Plate Layout Worker (Photographic Platemaking)
わりつけこう（しゃしんせいはん）
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
An occupation that lays out printing pages using photographic film and handles imposition tasks such as film mounting and developing.
Description
Plate Layout Workers (Photographic Platemaking) create printing flats by cutting, mounting, developing, and laying out photographic films used in printed materials. They trim the photo films to match the originals, precisely position and fix them in designated locations. Then, they adjust the overall page layout positions, perform proof checks, and generate printing plates using a developing machine. They mainly handle platemaking processes for offset printing, requiring fine adjustments and high accuracy. Although demand has decreased with the spread of DTP technology, they are still needed in special printing and high-quality printing sites.
Future Outlook
With the spread of DTP and digital platemaking, demand for traditional photographic platemaking techniques is declining, but they remain necessary in special printing and high-quality printing sites, with the need for skilled personnel expected to persist.
Personality Traits
Cautious / High concentration / Meticulous / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Career Path
Plate Layout Worker (Entry Level) → Platemaking Operator → Prepress Technician → Prepress Manager
Required Skills
Development equipment operation / Film editing / Fine dimensional measurement / Photographic platemaking equipment operation
Recommended Skills
CTP equipment / Color management knowledge / DTP software / Page proofing
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because small misalignments affect printing quality. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is not highly required because it involves accurately reproducing the given layout. |
| Initiative & Leadership | There is little spontaneous planning or proposals since work is performed following instructions. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Quantity calculations and quantitative analysis are almost unnecessary. |
Related Qualifications
- Printing Technician (Photographic Platemaking)
Related Jobs
- DTP Operator
- Platemaking Operator