Cricut Autopress FAQ

• Cricut Autopress professional heat press
• Cricut Pressing Mat
• Control Pod + USB cable
• Power cord(s)*
• User Guide
• Safety Instructions
• Warranty document

*Only one power cord needed. Units sold in the UK/Europe area come with two power cords – one with a plug configured for the UK, the other with a plug configured for Europe. Units sold in North America come with one power cord.

Yes, Cricut Autopress must be activated before first use. Activation also registers the press. To activate Cricut Autopress navigate to Cricut.com/setup on a Windows/Mac computer and follow the on-screen prompts.

Note: If using a Mac computer, you’ll need an adapter for your USB port.

You need a Windows/Mac computer with USB port and an internet connection.

Note: If using a Mac computer, you’ll need an adapter for your USB port.

No, it is not Bluetooth enabled. However, our online Heat Guide has all our recommended time and temperature settings, as well as step-by-step instructions for a variety of heat-transfer and base materials. Additionally, the control pod has 4 convenient presets for frequently used settings which can be reprogrammed for the projects you make most.

Cricut Autopress comes with the power cord and USB cables needed for operation.

• Power cord – 80 in (1.9 m)
• USB cable – 39 in (99 cm)

Cricut Autopress weighs 53.2 lbs (24.13 kg).

Cricut Autopress heat plate is 15 in x 12 in (38 cm x 30 cm).

When sitting closed with the handle facing forward:

• Width: 16.63 in (42.243 cm)
• Height: 6.62 in (16.812 cm)
• Depth: 26.07 in (66.207 cm)

When sitting open with handle facing forward

• Width: 16.63 in (42.243 cm)
• Height: 25.14 in (63.848 cm)
• Depth: 23.21 in (58.961 cm)

We recommend a sturdy, stable surface for Cricut Autopress. It was designed for use on a standard kitchen counter so any similar surface in your space that can hold 53 lbs (24 kg) will work. The surface should be, at minimum, the same size as the press:

When sitting closed with the handle facing forward:

• Width: 16.63 in (42.243 cm)
• Height: 6.62 in (16.812 cm)
• Depth: 26.07 in (66.207 cm)

When sitting open with handle facing forward

• Width: 16.63 in (42.243 cm)
• Height: 25.14 in (63.848 cm)
• Depth: 23.21 in (58.961 cm)

Cricut Autopress opens and closes vertically, but its innovative design allows the heat plate to lower straight down on your project rather than pinching or contacting your project from an angle. This means you don’t have to worry about your project shifting when you close the heat plate.

No.

Not much! With Zero Effort™ operation, it just takes two fingers to close the machine and engage the motor for perfect pressure. The press does the rest and auto-releases when your transfer is complete.

Visit the Cricut Heat Guide for recommended settings for your project: cricut.com/heatguide

Yes. However, as the box is approximately 30 in (76 cm) wide and the parcel weighs approximately 58 lbs (26.3 kg) we recommend using two people to lift the parcel.

Cricut Autopress should be used indoors on a sturdy surface that can hold the weight of the machine.

Cricut Autopress can press flat materials up to 2 in (5 cm) in thickness. The height cannot be adjusted to accommodate materials thicker than this.

Cricut Autopress is great for all crafters and can even be used by beginners! Follow the steps in the Cricut Heat Guide to ensure proper use and safety of the machine.

Sublimation uses special ink and a chemical reaction caused by high heat to bond ink to the fibers or poly-coating on sublimation-compatible blanks. When heated at high temperatures, sublimation inks transition from liquid to gas, which allows it to bond with sublimation-compatible materials.

Cricut Autopress can transfer already-cut or already-printed designs to a variety of base materials. Once you’ve cut or printed your design, follow instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide to transfer the design to your base material.

For machines purchased through Cricut.com, view our Return Policy here. For machines purchased through other retailers, refer to the retailer’s return policy for guidance.

Generally, the warranty is for one (1) year from date of purchase. Term may vary based on country requirements. View Cricut Autopress warranty information here.

If you experience any issue with Cricut Autopress, contact Member Care for assistance. In the event a machine is defective, it would be replaced if under warranty.

Cricut Autopress undergoes rigorous life testing and outlasts pressing cycles equivalent to 5 years of steady use.

No, but Cricut Autopress was designed for use on a firm, stable surface, such as a standard kitchen counter so if you have a similar firm, stable surface in your space you are good to go! Avoid unstable surfaces such as folding/fold-out portable tables.

Yes, this press conforms to UL Standards.

Cricut Autopress is manufactured in our facility in Malaysia.

Visit this help article for information on what you need to get started.

1. Set box on its side and slide outer sleeve off.
2. Pull perforated tape strips from bottom and sides of the box.
3. Remove packaging clips.
4. Open the lid.
5. With a partner, lift machine from box by the front handle and handhold at the back of the machine.

