| . . . | Scholarly Journals | Magazines | Trade Journals |
| Written for | Professors and students | General public | Workers in a specific industry |
| Written by | Scholars | Professional writers | Professional writers and industry experts |
| Looks like | Serious and sober with few colors | Glossy with advertisements | Glossy with industry specific advertisements |
| Articles | Are signed and often include author's credentials Are written in technical and scholarly language Report on research and scholarship Are usually at least 10 pages in length Contain footnotes and references to other journal articles May be reviewed by an editorial board | Are not always signed by the author Are written in relatively simple language Report on current topics and events Are usually under 10 pages in length | Are not always signed by the author Include technical language specific to the industry Report on industry trends and news Are usually under 10 pages in length |
| Examples | Journal of Applied Physics | Newsweek | Advertising Age |