Typesetting is the final stage of manuscript production — where content is transformed from a Word document or LaTeX file into a beautifully formatted, publication-ready PDF or HTML article. Done poorly, it introduces errors and delays. Done well, it is invisible.
What Does Typesetting Involve?
Professional typesetting for academic journals includes:
- Applying the journal's visual style (fonts, colours, column layout)
- Formatting headings, tables, figures, and captions to journal specification
- Setting mathematical equations (typically using MathML or LaTeX)
- Preparing print-ready PDF and web-ready HTML/XML outputs
- Inserting DOIs, page numbers, and issue metadata
LaTeX vs Word: Which Format?
High-impact journals in physics, mathematics, and engineering commonly require LaTeX. Biomedical and clinical journals typically accept Word. Many publishers now request both a formatted PDF (for review) and a structured XML file (for production).
Common Typesetting Standards
- Page size: A4 (210 × 297 mm) or US Letter (8.5 × 11 in)
- Fonts: Times New Roman, Minion Pro, or journal-specific typefaces
- Line spacing: Double-spaced for review; single-spaced for production
- Figures: TIFF or EPS at 300–600 DPI
The Role of Proof Reading in Typesetting
After initial typesetting, authors receive proofs — formatted PDFs that require careful review. This is your final opportunity to catch typesetting errors. Focus on equations, figures, tables, and reference lists, where errors most commonly occur.