Prepress Technicians and Workers
What is a Prepress Technicians and Workers?
Prepress Technicians and Workers are specialized professionals who prepare digital files for printing. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the final printed product matches the desired specifications and quality. This often involves converting raw design files into a format that can be printed, adjusting images and layouts, and performing quality checks to prevent errors. They utilize various software programs and printing technologies to optimize images, create printing plates, and prepare proofs for customer approval. Prepress Technicians also collaborate closely with graphic designers, print operators, and clients to ensure that all project requirements are met. Their work is critical in the publishing, packaging, and commercial printing industries, where precision and attention to detail are paramount for achieving high-quality results.
Tasks
- Generate prepress proofs in digital or other format to approximate the appearance of the final printed piece.
- Proofread and perform quality control of text and images.
- Enter, position, and alter text size, using computers, to make up and arrange pages so that printed materials can be produced.
- Perform "preflight" check of required font, graphic, text and image files to ensure completeness prior to delivery to printer.
- Operate and maintain laser plate-making equipment that converts electronic data to plates without the use of film.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Desktop publishing software
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe PageMaker
- Esko ArtPro
- QuarkXPress
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Document management software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe LifeCycle Enterprise Suite
- Global Graphics Software Harlequin
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Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
- Hamrick Software VueScan
- Multi-line optical character reader OCR software
Tools Used
- Scanners
- Thermal transfer printer for commercial printing applications
- Electronic media or data duplicating equipment
- Flexographic printer
- Densitometers
Knowledge
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving 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.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Associate's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate photographic developing or print production equipment.
- Inspected printed materials or other images to verify quality.
- Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.
- Program equipment to perform production tasks.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$31330.0 - $63440.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.