YourCover can ship your personalized magazine cover internationally. Rates are calculated within the shopping cart depending on your location/country.

Details on Custom Magazine Covers

How are the customized fake magazine covers printed?

Your issue is printed on 8" x 10" advanced glossy photo paper.

How do I contact YourCover?

Email YourCover at support@yourcover.com, or call us at 877-YR-COVER (877-972-6837) or 203-563-9288. (Our business hours are M-F 9-5 ET)

I would like to create & feature a YourCover magazine on the blog that I run

Please contact us at info@yourcover.com or by phone at 877-972-6837 or 203-563-9288.

Accessories

T-Shirt Description

$19.95
Create a unique T-shirt featuring your magazine cover to commemorate your event. Our T-shirts literally fit any occasion. Hanes Heavyweight White 50/50 cotton/polyester blend offers the best image quality. Sizes available are: Small, Medium, Large, and XLarge.

Mouse Pad Description

$16.95
Standard-size (7 3/4" x 9 1/4") mouse pads keep memories close at hand during the workday and at home. Constructed of high-density rubber, stands up to wear and tear.

Mug Description

$19.95
11 oz, Start your morning right! Quality materials and vibrant colors will make this a treasured gift or keepsake. Microwave and top shelf dishwasher safe.

Poster Description

$29.95
20" x 24", Ideal for framing. A special matte-finish professional-grade paper so your large-format prints will resist wear and glare.

I'm Trying to Place My Order, BUT...

My credit card isn't going through

If you are trying to place your order online, but are receiving errors while doing so, please call our Customer Service line and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you. 877-YR-COVER (877-972-6837) or (203)n 563-9288 or email us at support@yourcover.com.

Do you have a store?

No, we do not have a store. You create and purchase your personalized magazine cover online through our system by opening an account using an email and password.

Are you a part of Things Remembered?

No, we are not a part of Things Remembered. You can personalize your own magazine cover at our website, www.yourcover.com.

Is this a magazine wrap?

No, this is not a magazine wrap. Your magazine cover is printed on an 8 x 10 sheet of advanced glossy photo paper which does not stick or adhere to a magazine. Each magazine cover is a single print which you can hand out as a gift, memento, keepsake or party favor. We highly recommend framing your magazine cover for the best presentation. Frames are available at checkout.

I Placed My Order...

I placed my order - has it gone through?

Log In to your account and click on Purchase History. All the information about your order can be seen here. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email us at support@yourcover.com or give us a call at 877-972-6837 or 203-563-9288.

I placed my order - Where is it and when is it going to arrive?

My magazine cover arrived in the mail - the frame was broken!

If your package arrived damaged or is not what you ordered or if anything else is out of the ordinary, please call our Customer Service line and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you. 877-YR-COVER (877-972-6837) or (203) 563-9233.

Main menu

Your Magazine Cover Photo

Silverlight Installation Issues

How Do I Create a YourCover Magazine Cover?

Ordering a Magazine Cover

Shipping Information

Details on Custom Magazine Covers

Accessories

I'm Trying to Place My Order, BUT...

I Placed My Order...

Your Magazine Cover Photo

Silverlight Installation Issues

How Do I Create a YourCover Magazine Cover?

Ordering a Magazine Cover

Shipping Information

Details on Custom Magazine Covers

Accessories

I'm Trying to Place My Order, BUT...

I Placed My Order...