Desktop Publishers

The job of desktop publisher is to use computer software to combine and format data, text charts, photographs, and other graphic illustration or art into documents and prototype of pages, which are to be printed. Consequently, they print the documents using printer.

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Job Description A desktop publisher has to perform a variety of tasks such as sending materials electronically or in print form to a commercial printer. A desktop publisher produces various materials including brochures, books, magazines, calendars, forms, newsletters, packaging, and newspapers. Typically, desktop publishers design and prepare the graphics that accompany text, manipulate the images and text to display information in good and readable format, convert illustrations and photographs into digital images. A desktop publisher develops presentations, design page layout, develop advertising campaigns, and execute color separation of graphic and picture materials.

Some desktop publishers have to write some headlines or text used in brochures or newsletters. They require translating electronic information onto traditional media such as film. They design the final product that shall be sent to an offset printer. The increasing number of companies has maximized career opportunities to expert professionals. They employ desktop publishers to produce in-house materials such as marketing production, promotional production, and other production materials.

Desktop publisher use computers and advanced software to enter and opt for formatting properties comprising of column width, style and size of type, print formats, and spacing. Further, they rearrange text and images, alter column widths, and enlarge or reduce materials. They may add new information such as pictures, charts, and additional text. Desktop publishers use scanners to capture images and photographs.

A desktop publisher makes compensate or adjustments for deficit in the original transparency or color print. Desktop publishers create entire catalog, newspaper, and book page using innovative graphics and artworks. They produce digital files, which are then used to create printing plates. Like multimedia artists, photographers, and animators, desktop publishers may produce creative moving images or special effects using video, film, electronic media, and computers, etc.

Desktop publishing incorporates a variety of jobs. Personal computers (PC) ensure desktop publishers to perform tasks more easily. They create layouts and designs that would otherwise require complicated and large equipment. Development in the field of printing technology and computer software continue to reinforce desktop publishing work. For instance, a desktop publisher gets the materials such as computer files that are delivered from the internet. With the help of computer technology, desktop publishers get disk drive in place of receiving instructions and simple typed text from customers.

The desktop publishing occupation may incorporate other innovations such as electronic page layout systems, off-press color proofing systems, and digital color page makeup systems. Additionally, some materials are reproduced using internet and printers. Therefore, a desktop publisher ought to know electronic publishing software, for example, Hypertext, Markup Language (HTML).

Sometimes, desktop publishers may need to write, edit, design, and layout pages. For instance, a desktop publisher is accountable to write authentic content or copy edit content. The writing and editing responsibilities of a desktop publisher may differ extensively from employer to employer or project to project. Smaller organizations, normally, use desktop publishers to execute a wide variety of tasks whereas desktop publishers working with bigger firms may specialize in a particular area of publishing process.

Desktop publishers are also known as DTP operators, publications specialists, desktop publishing editors, electronic publishers, electronic prepress technicians, image designers, electronic publishing specialists, compositors, typographers, web applications designers, and layout artists. These publishers have to perform following responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assess final and preliminary proofs for errors and make required changes
• Operate various equipments such as desktop publishing software to layout, design, and produce copy
• Enter text into computers and select style and size of type, width, column, and check appropriateness of printed materials
• Accumulate copies of publications on magnetic tape, paper, diskette, and film
• Locate art and text elements from different databases to design web or print pages using layout patterns, size, and type styles
• Register digitized data into computer memory using camera, scanner, mouse, and keyboard
• Edit photos and graphics using bitmap or pixel editing, masking, airbrushing, and image retouching
• Import art and text elements such as electronic files or electronic clip-art from photographers that is produced or scanned with a digital camera using special computer software
• Create innovative sample layouts using computer software
• Make color separations and choose number of colors
• Mail, transmit, and deliver publication master to printer for making plates and film
• Produce special effects like mosaics, image combining, and vignettes and add elements such as animation and sound to electronic publications

Work Environment
Normally, desktop publishers work in spacious and clean office areas. These publishers work forty hours a week. However, many work on weekends, night shifts, and holidays based upon the production schedule or deadlines. Sometimes, they have to work under stress due to tight work schedule and short deadlines. These workers may face problems such as back discomfort, eyestrain, wrist and hand problems.

Educational Qualification
Many desktop publishers acquire this knowledge by taking class, through experience, and completing a certificate program. There is not set educational qualification required to get into this field. However, employers prefer candidates who have completed a high school diploma. Candidates who wish to get into this field must possess computer knowledge.

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