Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare electronic files for pre-press processing. It applies to files that still require some processing before printing or electronic distribution.
It applies to individuals who may provide administrative support or technical expertise when preparing their own files for publication as either hard or soft copy documents.
No licensing, legislative or certification conditions apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Clarify formatting requirements | 1.1 Review documented information about printing 1.2 Plan work for pre-press requirements, including deadlines, in consultation with relevant people 1.3 Consider the requirements for different publication processes |
2. Prepare text for pre-press processes | 2.1 Save text in correct format 2.2 Review text to remove unnecessary formatting 2.3 Apply templates and styles as specified |
3. Prepare graphics for pre-press processes | 3.1 Complete scans at appropriate resolution 3.2 Use correct scanning curve 3.3 Save colour in required format 3.4 Complete basic manipulation 3.5 Ensure that combined images can be edited and adjusted 3.6 Check that all templates and styles have been applied correctly 3.7 Save final graphic images in the correct format |
4. Finalise work | 4.1 Evaluate final files for technical and visual accuracy and fitness for purpose 4.2 Use feedback from others to improve own skills in preparing files for publication 4.3 Submit files to relevant personnel within required deadlines 4.4 Make back-up copies of files in line with organisational procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare text and graphic files that meet required output specifications for at least two hard copy and two soft copy jobs
use reflection and feedback from others to review own work quality
create and store back-up files according to requirements.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify differences between hard copy and electronic publishing processes
identify file formats for various outputs
explain the importance of image resolution when preparing files
list and briefly describe some image manipulation techniques
outline basic colour systems used to prepare files for pre-press
explain why styles and templates are used in pre-press work.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
documentation that specifies job requirements
software to reproduce graphic designs
interaction with relevant people.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 4.2 | Demonstrates awareness of self as a learner by seeking the opinions of others to improve own skills |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.6, 4.1, 4.4 | Interprets straightforward textual information from relevant sources to plan and complete tasks Reviews text for accuracy and compliance with requirements |
Writing | 1.2 | Records key information related to task requirements for personal use |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 4.2 | Articulates clearly using relevant language to discuss requirements, and listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 3.1 | Interprets numerical data to perform technical requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 3.6, 4.3, 4.4 | Understands role and associated responsibility to complete work to required standards, timelines and organisational procedures |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.5, 3.7, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4 | Plans and organises own workload taking production requirements into account and completing tasks in a logical sequence Makes routine decisions about preparation and production of text and image files that meet technical and visual requirements and deadlines Understands the purposes and functions of digital systems and tools and operates them effectively to complete required tasks |
Sectors
Visual communication – graphic design