Typesetter Handicraft & Printing Workers
SaveWhat Does a Typesetter Do?
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.
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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 a Typesetter
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
1 book -
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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EssentialTypography knowledge
The procedure of arranging written texts for printing processes.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialGraphic Design knowledge
The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialPrepress Processes knowledge
The processes that occur between the creation of a print layout and the final printing, such as copyediting, proofing, proofreading and others.
No book recommendations available yet.
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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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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 …
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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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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EssentialApply Grammar And Spelling Rules skill
Apply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialConsult With Editor skill
Consult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.
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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EssentialUse Markup Languages skill
Utilise computer languages that are syntactically distinguishable from the text to add annotations to a document, specify layout and process types of documents such as HTML.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Microsoft Office skill
Possess the ability to work with the standard programs contained in Microsoft Office at a capable level. Create a document and do basic formatting, insert page breaks, create headers or …
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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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 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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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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EssentialTrack 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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EssentialTranscribe Texts skill
Use input devices such as mouse, keyboard and scanner, to transcribe texts into a computer.
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 20 displayed)
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OptionalDigital Printing knowledge
The technique that allows printing a digital-based image directly onto a variety of materials, mostly using inkjet or laser printer.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalPrinting 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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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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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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 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 …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTypesetting 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.
No book recommendations available yet.
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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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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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OptionalDraw Design Sketches skill
Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalFollow A Brief skill
Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
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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OptionalManage Data skill
Administer all types of data resources through their lifecycle by performing data profiling, parsing, standardisation, identity resolution, cleansing, enhancement and auditing. Ensure the data is fit for purpose, using specialised …
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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OptionalTroubleshoot skill
Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalManage Offset Printing Process skill
Select and oversee implementation of relevant printing processes, necessary tools, and colours.
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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OptionalRespect Data Protection Principles skill
Ensure that access to personal or institutional data conforms to the legal and ethical framework governing such access.
Course recommendations coming soon.
