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Desktop Publisher Job Description

What does a Desktop Publisher do?

A Desktop Publisher typically creates visual designs for publications such as newspapers, brochures, magazines, and books using computer software. Their role involves formatting text, selecting appropriate fonts, creating tables and graphics, and ensuring that the layout and design are aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the brand or publication style. Desktop Publishers work closely with editors and designers to ensure that all aspects of the publication meet the expectations of clients or readers. They must also be able to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the design process, work under tight deadlines, and have strong attention to detail.

Our Desktop Publisher job description includes the Desktop Publisher responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Desktop Publisher Example


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If you need an example job description for a Desktop Publisher download the one below, alternatively we have many other Media job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Desktop Publisher do?

A Desktop Publisher is responsible for the design, layout and production of a range of printed and digital publications. They use specialist software to create documents that are accurate, visually appealing and meet client requirements. The Desktop Publisher will work closely with clients to ensure their needs are met, and may be involved in the proofreading of content, as well as the design process. They must be able to work to tight deadlines and produce high-quality work. Knowledge of relevant software is essential, as is an understanding of typography and good design principles.

Desktop Publisher Role Purpose

The purpose of a Desktop Publisher is to create attractive, user-friendly documents, such as newsletters, brochures, flyers, advertisements, magazines, and books. This includes laying out text and images, formatting, proofreading and ensuring accuracy, coordinating colours and fonts, ensuring the design meets brand guidelines, and creating interactive elements such as hyperlinks. Desktop publishing involves working with a range of software packages, including publishing, photo editing, and web design.

Desktop Publisher Role

Desktop Publisher is responsible for creating and producing printed materials, such as books, magazines, and brochures, by using desktop publishing software and equipment. They are responsible for designing, editing and proofreading a range of documents, as well as producing final artwork for print and digital distribution. They also create and maintain digital content, design and layout of web pages, and develop multimedia presentations.

Desktop Publisher Duties

  • Designing and creating layouts for print and digital publications
  • Selecting and arranging images, text, colours and other elements to create an attractive design
  • Liaising with clients to discuss projects and requirements
  • Proofreading and amending designs to ensure accuracy
  • Using industry standard software to create artwork for a range of different projects
  • Ensuring brand guidelines are followed
  • Keeping up to date with the latest industry trends

Desktop Publisher Requirements

  • Strong knowledge of relevant design software
  • Ability to create visually attractive documents
  • Excellent communication and time management skills
  • Knowledge of printing processes and file formats

Desktop Publisher Skills

  • Layout design
  • Photo manipulation
  • Copywriting
  • Proofreading and editing

Desktop Publisher Personal Traits

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Organisational abilities
  • Good eye for detail
  • Creative flair
  • Ability to work under pressure

How to write a Desktop Publisher Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Desktop Publisher Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Desktop Publisher Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Desktop Publisher Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Desktop Publisher

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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