FAQs about Cricut Autopress
In this section we want to answer all those questions about Cricut Autopress.
General
- Professional heat press Cricut Autopress
- Cricut pressing mat
- Control module + USB cable
- Power cord(s)*
- User Guide
- Safety Instructions
- Warranty document
*Only one power cord is needed. Units sold in the UK/Europe area come with two power cords: one with a plug set up for the UK and the other with a plug set up for Europe. Units sold in North America come with a power cord.
Yes, Cricut Autopress must be activated before the first use. Activation also records the press. To activate Cricut Autopress, go to Cricut.com/setup on a Windows/Mac computer and follow the on-screen prompts.
Note: If you use a Mac computer, you will need an adapter for your USB port.
You need a Windows/Mac computer with USB port and Internet connection.
Note: If you use a Mac computer, you will need an adapter for your USB port.
No, it is not Bluetooth enabled. However, our online Heat Guide has all of our recommended time and temperature settings, as well as step-by-step instructions for a variety of base and heat transfer materials. In addition, the control pod has 4 convenient presets for frequently used settings that can be reprogrammed for the projects you do the most.
Cricut Autopress comes with the power cord and USB cables needed for its operation.
Power cable: 80 inches (1.9 m)
USB cable: 39 inches (99 cm)
Cricut Autopress weighs 53.2 pounds (24.13 kg).
The Cricut Autopress thermal press measures 15 x 12 inches (38 cm x 30 cm).
Measurements when closed with the handle forward:
- Width: 42,243 cm (16.63 inches)
- Height: 16,812 cm (6.62 inches)
- Depth: 66,207 cm (26.07 inches)
Measured when open with the handle forward
- Width: 42,243 cm (16.63 inches)
- Height: 25.14 in (63.848 cm)
- Depth: 58,961 cm (23.21 in.)
We recommend a sturdy and stable surface for Cricut Autopress. It was designed to be used on a standard kitchen counter, so any similar surface in your space that can hold 53 lb (24 kg) will work. The surface must be at least the same size as the press:
Measurements when closed with the handle forward:
- Width: 42,243 cm (16.63 inches)
- Height: 16,812 cm (6.62 inches)
- Depth: 66,207 cm (26.07 inches)
- Measured when open with the handle forward
- Width: 42,243 cm (16.63 inches)
- Height: 25.14 in (63.848 cm)
- Depth: 58,961 cm (23.21 in.)
Cricut Autopress opens and closes vertically, but its innovative design allows the heat plate to go down in its design instead of pinching or pressing from an angle. This means you don't have to worry about your design being altered by closing the heat plate.
No.
Not much! With Zero Effort™ operation, it only takes two fingers to close the machine and activate the engine for perfect pressure. The press does the rest and is automatically released when the transfer is complete.
Visit the Cricut Heat Guide for recommended configurations for your project: cricut.com/heatguide.
Yes. However, since the box is about 30 inches (76 cm) wide and the package weighs about 58 pounds (26.3 kg), we recommend that two people lift the package.
Cricut Autopress should be used indoors on a sturdy surface that can support the weight of the machine.
Cricut Autopress can press flat materials up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. The height cannot be adjusted to accommodate materials thicker than this.
Cricut Autopress is ideal for all artisans 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 a special ink and a chemical reaction caused by high temperatures to bind the ink to the fibers or polyester coating in sublimation-compatible blanks. When heated to high temperatures, sublimation inks pass from liquid to gas, allowing it to bond with sublimation-compatible materials.
Cricut Autopress can transfer designs already cut or already printed to a variety of base materials. Once you have cut or printed your design, follow the instructions in the Cricut Heat Guide to transfer the design to your base material.
For machines purchased through Cricut.com, please see our Return Policy here. For machines purchased through other retailers, please refer to the retailer's return policy for guidance.
Generally, the warranty is for one (1) year from the date of purchase. The term may vary depending on the requirements of the country. See Cricut Autopress warranty information here.
If you have any issues with Cricut Autopress, please contact Customer Support for assistance. In case a machine is defective, it will be replaced according to the warranty.
Cricut Autopress undergoes rigorous service life tests and exceeds pressing cycles equivalent to 5 years of constant use.
No, but Cricut Autopress was designed to be used on a firm, stable surface, like a standard kitchen counter, so if you have a similar firm and stable surface in your space, you're good to go! Avoid unstable surfaces, such as folding or fold-out portable tables.
Yes, this press complies with UL standards.
Cricut Autopress is manufactured in our facilities in Malaysia.
First steps
Visit this help article to learn what you need to get started.
- Place the box on its side and slide the outer sleeve outward.
- Pull the perforated tape strips from the bottom and sides of the box.
- Remove the packaging clips.
