Phototypesetting

Phototypesetting is a method of setting type with light (photo). It consists of a character matrix in the form of film negative which has the images of all the characters, a light-sensitive paper and a light source. The characters in the matrix are exposed to the photographic paper by the light source through a lens one by one as they are typed on the keyboard, using a similar mechanism to that of a typewriter. The exposed photographic paper is developed and used as master for reproduction of plates, which are required for the printing process (offset lithography). The different fonts are achieved by having a character matrix for each font. Differences in the sizes of the characters are achieved by adjusting the lens unit.

Related Topics:
Setting type - Lens - Offset lithography - Fonts

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