BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasDesktop Publishers

O*NET · 43-9031.00

Desktop Publishers

Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Also called Advertising Associate · Compositor · Computer Compositor · Computer Publisher · Computer Typesetter · Design Editor · Desktop Operator · Desktop Publisher
20 more

Desktop Publishing Associate · Desktop Publishing Specialist · Desktop Support Engineer · Digital Publisher · Digital Publishing Specialist · Document Design Specialist · DTP Operator · DTP Operator (Desktop Publishing Operator) · Electronic Console Display Operator · Electronic Imager · Electronic Pagination System Operator · Electronic Prepress Systems Operator · Electronic Publisher · Electronic Publishing Specialist · Magazine Publisher · Online Publisher · Page Makeup System Operator · Paginator · Publisher · Publishing Specialist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CAR35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Film and Video Editors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CARConventional · Artistic · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.70
  • A Artistic4.24
  • R Realistic3.38
  • I Investigative2.84
  • E Enterprising1.71
  • S Social1.69

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent44%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate5%
  • Some College Courses1%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree39%
Related work experience
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (35%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (49%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Writingbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Time Management3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Coordination2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Service Orientation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Instructing2.83.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Systems Analysis2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Persuasion2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Programming2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Negotiation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Mathematicsbasic2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Technology Design1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Troubleshooting1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Equipment Selection1.61.6Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Repairing1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Equipment Maintenance1.51.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Installation1.0—
  • Sciencebasic1.0—

Tasks

13 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.4.8
  2. 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.4.5
  3. Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.4.4
  4. View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary.4.4
  5. Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials.4.4
  6. Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.4.4
  7. 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.4.3
  8. Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.4.2
  9. Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.4.0
  10. Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.4.0
  11. Select number of colors and determine color separations.4.0
  12. Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.3.9
Show the other 6
  1. Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.3.8
  2. Transmit, deliver, or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.4.2
  3. Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.4.2
  4. Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette.3.6
  5. Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.3.5
  6. Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.3.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Communications and Media3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • English Language3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administrative2.83.7Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Production and Processing2.82.9
  • Design2.62.6
  • Mathematics2.52.9
  • Education and Training2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
Show all 33
  • Fine Arts2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Administration and Management2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Customer and Personal Service2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Psychology1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Geography1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Law and Government1.40.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Philosophy and Theology1.4—
  • Public Safety and Security1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.3—
  • Economics and Accounting1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Transportation1.2—
  • Chemistry1.1—
  • Engineering and Technology1.1—
  • Mechanical1.1—
  • Physics1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Building and Construction1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.14.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Information Ordering4.03.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Originality3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Visualization3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Fluency of Ideas3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Written Comprehension3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Category Flexibility3.63.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Oral Comprehension3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Written Expression3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.53.6
  • Perceptual Speed3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Oral Expression3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Time Sharing2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Memorization2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Manual Dexterity2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Number Facility2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Speed of Closure2.42.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth Perception2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Auditory Attention1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Multilimb Coordination1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Dynamic Strength1.80.9
  • Extent Flexibility1.50.5
  • Night Vision1.50.5
  • Rate Control1.50.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Response Orientation1.51.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization1.50.5
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.5
  • Stamina1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Glare Sensitivity1.40.4
  • Gross Body Coordination1.40.4
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.40.4
  • Peripheral Vision1.40.4
  • Reaction Time1.40.4
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.40.4
  • Static Strength1.40.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.54.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.33.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Thinking Creatively4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Processing Information3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.62.9
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.52.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.12.3Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.12.6
  • Training and Teaching Others3.02.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.92.3Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.92.8
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.82.7
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.51.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Spend Time Sitting4.6
  • Time Pressure4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Contact With Others4.1
  • Telephone Conversations4.1
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.0
  • Freedom to Make Decisions3.9

Technology

89 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Adobe Photoshophot

Hot (30; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Apple macOS
  • Cascading style sheets CSS
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Java
Show the other 6
  • Perl
  • PHP
  • Python
  • Salesforce software
  • SAP software
  • UNIX
Other tools (58)
  • Actuate DocBook
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe FrameMaker
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe LiveMotion
  • Adobe PageMaker
  • Adobe PostScript
  • AlgoLab Raster to Vector Conversion Toolkit
  • Apple AppleScript
  • Apple iPhoto
  • Arts & Letters Express
  • AT&T Troff
  • Cenon
  • CodedColor
  • Color management software
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corel CorelScan
  • Corel OCR-Trace 8
  • Corel Paint Shop Pro
  • Corel Photo-Paint
  • Corel Ventura
  • Corel WebDraw
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • EMC Documentum
  • Finite Matters PatternStream
  • GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP
  • Graphics software
  • GrassHopper PageStream
  • GTX RastorCAD
  • Inkscape
  • LaTeX
  • Mapping software
  • Microsoft Picture It!
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Microsoft SharePoint Server
  • Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • Nuance OmniPage Professional
  • Objectif Lune PlanetPress Suite
  • Online image and graphics database software
  • OpenOffice.org
  • PANTONE ColorVision ProfilerPlus
  • Portable document file creation software
  • Potrace
  • QuarkXPress
  • Raster graphics editors
  • Scalable vector graphics SVG
  • Scribus
  • Serif PagePlus
  • Social media software
  • Spelling and grammar checking software
  • Sun Microsystems Java
  • Trix TracTrix
  • Ulead PhotoImpact
  • Vector drawing software
  • Virtual private networking VPN software
  • WordWeb
  • Xara Designer Pro

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Prepress Technicians and Workers
  2. Graphic Designers
  3. Proofreaders and Copy Markers
  4. Web and Digital Interface Designers
  5. Special Effects Artists and Animators
  6. Film and Video Editors
  7. Office Machine Operators, Except Computer
  8. Web Developers
  9. Editors
  10. Web Administrators

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.