Level

Technical Skills

Experience & Typical Tasks

Software

Years

I

Can build basic desktop publishing files. Troubleshooting high resolution prepress files is not a forté, but can check that all pieces are in place (fonts, linked graphics, etc.) and set up files for laser printing or screen display. May be able to perform noncritical scanning, as well as word processing and proofreading.

One year of experience on-screen. Typically has produced materials for laser printing, presentation, and perhaps black and white printed jobs.

QuarkXPress,

PageMaker, or

InDesign

Possibly: Illustrator or FreeHand

II

Can produce a Quark or PageMaker file that will image to prepress film without extensive rebuilding. Specific Quark or PageMaker skills include Style Sheets, Master Pages, all Preference items, Tabs, H&J (Hyphenation and Justification), Tracking, and Kerning. Knows basics of different file and font formats. May have basic understanding of CMYK (separation) issues. Can perform a decent scan and sharpen the image.

QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or InDesign

Illustrator or FreeHand

Photoshop

1+


2+

1+

III

As above. Also, good eye for typography; can make judgment calls that visually improve typographic values in Quark or PageMaker documents. Experienced at building complex layout files with linked color photos and EPS graphics, to be printed with variable page shapes (for example, die-cut tabs) and / or variable page sizes from same file. Can perform trapping in Quark or in drawing program. Truly understands relationship between scanner resolution, print linescreens, color depth, and similar issues. Scanning skills include unsharp masking with numerical understanding, descreening, color correction, etc. Can create good color separations from Photoshop, Quark, or PageMaker. Good familiarity with a wide range of commercial (third-party) QuarkXTensions or PageMaker Additions.

3–5 years’ experience creating complex files. Has built 4-color process jobs to a designer’s specifications. Has successfully troubleshot numerous prepress problems.

QuarkXPress, PageMaker, or Indesign

Illustrator or FreeHand

Photoshop

DeBabelizer

3+


2+

2+

1+

IV

As above. Also, can work with cross-platform files, includin

g Windows-to-Mac and raster-to-vector conversion issues. Expert with high-end workflow extensions such as the Quark Publishing System. Expert in prepress issues. Understands relationship between production of graphic files and things that can happen (and go wrong) in later stages (prepress, press, and bindery). Can troubleshoot and design graphic production workflows, not just the files themselves.

5–10 years’ experience in every phase of graphic production, both on computers and traditionally.

QuarkXPress, PageMaker or InDesign

Illustrator or FreeHand

Photoshop

DeBabelizer

ScanPrepPro, Binuscan

ColorPro, Presswise or INposition TrapWise or Trapper, various RIPs / drivers (See note on “Prepress” page