How to become a DTP Operator: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Jobs, Scope, Salary

What does a DTP operator do

• A DTP operator plays a crucial role in translating the artwork of graphic designers and art directors into digital files. Desktop Publishers are usually skilled in several computer design applications such as Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign etc.
• Advertising, Designing, Publishing, and Visualisation companies constantly hire desktop publishers. A DTP operator can also present data in an effective and presentable manner with the help of designing software.
• A DTP operator creates better-looking documents that can impress customers, minimize production costs, print and produce customized documents in less time and improve the level of creativity.

Types of DTP Operators

Over the years, a DTP operator gains knowledge and expertise in their designated field that varies accordingly and offers years of specialization. The various types of DTP Operators are mentioned below.

Web Designer

A web designer is responsible for the planning, creation and coding of websites. A web designer creates the basic design and layouts of websites or web pages. Their main responsibilities include designing user friendly websites and web pages. 

Font Designer

Font designers create, develop and design fonts. They are specialized in graphic designing skills to focus on designing typefaces. Font designers either modify the existing fonts or make new ones in order to fulfill the requirements of the particular website, newspapers, resumes, or clients.

Graphic Designer/ DTP Operator

To become a Graphic Designer (DTP Operator cum Graphic Designer) a candidate must have a strong knowledge of Corel Draw, InDesign, and other designing software. They work closely in publishing and creating graphics and also handle manuals, magazines, catalogues, brochures, banners, posters, and product packaging. Candidates can pursue graphic designing courses from top universities or pursue online certifications to become a successful DTP Graphic Designer.

Desktop Publisher

Desktop Publishers deal with publishing software to create a variety of documents such as newsletters, books, newspapers, financial reports, business cards, etc. They become experts over time in formatting and combining photographs, numerical data, charts, illustrations, etc., and comprehensively present the data.

Steps to follow to become a DTP operator

To pursue a career in the field of desktop publishing one has to follow the mentioned steps-

Decision Making

A DTP operator creates better-looking documents that can impress customers, minimize production costs, print and produce customized documents in less time and improve the level of creativity.

Subject Choices

To acquire the relevant skills to be a DTP operator, several certificates, as well as diploma courses, are available both online and offline. Certificate courses include Desktop Publishing with Adobe InDesign, Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing with Scribus, etc., offered by Udemy, Desktop Publishing by NIELIT, DTP Operator by Vskills, DTP Operator courses by polytechnic institutes and training institutes, etc. During their class 12th candidates can opt for the Science stream and pursue engineering courses to have a career as a DTP Operator.

Selecting correct course

A variety of programs are available for online desktop publishing courses. To become a DTP Operator, candidates must pursue relevant courses such as BTech, DGT courses etc. Candidates can either pursue online courses or opt for a regular full time course to pursue a career as a DTP operator.

How to become a DTP operator in India

To become a DTP Operator, one must have intensive knowledge of designing software and basic knowledge of computers and English. Candidates can seek admission in relevant computer courses that will ease their path to become a DTP Operator in India. Admissions to online courses are neither entrance-based nor on merit. 

School-level preparation

After completion of the 12th from the Science Stream, students can pursue any diploma or certificate course either online or offline. Candidates must choose the relevant subjects during their 10+2 and must qualify their examinations with good marks.

How to become a DTP operator after the 12th

In desktop publishing and design, diploma courses and certificates are available entirely online. However, if a person wishes to pursue graduation in order to pursue a career as a DTP Operator, he/she can do so through the degrees available in related fields i.e. Graphic Design, Web design, Multimedia Design, etc.

Admissions to such courses are done based on both merit or entrance-based. A minimum aggregate of 50% is required in the 12th standard in any of the streams: Arts/ Commerce/ Science.

Courses to become a DTP operator

The following section highlights some of the most popular courses a candidate can pursue to become a DTP Operator.

Desktop Publishing Operator by DGT

Desktop publishing course is offered by the Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship that provides a range of vocational training courses. The course is one year long and is divided into 2-semesters. After passing the training program, the students are awarded the National Trade Certificate (NTC) which is recognized worldwide.

• Candidates must have passed the 10th and 12th class examinations.
• The candidate’s age must be between 14 to 40 years of age.

BTech Print Technology

BTech in Print Technology is a 4-year undergraduate course that specializes in training a person to deal with printing press operations, creation, and design. The process of printing enables a person to produce text and images using the printing press. The annual fee charged by several institutions varies and ranges between INR 1 L – 2 LPA or even higher in certain universities.

• Admission to the course is based on entrance exams. 
• Candidates must have passed their 10+2 with Science stream and must qualify the necessary entrance examination to seek admission to the BTech Print and Technology.

Quick Links

Certificate in Desktop Publishing

Certificate Course in Desktop Publishing offered by NIELIT is an 80 hours long course. It costs an average amount of INR 5,000. The course is designed to teach MS Paint, Photoshop, PageMaker and Corel Draw and several other designing techniques and software skills.

• Interested candidates can apply directly to the college.
• Candidates must have a knowledge of basic computer concepts, candidates must be 10th pass.

How To Become A Dtp Operator: Abroad

The following section highlights the requirements to become a DTP operator abroad.

UK

• Studying in the UK can be an ideal place, provide a marvellous studying experience and enhance the professional skills required to be a desktop publisher.
• IELTS, which is an English Language Proficiency test, is required for students wishing to pursue their studies in the UK.
• Students must have a valid education from their home country and must have at least 2 Letter of Recommendations.

USA

• Students must have a valid TOEFL score card along with financial support evidence.
• Candidates must have done their education and must obtain sufficient LORs to apply to universities in the USA.

Canada

• To pursue a course in Canada and acquire a student visa, students must have an acceptance letter from the university, a passport, and sufficient funds to finance their studies.
• A valid score in English Proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, etc., a medical certificate, academic documents, and LORs are also mandatory to seek admission to Canadian universities.

Australia

• INR 28,300 is the visa application fee for students.
• A valid IELTS score is required along with a GTE statement, which is a personal written statement in English to describe the reason for opting for Australia for studies, residence, documentation details, etc.

Benefits of a Career as a DTP Operator

The following are some of the benefits of pursuing a career as a DTP Operator.

Early Start

Working as a DTP operator requires less time to get into the field in comparison to other professions. One can start after passing their 10+2 with the basic skills and knowledge. It helps to give candidates an early start in the work culture and help them in gaining work experience in a short span of time.

Knowledge of Design

DTP operators over the years have gotten accustomed to designing software and are creative enough to bring out the best with the help of this software. As predicted for the upcoming years, this software operator will be in demand. They can work with photoshop tools, Adobe and also help with webpage and website designs.

In-Demand Career

Due to a high demand of IT officials and a rise in globalisation and digitalisation, pursuing a career as a DTP operator is a good choice. It is a demanding career with a good salary package. DTP Operators can earn well and also gain a good amount of knowledge. 

Skills Required to be a DTP Operator

Salary of a DTP Operator

The salary of a DTP operator usually ranges between INR 2L - 4 LPA. The salary depends on various factors such as specialisations, qualification, work experience etc. The following section highlights the average salary of a DTP operator.

Average Annual Salary

Experience Wise Salary