Cricut Autopress comes fully assembled. Simply connect the power cord to the port on the back of the machine and connect that to power outlet. Connect the USB cable to the port on the bottom of the control pod. Then, once you’ve completed the activation process on a computer, connect the control pod to Cricut Autopress via the USB cable.

The USB cable connects to a micro-USB port on the bottom of the control pod, and a standard USB (Type A) port on the back of Cricut Autopress on the right side, near the power cord.

During activation, the control pod is first connected via USB cable to a standard USB (Type A) port on your computer. If using a Mac computer, you will need a USB adapter.

You do need a way to take your design from Design Space or other software to physical form, whether you are cutting iron-on (HTV) or creating with Infusible Ink materials with a Cricut smart cutting machine or printing your design on a sublimation printer.

Create and size your design in Design Space. Use a Cricut cutting machine to cut your design out of your preferred material.

To transfer multiple colors of iron-on (HTV), you will need to use the layering technique [link to article]. For Infusible Ink material, you will use the “slice and set” technique to incorporate multiple colors and patterns onto the fewest possible number of liners.

For iron-on (HTV) projects we recommend prewashing apparel base materials to avoid shrinkage after your design has been pressed. For Infusible Ink projects, do not prewash apparel base materials.

All our recommended settings and step-by-step instructions are found in our online Heat Guide. 

Cricut Autopress is our most advanced heat press ever. Put in your temperature and time, and Cricut Autopress takes out the guesswork by auto-adjusting to your project and auto-releasing when the pressing cycle is complete.

Cricut Autopress can heat to 400°F (205°C).

Cricut Autopress can heat up to its maximum temperature of 400°F (205°C) in 8 minutes.

Yes, Cricut Autopress has an auto-off feature. It will shut off after 13 minutes of inactivity.

Cricut Autopress will heat to the temperature specified on the control pod. It also contains componentry that is constantly assessing heat plate temperature.

Yes, use the control pod to set the time for your project. When you press down the handle to engage the press motors, the timer will automatically start to countdown. A beep will sound when the timer reaches zero.

The preset buttons on control pod come pre-programmed with frequently-used settings:

• Preset 1: SportFlex/Polyester - 305°F (151° C)/30 seconds
• Preset 2: Everyday Iron-On/Cotton - 315°F (155°C)/40 seconds
• Preset 3: Glitter Iron-On/Cotton - 330°F (165°C)/30 seconds
• Preset 4: Infusible Ink/Polyester - 400°F (205°C)/45 seconds

It’s quick and easy to create new presets! Simply use the dials on the control pod to select desired time and temperature settings. Then, press and hold a preset button until it beeps (3 seconds). The preset is now re-programmed with your new setting.

To return to factory presets, gently press a paperclip into the hole on the bottom of the control pod.

Use the toggle switch on the bottom of the control pod to switch between C°/F°.

Yes, Cricut Autopress must be powered on, unlocked, and open to begin heating.

• Orange = heating or cooling to target temperature
• Green = target temperature reached
• Flashing Red = handle is locked, control pod is not connected, or an error is detected
• No light = machine is powered off

No need! Cricut Autopress has an extra-wide open position, so you have plenty of space above the mat/platen to position your project.

With Zero Effort ™ operation, it takes just two fingers to close the machine, and engage the motor for perfect pressure. The press does the rest, and it auto-releases when the pressing cycle is complete.

Yes. This was designed to have even heat across the plate to give you the best results.

The bottom of the machine is a platen that does not heat up on its own but could absorb some of the heat from multiple presses. Using the mat on top of the platen helps to absorb that heat, so it is still safe to touch.

The heat plate is composed of aluminum with a ceramic non-stick coating.

The fan in Cricut Autopress is designed to channel the way air flows through the machine, directing heat away from the handle so it remains cool during use.

The fan turns off immediately when the machine is powered off. It will not continue to run.

Absolutely! When you’re finished with your session, power off the machine, unplug the power cord, and use the switch on the right side of the press to lock the machine.

Yes, once powered off you can close and lock Cricut Autopress for safety during cool down.

Cricut Autopress is not designed for use with attachments.

When you press the handle to engage the motors, the press will remain closed until the timer reaches zero. At this point, it will open automatically. It isn’t locked, though. If you need to open the machine during a press, simply lift the handle.

Yes, when the timer reaches zero, the heat plate will lift automatically.

To open the press after it has been closed, simply lift the handle.

You can turn it off by pressing the power button. It isn’t necessary to lower the temperature before powering off.

Cricut Autopress does not need to be calibrated for pressure or temperature. Its unique design, construction, and even edge-to-edge heat allow it to automatically apply the necessary pressure to any project up to 2 in (5 cm) thick and even heat to your full design.

