Desktop Publishers

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Duties

The following are common tasks for desktop publishers:

• Observe the work of authors and designers by reading their work.
• Make changes to images, such as photos or drawings, using a computer program.
• Open publishing software and add text and images to it.
• Create pages that are visually and textually integrated.
• Adjust the size, column width, and spacing of the text.
• Layouts should be revised and corrected as required.
• Final files for printing or online publication should be sent or uploaded.
• Page layouts for print or electronic distribution are created using desktop publishing software. Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors may be fixed.
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It is common for desktop publishers to collaborate with other design and media professionals, such as authors and editors. Additionally, they collaborate with graphic designers on visuals that match the text and fit inside their given area.

Education

An associate's degree in graphic design or graphic communications is often required for work as a desktop publisher. These courses teach students how to utilize desktop-publishing software to build electronic page layouts and format text and pictures in a variety of ways.

Training

Short-term on-the-job training, often lasting one month, is the norm for desktop publishers. Working with more experienced colleagues or enrolling in seminars to master desktop publishing software are two of the most effective ways for new hires to gain expertise. Because publishing software evolves over time, employees often need further training.

Qualities that matter

Ability in the arts. The ability to build pages that are both aesthetically beautiful and readable is essential for desktop publishers.

The ability to communicate effectively. Desktop publishers must cooperate with others, such as authors, editors, and graphic designers, and successfully convey their ideas to the general public.

Dedicated to accuracy and precision. Details like margins and font sizes are important to keep in mind while working with desktop publishing software.

The ability to manage oneself. Desktop publishers must be adept at organizing and prioritizing activities in order to meet tight deadlines and produce high-quality papers.

Pay

The median annual wage for desktop publishers was $51,290 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $97,870.

Job Projections

Employment of desktop publishers is projected to decline 13 percent from 2023 to 2033.