We have seen that computers are used to automate processes in various industries. Let us take a look at how computers are used in the publishing and printing industry .
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Publishing is the activity of putting information in the public arena (e.g. newspapers, magazines, books).
Printing is part of publishing. It is an industrial process for the production of text and images with ink on paper using a printing press.
The Modern Publishing Process.
1. An author writes his/her manuscripts using a word processor.
2. A graphic artist creates illustrations using a graphics program.
3. An editor checks for mistakes and makes changes using word process.
4. A typesetter arranges the text and graphics using a desktop publisher.
5. If it is a full-colour publication, the desktop publisher separates the images into 4 colours (Figure 1.7). 4 sets of
Black-and-white films, each corresponding to a colour, are produced
6. Each film is placed onto a zinc plate. Ultraviolet light is shone onto the film and plate, producing a positive image on the plate. 4 sets of printing plates are formed.
7. The plates are arranged carefully in a printing machine that is controlled by a computer. The final printed product is a combination of the coloured images from all 4 plaes.
Benefits of Using Computers in Publishing
- Graphics can be changed more easily than before. (In the past, graphics are drawn on paper. Once inked, it is difficult to correct.)
- The spelling-and-grammar checker in word processors helps to reduce mistakes in manuscripts.
- In the past, layout was done manually (i.e. cutting and pasting). A desktop publisher considerably improves productivity in doing layout.
- Previously, cameras with colour filters were used to take pictures of the text, illustrations and photographs. The components of the colour images were then recorded onto black-and-white films from which printing plates were made. The use of high-resolution machines called images-setters improves productivity in producing films.
- Modern printing machines are controlled by computers. They can adjust the print positions and colour, ensuring a high-quality produst.
Computer to Plate (CTP)
The process of printing we have just seen can be called “computer-to-plate” (CTP). It is a type of printing process which skips the film-producing step. In this method, the digital image, which is also in the CMYK format, is transmitted directly from the computer to a plate.
Benefits of CTP
1. CTP technology saves money and time in producing films and shooting plates from films. This increases productivity.
2. Without having to arrange the films to shoot plates, it reduces the risk of human error.