Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and imaging press plates whereby the image is exposed on the press plate under conditions which duplicate the manner in which the plate will be mounted to a specific press cylinder so as to insure alignment of the image with the rotational axis of the cylinder and wherein the apparatus includes an exposure device including a platen having a forward beveled end to which is engaged the forward bent end of a preformed press plate and which also includes rear tensioning pins which are engageable through preformed holes formed in the trailing edge of the press plate.