Desktop Publishers
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Also known as: Advertising Associate, Compositor, Computer Compositor, Computer Publisher, Computer Typesetter, Design Editor, Desktop Operator, Desktop Publisher, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Declining)
What You'd Do
- 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.
- View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
- Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
- 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.
- Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
- Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
- 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.
- Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
- Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
- Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
- Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
- Select number of colors and determine color separations.
- Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette.
- Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
- Transmit, deliver, or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
- Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
- Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Related Careers
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.