Cricut Autopress is designed for 120-240V- 50/60 Hz and uses 1300W.

Yes, Cricut Autopress will come with the correct cord for standard outlets for the region in which it is purchased. Ensure that your power outlet matches the requirements for Cricut Autopress: 120-240V – 50/60 Hz, 1300 W.

An extension cord or power strip that matches the power requirements of Cricut Autopress may be used: 120-240V-50/60 Hz 1300 W. Ensure that the outlet to which the cord/power strip is connected also matches these requirements.

Cricut Autopress power requirements are 120-240V-50/60 Hz, 1300 W. Costs for power usage will vary by region and provider.

Cricut Autopress does not contain a replaceable fuse. While we are confident in the robust design, components, construction, and rigorous testing of Cricut Autopress, if you experience any issues with your machine, contact Member Care for assistance.

The control pod, USB cable, power cord, and pressing mat can be replaced. Internal machine components, however, cannot be replaced. If you experience any issue with Cricut Autopress, contact Member Care for assistance.

No, Cricut Autopress does not have a pressure readout.

Yes, a beep will sound when the press has reached temperature, and the light on the handle will turn green.

Yes, a beep will sound when the timer reaches zero, and the press will open automatically, so your project doesn’t receive too much heat.

No, the volume of the fan and notification chimes/beeps cannot be adjusted.

Cricut Autopress can be used to transfer iron-on (HTV), Infusible Ink & sublimation materials.

Cricut Autopress can accommodate a variety of fabric and flat base materials up to 2 in (5 cm) thick. You can press T-shirts, hoodies, jerseys, tote bags, pillowcases, ceramic coasters, even wood signs!

Cricut Autopress can accommodate a variety of fabric and flat base materials up to 2 in (5 cm) thick. You can press T-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, baby bodysuits, jerseys, tote bags, pillowcases, ceramic coasters, even wood signs!

Note: Cricut Autopress is not designed for pressing on dimensional objects such as shoes, plates, hats, mugs, etc.

You can press on any size of shirt blank. Just open the shirt, position the pressing area on the mat and tuck the rest of the shirt under and around the platen. This is known as “threading.”

Note: For Infusible Ink designs, ensure your design is smaller than the heat plate. Infusible Ink designs should receive a single application of heat. Iron-on designs may be larger and pressed in sections.

No, Cricut Autopress is not designed for use with dimensional objects like shoes, but Cricut EasyPress Mini is perfect for heat transfer projects on shoes.

Cotton, polyester, cotton-poly blends, wool, felt, nylon, silk & more! Check out our online Heat Guide for materials tested for use with Cricut Autopress, as well as step-by-step stacking and pressing instructions for a variety of projects.

All Cricut Iron-On, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, Infusible Ink Pen & Marker designs, as well as all Cricut apparel, tote bag, wine bag, cosmetic bag, coaster, and aluminum sheet blanks may be used with Cricut Autopress.

No, heat transfer projects don’t generally require a transfer paper/tape like self-adhesive vinyl does. Most iron-on (HTV) comes adhered to a sticky heat-resistant liner (carrier sheet) that is used as the “transfer sheet” for those designs. Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets use a similar carrier sheet. If you need something to hold your design in place on your base material, make sure to use heat resistant tape.

Yes, the press is designed for use with a variety of heat-transfer materials including iron-on (HTV), Infusible Ink & sublimation materials. We’ve tested many different heat-transfer and base materials for use with Cricut Autopress. Visit our Heat Guide for instructions specific to your project.

No, but Cricut Mug Press and Cricut Hat Press are perfect for these projects.

Absolutely! Be advised that, while generic ceramic tiles labeled as sublimation compatible will likely work with Cricut Autopress, we cannot guarantee quality results.

Yes, flat wood signs up to 2 in (5cm) thick may be pressed with Cricut Autopress.

Yes, laser paper, which we recommend when creating designs with Infusible Ink Pens and Markers, can be used with Cricut Autopress.

Replacement pressing mats will be available to purchase wherever Cricut Autopress is sold. If you experience a defect with your pressing mat, however, contact Member Care for assistance.

Cricut Pressing Mat features a nonslip silicone base, allowing it to hold your project in place during transfer.

We have tested a variety of heat-transfer and base materials and put them in our online Heat Guide for your convenience! This guide also contains step-by-step stacking and pressing instructions for a variety of projects.

Cricut Pressing Mat is the same size and shape as both the Cricut Autopress heat plate and platen, so you can use the mat as a guide. Remove the pressing mat from the platen to your work surface, arrange your blank, and transfer materials on the mat so that they fit on the surface area of the mat. Then, transfer the whole stack to the Cricut Autopress platen. Position the pressing mat so its edges align with the edges of the platen. You're ready to press! The Cricut Pressing Mat bottom silicone layer holds the mat in place on the platen – it will not move when you lower the heat plate to begin the pressing cycle.

