Photocomposition

Photocomposition, also called phototypesetting, system by which words are arranged for printing on photographic film or paper. In the past typesetters hand placed and arranged metal dies with letters on them for the printing of newspapers, magazines, and books. Today this job is done quickly and efficiently through a keyboard connected to a photographic device, both of which are controlled by a computer. Computers allow instantaneous changes of typeface, or font. The computer can also automatically reposition an entire body of type whenever a change is made.

See also: Printing; Type.