Operators type in the text. Unlike a computer, the words are not recorded on a disk. Instead, the text is cast in metal characters one line at a time. The machine stores a supply of each letter and releases them as they are typed. On some machines, a paper tape is produced as the operator types.
Typesetters feed that tape into a different machine which puts the metal type in order.
Many typesetters and compositors now are called electronic pagination system operators. The title change is the result of using computers to set the type. These workers move text and graphics around on their computer screens to compose the page. They must know specialized typesetting or graphics software. Compositors and typesetters is a specialty of Printing Production Workers .