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What They Do

Desktop Publishers Career Video

About This Career

Formats typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

This career is part of the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Printing Technology pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Operates desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
  • Positions 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.
  • Checks preliminary and final proofs for errors and makes necessary corrections.
  • Views monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
  • Enters text into computer keyboard and selects the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
  • Prepares sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
  • Imports 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.
  • Studies layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
  • Selects number of colors and determines color separations.
  • Converts various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Compositor
  • Design Editor
  • Desktop Operator
  • Publisher
  • Advertising Associate
  • Computer Typesetter
  • Desktop Publishing Specialist
  • Electronic Console Display Operator
  • Electronic Imager
  • Electronic Publishing Specialist

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support