A compositor performs this manual task by picking individual pieces of metal type from a case and arranging them sequentially in a hand-held composing stick. The process involves adding spaces to justify the line before transferring the assembled block to a galley. It forms the foundational step of traditional letterpress printing.
Heard on the job
I need to compose these last three paragraphs before we can lock up the chase.
Also heard as
- typeset
Related terms
Galley
A shallow, three-sided metal tray used to hold lines of set type before they are made up into pages.
Chase
A heavy steel or iron frame used to hold metal type and blocks securely together for printing.
Typecase
A shallow wooden tray with compartmentalized boxes for holding individual pieces of metal type.