- Open the lid.
- Next to another person, lift the machine from the box by the front handle and hold it with your hand on 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 plug it into the power outlet. Connect the USB cable to the port on the bottom of the control console. Then, once you have completed the activation process on a computer, connect the control module to Cricut Autopress via the USB cable.
The USB cable connects to a micro-USB port on the bottom of the control console and to a standard USB port (Type A) on the back of Cricut Autopress on the right side, near the power cord.
During activation, the control console is first connected via a USB cable to a standard USB (Type A) port on your computer. If you use a Mac computer, you will need a USB adapter.
You need a way to bring your Design Space design or other software into a physical form, whether you're cutting with iron (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 into your favorite material.
To transfer various colors of thermoadhesives (HTV), you will need to use the layering technique. For infusible Ink material, you can use the "cut and place" technique to incorporate multiple colors and patterns into as few coatings as possible.
For thermo-adhesive projects (HTVs), we recommend pre-lacing the base materials of the clothing to prevent them from shrinking after ironing the design. For Infusible Ink projects, do not pre-fill the base materials of the clothing.
All of our recommended settings and step-by-step instructions can be found in our online Heat Guide.
About this machine
Cricut Autopress is our most advanced heat press. Enter the temperature and time, and Cricut Autopress will adjust to your project and be automatically released when the pressing cycle is complete.
Cricut Autopress can heat up 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 automatic shutdown function. It will turn off after 13 minutes of inactivity.
The Cricut automatic press will be heated to the temperature specified in the control module. It also contains sensors that constantly check the temperature of the iron.
Yes, use the control module to set project time. When you press the press handle, the timer will automatically start the countdown. A beep will sound when the timer reaches zero.
The default buttons on the control console come pre-programmed with frequently used settings:
- Preset 1: SportFlex/Polyester - 305°F (151°C)/30 seconds
- Preset 2: Iron/Cotton every day - 315°F (155°C)/40 seconds
- Preset 3: Glitter Iron-On/Cotton - 330°F (165°C)/30 seconds
- Preset 4: Ink/Polyester Infusible - 400°F (205°C)/45 seconds
It's quick and easy to create new presets! Simply use the controls in the module to select the desired temperature and time settings. Then, press and hold a preset button until it beeps (3 seconds). The preset is now reprogrammed with its new configuration.
To return to factory defaults, gently press a clip into the hole at the bottom of the control module.
Use the toggle switch at the bottom of the control console to switch between C°/F°.
Yes, Cricut Autopress must be turned on, unlocked and open to start heating.
Orange = heating or cooling to the target temperature
Green = target temperature reached
Flashing red = the identifier is locked, the control module is not connected, or an error is detected
No light = the machine is turned off
No need! Cricut Autopress has an extra wide open position, so you have enough space on the mat/plate to place your project.
With the Zero Effort ™ method, it only takes two fingers to close the machine and activate the motor to get perfect pressure. The press does the rest and is automatically released when the pressing cycle is complete.
Yes. It has been designed to have uniform heat throughout the plate to give you the best results.
The bottom of the machine is a plate that does not heat up on its own, but could absorb some of the heat from various presses. Using the mat on top of the platen helps absorb that heat, so it's still safe to touch.
The heat plate is composed of aluminum with a non-stick ceramic coating.
The fan in Cricut Autopress is designed to channel the way air flows through the machine, moving heat away from the handle so that it remains cold during use.
The fan shuts down immediately when the machine is turned off. It will not continue to work.
Absolutely! When you are done with your session, turn off the machine, disconnect the power cord, and use the switch on the right side of the press to lock the machine.
Yes, once turned off, you can close and lock Cricut Autopress for safety during cooling.
Cricut Autopress is not designed for use with accessories.
When you press the handle to activate the motors, the press will remain closed until the timer reaches zero. At this point, it will open automatically. However, it is not blocked. If you need to open the machine during a press, simply lift the handle.
Yes, when the timer reaches zero, the heat plate will automatically rise.
To open the press after you have closed it, simply lift the handle.
You can turn it off by pressing the power button. It is not necessary to lower the temperature before turning 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 inches (5 cm) thick and even heat its entire design.
Cricut Autopress is designed for 120-240V- 50/60 Hz and uses 1300W.
Yes, Cricut Autopress will come with the right cable for the standard outlets of the region in which it is purchased. Make sure your power outlet meets the requirements for Cricut Autopress: 120-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1300 W.
An extension cord or power strip that meets the power requirements of Cricut Autopress: 120-240 V-50/60 Hz 1300 W can be used. Make sure that the outlet to which the cable or power strip is connected also meets these requirements.
The power requirements of Cricut Autopress are 120-240 V-50/60 Hz, 1300 W. Energy use costs will vary by region and provider.
