Setting

First, the compositor adjusts the composing stick to the desired pica measure, or line length. To set type, he holds the composing stick in one hand and with the other he picks type from the type case. To justify the lines of type he adds additional wordspaces and/or letterspaces.

To create the proper amount of leading, the compositor inserts metal strips called leads between the lines. When the composing stick is full, the lines of type are transferred to a long shallow tray called a galley. The compositor continuesto set type until the galley is full or the job is completed. The next step is to "make up" the job; that is, to assemble

The various elements (text type, display type, rules, cuts, etc.) according to the designer's layout. If the job is small, it may be made up directly on the galley; if larger or more complex, it maybe made up(n an imposing table, traditionally known as the "stone." Because the type consists of hundreds of individual pieces, it is important that they be held together securely, or "locked up." This s done by tying up the type with string,

or by surrounding it with "furniture": strips of wood, metal, or plastic. These in turn are held firmly in place with metal clips or magnets. Type can be locked up in three ways: on the galley, in a metal frame called a chase, or directly on the bed of the press.

Collectively, type and other printed matter locked up and ready to be proofed or printed is called a form.