Dye-sublimation printing (or dye-sub printing) is a term that covers several distinct digital computer printing techniques that involve using heat to transfer dye onto a substrate. The sublimation name was first applied because the dye was thought to make the transition between the solid and gas states without going through a liquid stage.

Dye sublimation is a printing process using a specially designed ribbon that holds solid inks. The printer heats the ink, causing it to sublimate – which means it skips the liquid form and transitions directly into a gaseous state. (Another example of the use of sublimation within the industry is freeze-drying.)