DesignISCO 7321
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.
Check yourself in a minute: typesetter
Rate 5 of the 26 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
use markup languages
produce prepress proof
interpret illustration needs
align content with form
apply desktop publishing techniques
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (26)
typographytypographyThe procedure of arranging written texts for printing processes.Adobe PhotoshopAdobe PhotoshopThe 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...Adobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorThe 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 sof...GIMP (graphics editor software)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 Te...printing materialsprinting materialsThe 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.graphic designgraphic designThe techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.SketchBook ProSketchBook ProThe 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 ...Microsoft VisioMicrosoft VisioThe 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...quality standardsquality standardsThe national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.prepress processesprepress processesThe processes that occur between the creation of a print layout and the final printing, such as copyediting, proofing, proofreading and others.graphics editor softwaregraphics editor softwareThe 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.SynfigSynfigThe 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.use markup languagesuse markup languagesUtilise 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.produce prepress proofproduce prepress proofMake 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 las...interpret illustration needsinterpret illustration needsCommunicate with clients, editors and authors in order to interpret and fully understand their professional needs.align content with formalign content with formAlign form and content to make sure they fit together.apply desktop publishing techniquesapply desktop publishing techniquesApply desktop publishing techniques to create page layouts and typographic quality text.use typesetting softwareuse typesetting softwareUse specialised computer programs to arrange the type of texts and images to be printed.consult with editorconsult with editorConsult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.apply grammar and spelling rulesapply grammar and spelling rulesApply the rules of spelling and grammar and ensure consistency throughout texts.operate printing machineryoperate printing machineryOperate machinery for various types of printed documents, adjusting the font, paper size, and weight. This allows ascenders and descenders to be correctly placed.lay out digital written contentlay out digital written contentLay out pages by selecting sizes, styles and entering text and graphics into computer systems.transcribe textstranscribe textsUse input devices such as mouse, keyboard and scanner, to transcribe texts into a computer.track changes in text editingtrack changes in text editingTrack changes such as grammar and spelling corrections, element additions, and other modifications when editing (digital) texts.prepare impositionprepare impositionUse 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 forma...use microsoft officeuse microsoft officeUse the standard programs contained in Microsoft Office. Create a document and do basic formatting, insert page breaks, create headers or footers, and insert graphics, create automatically generated t...
Optional (22) — show
digital printingdigital printingThe technique that allows printing a digital-based image directly onto a variety of materials, mostly using inkjet or laser printer.publishing industrypublishing industryKey stakeholders in the publishing industry. Acquisition, marketing and distribution of newspapers, books, magazines and other informative works, including electronic media.printing techniquesprinting techniquesThe techniques and processes to reproduce text and images using a master form or template such as letterpress printing, gravure, and laser printing.printing plate makingprinting plate makingThe 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 placing a film ...typesetting machinestypesetting machinesThe various typesetting or composing machines include linotype, monotype, and phototype machines. They are used for assembling letters and characters into cast stripes or lines.printed goods processesprinted goods processesThe various types and characteristics of producing printed goods such as catalogues, flyers, etc.maintenance of printing machinesmaintenance of printing machinesUpkeep procedures and technical working of machines that produce printed graphical material.respect data protection principlesrespect data protection principlesEnsure that access to personal or institutional data conforms to the legal and ethical framework governing such access.communicate with customerscommunicate with customersRespond 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.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.follow a brieffollow a briefInterpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.digitise documentsdigitise documentsLoad analog documents by converting them into a digital format, using specialised hardware and software.manage offset printing processmanage offset printing processSelect and oversee implementation of relevant printing processes, necessary tools, and colours.develop digital contentdevelop digital contentCreate and edit digital content in different formats, express oneself through digital means.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.use word processing softwareuse word processing softwareUse computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.perform image editingperform image editingEdit various types of images such as analogue and digital photographs or illustrations.inspect printing outputinspect printing outputVerify 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 col...manage datamanage dataAdminister 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 ...prepare films for printing platesprepare films for printing platesPlace 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 machine fo...draw design sketchesdraw design sketchesCreate rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
imagesetter19 shared essential skillsprepress operator14 shared essential skillsprepress technician13 shared essential skillscomputer science lecturer7 shared essential skillsdesktop publisher5 shared essential skillscopy editor4 shared essential skillsreprographics technician4 shared essential skillscartoonist3 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What 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.
What skills does a typesetter need?
A typesetter needs 26 essential skills, including typography, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, GIMP (graphics editor software), printing materials.
Will AI replace typesetter jobs?
The AI disruption score for typesetter is 64/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: apply grammar and spelling rules, transcribe texts, digital printing. Most resilient: follow a brief, printing materials, interpret illustration needs.
AI Replacement Risk
64/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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