A reader for reading computer-generated lithograms which are written into a storage medium, having a light source for generating a light beam, having recording means for acquiring the image data generated by the light beam by illuminating the lithogram, and having display means for displaying the display data generated from the image data, wherein all the components are combined in a portable handheld unit. This reader solves the object of specifying a manageable reader which has great variability in reading the information contained in the dot distribution of a computer-generated lithogram.