Cricut Autopress does not contain a replaceable fuse. While we rely on Cricut Autopress' solid design, components, construction, and rigorous testing, if you experience any issues with your machine, please contact Customer Support for assistance.
The control module, USB cable, power cord and pressure mat can be replaced. However, the internal components of the machine cannot be replaced. If you have any issues with Cricut Autopress, please contact Customer Support for assistance.
No, Cricut Autopress has no pressure reading.
Yes, a beep will sound when the press has reached temperature and the light from the handle will turn green.
Yes, a beep will sound when the timer reaches zero and the press will open automatically so that your design does not receive too much heat.
No, the fan volume and notification beeps/bells cannot be adjusted.
Consumables / Materials
Cricut Autopress can be used to transfer thermo-adhesive materials (HTV), Infusible Ink and sublimation.
We perform washing tests on Cricut heat transfer materials with Cricut thermal presses to establish their durability. You can find configurations for these materials in the Cricut Heat Guide in cricut.com/heatguide.
Testing is also performed for non-Cricut heat transfer materials, but due to the wide variety of materials and different formulas on the market, Cricut cannot provide exact configurations.
When working with custom heat transfers (such as screen printing or plastisol and direct-to-film/DTF prints), keep in mind that Cricut Autopress works differently than traditional heat press products. Cricut Autopress automatically applies constant pressure for projects up to 2 inches thick. This makes transfers easy and repeatable.This also means that if you use custom heat transfers, the configuration of Cricut Autopress will be different from those recommended by the manufacturer. Cricut has tested a wide variety of these materials with Cricut Autopress to achieve beautiful and consistent results. When working with non-Cricut manufacturer configurations, we recommend increasing the temperature by approximately 20% and increasing the duration of the pressing time to approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Custom transfer materials can also vary, so use the configuration that best suits your needs.
Cricut Autopress can accommodate a variety of fabrics and flat base materials up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. You can iron T-shirts, hoodies, sweaters, handbags, pillowcases, ceramic coasters, even wooden signs!
Cricut Autopress can accommodate a variety of fabrics and flat base materials up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. You can iron t-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, baby jumpsuits, sweaters, handbags, pillowcases, ceramic coasters, even wooden signs!
Note: Cricut Autopress is not designed to press dimensional objects such as shoes, plates, hats, mugs, etc.
You can press on any size of shirt in white. Simply open the t-shirt, place the ironing area on the mat, and place the rest of the t-shirt under and around the plate. This is known as "threading."
Note: For Infusible Ink designs, make sure your design is smaller than the heat plate. Infusible Ink designs must receive a single application of heat. Thermo-adhesive designs can be larger and pressed into sections.
No, Cricut Autopress is not designed to be used with dimensional objects such as shoes, but Cricut EasyPress Mini is perfect for heat transfer projects in shoes.
Cotton, polyester, cotton and polyester blends, wool, felt, nylon, silk and 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 designs, Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets, Infusible Ink Pen & Marker, as well as all Cricut garments, bags, wine bags, cosmetic bags, coasters and aluminum foils can be used with Cricut Autopress.
No, heat transfer projects generally do not require paper or transfer tape as self-adhesive vinyl does. Most thermo-adhesive adhesives (HTVs) come attached to a heat-resistant adhesive coating (carrier sheet) that is used as a "transfer sheet" for those designs. Infusible Ink transfer sheets use a similar carrier sheet. If you need anything to keep your design in place on your base material, be sure to use heat-resistant tape.
Yes, the press is designed to be used with a variety of heat transfer materials, including thermo-adhesive (HTV), Ink infusible and sublimation materials. We have tested many different base and heat transfer 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! Please note that while generic ceramic tiles labeled as sublimation compatible will likely work with Cricut Autopress, we cannot guarantee quality results.
Yes, flat wooden signs up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick can 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.
Spare pressing mats are available to purchase wherever here. However, if you experience a defect with your press mat, please contact Customer Support for assistance.
Cricut Pressing Mat features a non-slip silicone base, allowing you to keep your project in place during transfer.
Pressing
We've tested a variety of base and heat transfer materials and included them in our online Heat Guide! This guide also contains step-by-step stacking and ironing instructions for a variety of projects.
The Cricut pressing mat has the same size and shape as the Cricut Autopress thermal plate and plate, so you can use the mat as a guide. Remove the pressure mat from the stage to your work surface, place your blank part, and transfer the materials over the mat to fit into the surface area of the mat. Then, transfer the entire stack to the Cricut Autopress deck. Position the pressing mat so that its edges align with the edges of the plate. You're ready to press! The bottom silicone layer of the Cricut pressure mat holds the mat in place on the plate; it will not move when the heat plate comes down to start the ironing cycle.
