Desktop publishers format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.
  • Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
  • Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
  • Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
  • Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
  • View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
  • Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.
  • Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
  • Select number of colors and determine color separations.
  • Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
  • Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
  • Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
  • Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
  • Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
  • Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.
  • Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
  • Format digital documents, data, or images.
  • Enter information into databases or software programs.
  • Format digital documents, data, or images.
  • Store records or related materials.
  • Format digital documents, data, or images.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Read More

Skills

Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Read More

Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Visualization
  • The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Originality
  • The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
Data base management system software
  • MySQL Hot Technology
Enterprise application integration software
  • Extensible markup language XML Hot Technology
Read More