VectaMedia

Many people will not realize how much goes into producing leaflets or advertising paperwork. This article will explain some of the terms that are used in general terms. Of course, CTP (computer to plate) is one of the processes as is using prepress equipment.

Between twenty and thirty years ago computer oriented techniques were used instead of the traditional methods of using photographic style equipment and a light table. Since the turn of the millennium, digital printing has really blossomed in the industry. Before this occurred many in the press industry were using large format style cameras to literally film copies of any and all words or images being used.

The process included using the original, after being stripped, to form another copy onto another plate which very complicated because the image was drawn from an emulsion layer. This process is still used even up to today but as people become more used to the software in the new technology, and as the amount of money to be used comes down, digital automation will inevitably take over one day.

Recently, it has become normal for many people to be able to work on the same projects at the same time with the advent of the modern software. Even people in different locations can gain access to the projects which makes it much easier on anyone who has to report from the field.

Before newspapers or printed works are produced, there are several processes that will need to be completed. Once the report or photograph is accepted it now becomes ready for all the checking and rechecking by those who will check all the details to make sure that they are correct.

Typesetting used to be the work of compositors who would literally put each letter into a last piece by piece. These days, with the advent of all the new methods, this has largely been forgotten in the mists of time. However, those older workers sometimes like to keep the art alive by producing works using the older ways of doing things.

Copy editing means that an editor will check out the layout and accuracy of a piece and make sure that the format will be acceptable to the reader. He usually does this work before the proof reader who checks out the written word for errors.

Proofing means that someone will make up a mock up of the finished product so that the customer can see the effect. This is usually used before the customer gives the ok on the finished piece. The customer can see what the images and print stands on the page and make alterations before it goes to the printing stage.

Proof readers will go through all the printed text to look for mistakes in grammar, misspellings and other details that are relevant to the story. This normally comes before the customer sees the facsimile and before it is sent to the print works.

Of course, with the advent of computers, a lot of this work is done before a human intervenes. Spell checks are performed but there will always be a need for the human input into any kind of printing to stop errors not obvious to a computer. This could damage reputations should wrong spellings or misquotes appear in the magazine.