Any size of shirt may be pressed with Cricut Autopress. Just position your shirt so the pressing area is on the mat/platen and you’re good to go! If needed, you can open the shirt and slide one layer of it over the mat/platen, then tuck the rest underneath and around the platen.

Design size is also a consideration. The heat plate is 15 in x 12 in (38 cm x 30 cm), so if your iron-on design is larger than this, you can apply heat to the design in sections. Simply reposition your base material between pressing cycles and apply heat.

Infusible Ink designs, however, should not be larger than the heat plate and should receive a single application of heat. Keep this in mind as you size your Infusible Ink designs.

Yes. The heat plate is 15 in x 12 in (38 cm x 30 cm), so if your iron-on design is larger than this, you can apply heat to the design in sections. Simply reposition your base material between pressing cycles and apply heat.

Infusible Ink designs, however, should not be larger than the heat plate and should receive a single application of heat, so keep this in mind as you size your Infusible Ink designs.

Absolutely! Once you’ve finished pressing one side of the shirt, we recommend “threading” your shirt on the mat/platen to press on the other side. To do this, open the shirt and slide it over the mat/platen until the pressing area is positioned how you want it. Then, tuck the remainder of the shirt under and around the platen, out of the way. This prevents your designs from receiving an impression of the design on the opposite side of the shirt. Similarly, if your shirt has thick seams, pockets, buttons, or zippers on the opposite side from the one you’re pressing, threading the shirt like this will prevent impressions from seams/pockets/buttons/zippers from appearing in your design.

Yes. Use the temperature dial on the control pod to adjust the temperature for your project. If you need to switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the toggle switch on the bottom of the control pod. Refer to the Cricut Heat Guide for specific time and temperature settings for your project.

Some projects involving more delicate materials may require an extra barrier. Follow the instructions in our online Heat Guide for these recommendations for your specific heat-transfer and base material.

Cricut Autopress applies pressure automatically when you press the handle to engage the motors. No pressure adjustments required!

Cricut Autopress is designed to automatically apply the needed pressure on base materials up to 2 in (5 cm) thick. When you’re ready to press, just grasp the handle and lower the heat plate until it touches your project. Then, apply gentle downward pressure on the handle - the press motors take over!

Cricut Autopress was designed to take the guesswork out of pressure! Once your base material with transfer is positioned on the mat/platen, simply lower the heat plate until it contacts your project. Then, gently press down on the handle to engage the motors, and the press does the rest!

Cricut Autopress applies pressure automatically. Just lower the heat plate until it touches your project, then gently press down on the handle for the motors to engage, and the press does the rest!

A little more care is required for iron-on designs, but you can wash and dry apparel base materials after using them with Cricut Autopress. For best results and longevity for your design, ensure you are following all instructions, including care instructions, in our online Heat Guide.

To clean the heat plate, you can use commercially available iron cleaner.

In case you accidentally adhere iron-on (HTV) to the plate, get a thick rag and wipe it off quickly while it's still warm. Be sure not to touch the heat plate – it's hot.

We recommend keeping the press closed and unplugged when not in use.

We recommend storing Cricut Autopress in a place where it will not be exposed to extreme temperatures.

Ensure control pod is connected via USB cable to Cricut Autopress. If the cord is securely connected to both control pod and Cricut Autopress and the error persists, contact Member Care for assistance.

Use the switch on the right side of the machine to unlock the press. If the switch shows unlocked and lifting the handle does not open the press, contact Member Care for assistance.

We run thorough accuracy and uniformity testing on Cricut heat presses. This testing is done in two steps. First, we paint the surface of the heat plate with a thermal paint. The thermal paint eliminates heat plate reflections during infrared scanning for accurate readings. Second, we add thermal couples or temperature probes directly to the heat plate. By adding temperature probes directly to the heat plate, we eliminate outside factors that may affect readings when heating up and at set temperature. All testing is also done in controlled environments. When testing with a heat gun, consider these factors:

• Heat gun must be regulated for high temperatures (heat guns intended for testing temperatures on humans will not read accurately in higher-temperature ranges)
• Heat guns with lasers do not always have perfect alignment between laser and temperature sensor
• Temperature of heat gun at time of testing Distance from heat gun to heat plate
• Ambient temperature in the room
• Tilting of the heat plate due to heat convection
• Reflectiveness of heat plate surface

Should you have concerns with the accuracy or uniformity of the heat plates on your product, our Member Care team can help.

Ensure you’re following all recommended instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide for the heat-transfer material and base material you’re using. Cover your design with iron-on (HTV) backer or other protective sheet and lower the heat plate to re-touch the design for 10-15 seconds. If the iron-on (HTV) still won’t adhere, contact Member Care for assistance.