photosetting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Historical / TechnicalTechnical / Historical / Professional Printing
Quick answer
What does “photosetting” mean?
The process of setting text or images using photographic techniques, particularly in prepress or typesetting, before digital methods became dominant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of setting text or images using photographic techniques, particularly in prepress or typesetting, before digital methods became dominant.
Can refer to the historical craft of creating type or layouts via photographic exposure on film or plates, or metaphorically to any meticulous arrangement of visual elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally archaic in both variants.
Connotations
Evokes a specific era of print technology (approx. 1960s-1990s). Might be used nostalgically by older professionals.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both dialects. Possibly slightly more recognized in the UK due to longer preservation of certain traditional printing terms.
Grammar
How to Use “photosetting” in a Sentence
undergo photosettingproduce by photosettingspecialise in photosettingtransition from photosetting to digitalVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “photosetting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine text was photoset by an external bureau before plate-making.
- We used to photoset all our catalogues on an Autologic machine.
American English
- The newspaper photoset its classified ads until the late 80s.
- This brochure was photoset, not done with metal type.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; would be 'using photosetting']
American English
- [Not standard; would be 'using photosetting']
adjective
British English
- The photosetting unit was housed in a darkroom.
- We faced a major photosetting bill for the annual report.
American English
- The photosetting department was made redundant by 1995.
- He worked with photosetting equipment like the Linotronic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historical reference in printing/publishing business contexts: 'The company's shift from photosetting to desktop publishing in 1992 was costly.'
Academic
Used in histories of technology, media studies, or graphic design history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Precise term in historical discussions of printing, typography, and prepress workflows.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photosetting”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photosetting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photosetting”
- Misspelling as 'photo setting' or 'photo-setting'. Using it to describe modern digital layout. Confusing it with 'photoshopping' or image editing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a largely obsolete process completely superseded by digital typesetting and desktop publishing software since the 1990s.
They are essentially synonyms, both referring to the same photographic typesetting process. 'Phototypesetting' is perhaps slightly more common.
You would likely only encounter it when reading about the history of printing, typography, or graphic design technology.
Yes, though rare. The verb form is 'to photoset' (past tense: photoset).
The process of setting text or images using photographic techniques, particularly in prepress or typesetting, before digital methods became dominant.
Photosetting is usually technical / historical / professional printing in register.
Photosetting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊ.təʊˌset.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊ.t̬oʊˌset.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think PHOTO + SETTING: using a PHOTOgraphic process to SET type or TEXT.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT/IMAGE IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT TO BE ARRANGED AND FIXED VIA LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'photosetting'?