According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy. | 95% |
| Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns. | 89% |
| Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections. | 88% |
| View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary. | 88% |
| Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials. | 87% |
| Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software. | 87% |
| Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software. | 85% |
| Transmit, deliver, or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates. | 84% |
| Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations. | 83% |
| Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications. | 83% |
| Select number of colors and determine color separations. | 80% |
| Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software. | 80% |
| Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse. | 79% |
| Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching. | 77% |
| Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections. | 75% |
| Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette. | 72% |
| Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications. | 70% |
| Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system. | 65% |
