Phototypesetting, also known as mechanical typesetting or cold type, refers to the process of creating print materials using photographic techniques rather than manual typesetting. There are a variety of synonyms that can be used to replace the term phototypesetting, including image setting, photo setting, and photocomposition. Other terms that can describe similar processes include digital typesetting, computer typesetting, or desktop publishing. Although phototypesetting is an older technique that has largely been replaced by digital methods, it remains a term that is still used today to describe specific processes or technologies within the field of printing and typesetting.