Imagesetter Handicraft & Printing Workers
SaveWhat Does an Imagesetter Do?
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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Where Do I Start?
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.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Imagesetter
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialAdobe Photoshop knowledge
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 …
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialAdobe Illustrator knowledge
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 …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialGIMP (graphics Editor Software) knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialMicrosoft Visio knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPrinting Techniques knowledge
The techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.
Recommended Books
3 books -
EssentialTypography knowledge
The procedure of arranging written texts for printing processes.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialGraphic Design knowledge
The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPrint Stripping knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSketchbook Pro knowledge
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 …
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialGraphics Editor Software knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPrinting Materials knowledge
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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialQuality Standards knowledge
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSynfig knowledge
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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTypesetting Machines knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
1 bookTypecasting and Composing Machinery -
EssentialReprography knowledge
The process of reproducing, reprinting, or copying graphic material especially by mechanical or electronic means such as photography or xerography.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialApply Desktop Publishing Techniques skill
Apply desktop publishing techniques and software to create page layouts and typographic quality text.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialFollow Safety Precautions In Printing skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialProduce Prepress Proof skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAlign Content With Form skill
Align form and content to make sure they fit together.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialArrange Printer Sheets skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialInterpret Illustration Needs skill
Communicate with clients, editors and authors in order to interpret and fully understand their professional needs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLay Out Digital Written Content skill
Lay out pages by selecting sizes, styles and entering text and graphics into computer systems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Digital Printers skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Imagesetter skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOperate Printing Machinery skill
Operate machinery for various types of printed documents, adjusting the font, paper size, and weight. This allows ascenders and descenders to be correctly placed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialOutput Electronic Files skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPrepare Imposition skill
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 …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Typesetting Software skill
Use specialised computer programs to arrange the type of texts and images to be printed.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 22 displayed)
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OptionalPublishing Industry knowledge
Key stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrepress Processes knowledge
The processes that occur between the creation of a print layout and the final printing, such as copyediting, proofing, proofreading and others.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalMaintenance Of Printing Machines knowledge
Upkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrinted Goods Processes knowledge
The various types and characteristics of producing printed goods such as catalogues, flyers, etc.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrinting Media knowledge
Specific techniques related to various printing surfaces such plastics, metal, glass, textiles, wood, and paper.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPrinting Plate Making knowledge
The different techniques used to produce the plates that will be mounted on rolls for the flexographic or offset printing process such as laser engraving or the technique consisting in …
Recommended Books
1 bookCherry Press: Non-Toxic Century Plate Lithography -
OptionalCommunicate With Customers skill
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Digital Images skill
Create and process two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital images depicting animated objects or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modelling programs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDigitise Documents skill
Load analog documents by converting them into a digital format, using specialised hardware and software.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow Work Schedule skill
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalInspect Printing Output skill
Verify that the printing output is satisfactory using various methods such as visual verification, use of spectrophotometers or densitometers. The problems that might occur include misregisters or colour variation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Image Editing skill
Edit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProofread Text skill
Read a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Film skill
Prepare tools and developing and printing equipment. Develop and print exposed film using chemicals.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Lithographic Printing Plates skill
Produce and store plates used in lithographic offset printing by running a previously imposed and ripped file to plate or exposing and developing the plate using hand tools or machines.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Scanner skill
Set up and operate scanner equipment and its hard- and software.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPrepare Films For Printing Plates skill
Place the photographic materials coated with a light-sensitive substance on the printing plate in such a way that will limit waste and facilitate printing processes. Place the plates in the …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReduce Dots skill
Use a contact frame or automatic film processor to reduce the size of dots in printing plates by increasing or reducing colour.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalReproduce Documents skill
Reproduce documents such as reports, posters, booklets, brochures, and catalogues for a range of audiences.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSet Colour Profiles skill
Maintain consistent colour output in digital colour and inkjet printers by running calibration routines and making sure that the colour profiles for the printers are still accurate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalTrack Changes In Text Editing skill
Track changes such as grammar and spelling corrections, element additions, and other modifications when editing (digital) texts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Colour Printing Programs skill
Use colour printing programs, such as the CMYK colour (ink) model for various pressing machines.
Course recommendations coming soon.