Heat printing, also known as heat transfer printing, is the process of applying heat transfer materials to various items (i.e., substrates) with a heat press. Heat-applied materials contain a heat-sensitive adhesive on one side; when heat is applied by a heat press to the material, the material adheres to the substrate, resulting in a decorated garment.

Three key components to consider when decorating with a heat press are: time, temperature, and pressure. Every heat transfer material has its own heat printing instructions.

• Time: The amount of time, in seconds, that heat must be applied to the design/garment.
• Temperature: The optimal degree at which the design will adhere to the garment.
• Pressure: The amount of downward force needed when heat applying.