Profession imagesetter

Imagesetters process images and graphic templates by using phototypesetting machines. They optimise the templates for the best possible result by determining the right arrangement of text and image on the print sheet. The product is then set onto photo paper or film.

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Personality Type

• Artistic / Investigative
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Quality standards

  The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

• Graphic design

  The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

• Typography

  The procedure of arranging written texts for printing processes.

• Adobe Illustrator

  The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.

• GIMP (graphics editor software)

  The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Team.

• Adobe Photoshop

  The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.

• SketchBook Pro

  The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Autodesk.

• Typesetting machines

  The various typesetting or composing machines include linotype, monotype, and phototype machines. They are used for assembling letters and characters into cast stripes or lines.

• Microsoft Visio

  The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.

• Print stripping

  Printing technique in which the printed pages are arranged into specific patterns in order to create efficient printing plates. This has to be planned correctly so that the printed material can be folded to produce the requested brochures or books with the correct pagination and to be cut down after printing.

• Graphics editor software

  The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.

• Synfig

  The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.

• Reprography

  The process of reproducing, reprinting, or copying graphic material especially by mechanical or electronic means such as photography or xerography.

• Printing techniques

  The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.

• Printing materials

  The materials, such as paper, film, metal foils, and glass, on which texts or designs can be transferred by applying ink through direct pressure or with intermediate rollers.

Skills

• Apply desktop publishing techniques

  Apply desktop publishing techniques and software to create page layouts and typographic quality text.

• Prepare imposition

  Use manual or digital techniques to prepare the arrangement of the pages on the printer's sheet to reduce the cost and time of the printing process. Take various factors into account such as the format, the number of pages, the binding technique, and the fibre direction of the printing material.

• Lay out digital written content

  Lay out pages by selecting sizes, styles and entering text and graphics into computer systems.

• Produce prepress proof

  Make single or multi-coloured test prints to ensure that the product meets the arranged standards. Compare the sample with the template or discuss the result with the customer in order to make the last adjustments before mass production.

• Operate printing machinery

  Operate machinery for various types of printed documents, adjusting the font, paper size, and weight. This allows ascenders and descenders to be correctly placed.

• Arrange printer sheets

  Fully arrange or separate a printed product's pages on a printer sheet in order to reduce paper waste and printing time by using an imposition proof.

• Operate digital printers

  Handle inkjet and laser printers, allowing the operator to print documents in a single 'pass'. Download or print the digital files to the digital printing machine using the correct machine and print download settings so that the correct fonts and substrates are used and the output meets the specifications and required quality standards.

• Align content with form

  Align form and content to make sure they fit together.

• Operate imagesetter

  Use a typesetting device that transfers electronic text and graphics directly to film, printing plates or photo-sensitive paper. The image is generated by a laser and raster image processor. Their use is to proof documents before the making of printing plates.

• Output electronic files

  Load customer supplied electronic files onto the prepress file server, whilst checking them for completeness and potential problems. Communicate eventual problems with customers and production personnel.

• Use typesetting software

  Use specialised computer programs to arrange the type of texts and images to be printed.

• Follow safety precautions in printing

  Apply safety and health principles, policies and institutional regulations of working in printing production. Protect oneself and others against such hazards as chemicals used in printing, invasive allergens, heat, and disease causing agents.

• Interpret illustration needs

  Communicate with clients, editors and authors in order to interpret and fully understand their professional needs.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB