Prepress Technicians

I

Can operate imagesetters, flatbed scanners, and related equipment. Can perform daily imagesetter calibration; tweak basic settings for hardware- or software-based PostScript RIPs; chemically process film; track customer jobs. Can perform simple system troubleshooting. Can create various kinds of color proofs including digital proofs, laminated proofs, ColorKeys, and bluelines. Can do simple preflighting of jobs.

One year in service bureau or small corporate imaging department.

QuarkXPress or PageMaker

Illustrator or FreeHand

Photoshop

II

As above. Also, can preflight jobs using specialized preflight software. Can troubleshoot moderately difficult file problems. Scanning skills include unsharp masking with numerical understanding, descreening, basic color correction, use of slide scanners (removing and replacing slide mounts if necessary). Can adjust for dot gain.

3–5 years, including a variety of tasks in a midsize or large prepress shop (using high-end equipment).

3+

2+

2+

III

As above. Also, can troubleshoot very complex file problems. Knowledgeable about Windows-based prepress, and Mac / Windows conversion issues. Truly understands relationships between scanner resolution, print linescreens, color depth, and similar issues. Can create high-quality color separations from RGB files; can convert files from RGB to CMYK; understands GCR, UCR, dot gain, Pantone-to-process conversion, ink trapping, unusual screening and separation methods, and similar issues. Can perform trapping in page layout program or in specialized trapping programs. Can operate various imposition software. Can achieve highest quality possible from drum scanners and produce magazine-cover-quality scans in CMYK. Can judge color of difficult prepress images “by the numbers” on monitors that are not calibrated.

5–7 years. Usually team leader or shift manager.

4+


3+

2+

3+

1+

IV

As above. Also, prepress consultant / guru. Can analyze prepress systems and recommend upgrades and replacements. Can develop cost-justified strategies for purchasing and installing entire new systems, including altered prepress workflows, high-speed networks and graphics servers, etc. Can plan and set up a complete high-end prepress department from scratch. Understands RIP issues and tradeoffs including various hardware / software RIP combinations, Adobe vs. clone RIPs, etc. Experienced with high-speed networks including 100Mb Ethernet and Fibre Channel. In-depth understanding of troubleshooting problem files, perhaps including some direct editing of raw PostScript code.

7–10+ years. Probably also has traditional (pre-computer) prepress experience. Usually management level.

QuarkXPress and PageMaker

Illustrator

FreeHand

Photoshop

DeBabelizer

ScanPrepPro, Binuscan Color Pro, TrapWise or Trapper, various RIPs / drivers

Usually can use workflow software like Rampage