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Desktop Publishing Operators and Related Occupations (1423)

Occupation related to information and communications technology

Job titles
ad compositor - typesetting
Braille block maker
Braille computer translations specialist
View all job titles

Nature of work
Desktop publishing operators use computers to enter copy into a typesetting system or operate typesetting output equipment to produce text that is ready to print. They are employed by firms that specialize in typesetting, commercial printing companies, publishing and printing companies and various establishments in the public and private sectors that have in-house printing departments. This unit group also includes markup persons and pre-flight operators.

Fields of interest
Working in an office
Working with computers, information technology, and communications
Writing, working in communications and information

Main duties
The following is a summary of the main duties for some occupations in this unit group:
- Desktop publishing operators operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out and produce camera-ready copy and may perform pre-flight operator duties.
- Markup persons mark copy with computer codes and typographic instructions before it is typeset.
- Typesetting input operators input copy, codes or commands and subsequent corrections into typesetting device or system; operate media conversion equipment to process and format copy transmitted through telecommunications.
- Typesetting output operators operate and tend typesetting output devices, load and process photosensitive material and perform routine maintenance.
- Pre-flight operators use computer software to confirm cost estimates, evaluate composition of orders, assess graphic images, and check fonts and other details to ensure that customers' files are complete before going to print.
- File preparation operators operate computers, image setters and digital proofers to transfer output or data to hard copy form.

Main characteristics of the occupation
* Interests
* Physical activities
* Aptitudes
* Environmental conditions
* Data, people, things
These headings are provided for the following occupation(s)
Desktop Publishing Operators (1423.1)
Markup Persons (1423.2)
Typesetting Input Operators (1423.3)
Typesetting Output Operators (1423.4)
Pre-flight Operators (1423.5)
File Preparation Operators (1423.6)

Employment requirements
* Completion of secondary school is required.
* Completion of a college program in graphic arts, or other training in typography, computer typesetting or desktop publishing, is usually required.

Skill type
Business, finance and administration

Skill level
Intermediate

More information
* Progression to supervisory positions is possible through experience.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere
* Copy stylists, mechanical artists and paste-up artists (in 5223 Graphic Arts Technicians)
* Desktop publishing operator supervisors (in 1211 Supervisors, General Office and Administrative Support Clerks)
* Graphic Designers and Illustrators (5241)
* Proofreaders (in 1452 Correspondence, Publication and Related Clerks)


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