Desktop Publishers Occupation Details

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Desktop Publishers

The main tasks and work activities of Desktop Publishers are to proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy, format digital documents, data, or images, enter information into databases or software programs, store records or related materials. In general, for the Desktop Publishers, critical Thinking, reading Comprehension, speaking, active Listening and other 11 skills are required.

Desktop Publishers Job Description
Education	Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related Experience	Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training	Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Example	These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

The following chart shows the education/training levels for Desktop Publishers jobs. 2.41% of Desktop Publishers have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 18.49% of Desktop Publishers have Post-Secondary Certificate.

Less than a High School Diploma

0.00%

High School Diploma (or the equivalent)

2.41%

Post-Secondary Certificate

18.49%

Some College Courses

16.57%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

27.72%

Bachelor's Degree and Above

34.81%

Tasks and Work Activities of Desktop Publishers

Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.
Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.
View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.
Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.
Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.
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.
Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.
Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.
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.
Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.
Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.
Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.
Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.
Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.
Select number of colors and determine color separations.
Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.
Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.
Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.

Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Thinking CreativelyDeveloping, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesProviding information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing InformationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Persons Outside OrganizationCommunicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Training and Teaching OthersIdentifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDeveloping constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Format digital documents, data, or images.
Enter information into databases or software programs.
Store records or related materials.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Read work orders to determine material or setup requirements.
Select resources needed to accomplish tasks.
Deliver items.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.

Skills and Abilities for Desktop Publishers

Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
Operations AnalysisAnalyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
Management of Personnel ResourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Category FlexibilityThe ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
OriginalityThe ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Fluency of IdeasThe ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Perceptual SpeedThe ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech ClarityThe ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speech RecognitionThe ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Far VisionThe ability to see details at a distance.

Desktop computerse.g. Desktop computers
Laser printerse.g. Laser printers
Notebook computerse.g. Notebook computers
Graphics tabletse.g. Pen tablets
Scannerse.g. Scanners

Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and ProcessingKnowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Communications and MediaKnowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
ClericalKnowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and ManagementKnowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Desktop Publishers Occupation Detailed Description

Tasks and Work Activities of Desktop Publishers

Skills and Abilities for Desktop Publishers