Any size of shirt can be ironed with Cricut Autopress. Simply position your shirt so that the ironing area is on the mat/plate and you're good to go! If necessary, you can open the shirt and slide a layer over the mat/platen, then put the rest under and around the plate. The size of the design is also a consideration. The heat plate measures 38 cm x 30 cm (15 x 12 inches), so if your thermo-adhesive 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. However, Infusible Ink designs should not be larger than the thermal plate and should receive a single heat application. Keep this in mind when determining the size of your Infusible Ink designs.
Does the press work on all shirt sizes, including XL and more?
Yes. The heat plate measures 38 cm x 30 cm (15 x 12 inches), so if your thermo-adhesive 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.
However, Infusible Ink designs should not be larger than the heat plate and should receive a single heat application, so keep this in mind when sizing your Ink Infusible designs.
Absolutely! Once you have finished ironing one side of the shirt, we recommend that you "thread" the shirt on the mat/plate to iron the other side. To do this, open the shirt and slide it on the mat/plate until the ironing area is in the desired position. Then, put the rest of the shirt under and around the plate, so that it does not get in 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 side opposite the one you're pressing on, threading the shirt in this way will prevent seam/pocket/button/zipper prints from appearing in your design.
Yes. Use the temperature dial on the control module to adjust the temperature for your project. If you need to switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the toggle switch at the bottom of the control console. Refer to the Cricut Heat Guide for temperature and time settings specific to your project.
Some projects involving more delicate materials may require an additional barrier. Follow the instructions in our online Heat Guide to get these recommendations for your specific heat transfer and base material.
Cricut Autopress automatically applies pressure when you press the handle to activate the motors. No pressure adjustments required!
Cricut Autopress is designed to automatically apply the necessary pressure on base materials up to 2 inches (5 cm) thick. When you're ready to press, just grab the handle and lower the heat plate until it touches your project. Then, apply gentle downward pressure on the handle - the press engines will take over!
Cricut Autopress was designed to take the guesswork out of pressure! Once your base material with the transfer is placed on the mat/plate, simply lower the heat plate until it comes into contact with your project. Then, gently press the handle down to activate the motors, and the press will do the rest!
Cricut Autopress applies pressure automatically. Simply lower the heat plate until it touches your project, then gently press down on the handle so that the motors snag, and the press does the rest!
Moving, storage, and care
A little more care is required for thermo-adhesive designs, but you can wash and dry the base materials of clothes after using them with Cricut Autopress. For the best results and durability of your design, be sure to follow all instructions, including care instructions, in Cricut's Online Heat Guide.
To clean the heat plate, you can use a commercially available iron cleaner.
In case you accidentally stick iron (HTV) to the plaque, take a thick cloth and clean it quickly while it is still hot. Make sure not to touch the heat plate, it will be hot!
We recommend keeping the press closed and unplugged when not in use.
We recommend storing the Cricut Autopress in a place where it is not exposed to extreme temperatures.
Accordion Content
Troubleshooting
Make sure the control unit is connected via a USB cable to Cricut Autopress. If the cable is securely connected to both the control module and Cricut Autopress and the error persists, please contact Cricut Customer Support for assistance.
Use the switch on the right side of the machine to unlock the press. If the switch is shown unlocked and lifting the handle, does not open the press, please contact Cricut Customer Support for assistance.
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We perform extensive precision and uniformity tests on Cricut thermal presses. This test is done in two steps. First of all, we paint the surface of the heating plate with thermal paint. Thermal paint removes reflections from the heat plate during infrared scanning for accurate readings. Secondly, we add thermal pairs or temperature probes directly to the heat plate. By adding temperature probes directly to the heat plate, we eliminate external factors that can affect readings when heated and at the set temperature. All tests are also performed in controlled environments. When trying a hot air gun, keep these factors in mind:
- The heat gun must be regulated for high temperatures (heat guns designed to test temperatures on humans will not read accurately in higher temperature ranges)
- Laser heat guns don't always have perfect alignment between the laser and the temperature sensor
- Heat gun temperature at the time of test Distance from heat gun to heat plate
- Ambient temperature in the room.
- Inclination of the heat plate due to heat convection
- Reflectivity of the surface of the heat plate
If you have doubts about the accuracy or uniformity of your product's thermal plates, Cricut's customer support team can help.
Be sure to follow all the instructions recommended in the Cricut Heat Guide for the heat transfer material and base material you are using. Cover your design with a thermo-adhesive backrest (HTV) or other protective sheet and lower the heat plate to touch the design again for 10 to 15 seconds. If the iron (HTV) still does not adhere, please contact Cricut Customer Support for assistance.