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How exposed to AI is a Desktop Publisher?

Of the 18 tasks O*NET lists for desktop publishers, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 2 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Advertising AssociateCompositorComputer TypesetterDesign EditorDesktop OperatorDesktop Publishing SpecialistElectronic Console Display OperatorElectronic ImagerElectronic Publishing SpecialistPublisher
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
18
tasks rated for this occupation
39%
hold a degree, from a survey of 21
8k
people do this job in the US
6 of 51
least protected in office and admin

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Transmit, deliver, or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates

Only with software built on top

15
  • Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy
  • Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns
  • Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections
  • View monitors for visual representation of work in progress and for instructions and feedback throughout process, making modifications as necessary
  • Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width, and appropriate spacing for printed materials
  • Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software
  • Import text and art elements, such as electronic clip art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software
  • Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations
  • Select number of colors and determine color separations
  • Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software
  • Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse
  • Edit graphics and photos, using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching
  • Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections
  • Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications
  • Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications

Cannot be sped up

2
  • Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film, or diskette
  • Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.