Description
The processes that occur between the creation of a print layout and the final printing, such as copyediting, proofing, proofreading and others.
Alternative labels
prepress process
pre-printing processes
Skill type
knowledge
Skill reusability level
cross-sector
Relationships with occupations
Essential knowledge
Prepress processes is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:
Prepress technician: Prepress technicians prepare printing processes by formatting, setting and composing text and graphics into a suitable form. This includes the capture of text and image and processing it electronically. They also prepare, maintain and troubleshoot printing presses.
Desktop publisher: Desktop publishers are responsible for the layout of publications. They use computer software to arrange texts, photographs and other materials in a pleasing and readable finished product.
Typesetter: Typesetters ensure that printed text is correctly set and visually pleasing. While typesetting was originally done manually and later employed techniques like linotype and phototypesetting, almost all typesetting is now done digitally using design programs or specialised typesetting programs.
Prepress operator: Prepress operators create a prepress proof, or sample of what the finished product will look like. In many printing contracts, the client at this stage decides whether the print can go through as planned. Since the printing processes for proofs are different from those used in the final process, proofs are always an approximation.
Optional knowledge
Prepress processes is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.
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.
Reprographics technician: Reprographics technicians are responsible for the full or partial process of reproduction of graphical documents through mechanical-driven or digital means, such as photography, scanning or digital printing. These activities are commonly performed for purposes of maintaining archives or other structured catalogues.
References
- Prepress processes – ESCO
