Abstract: A method and system for compensating for misalignment of a piece of target material to which a design is to be applied is described. One embodiment receives first and second sets of coordinates corresponding to the location, respectively, of first and second reference points on the target piece of material; modifies, based on the received first and second sets of coordinates, design data that specifies a predetermined position and orientation of the design on the target piece of material with respect to the first and second reference points to produce modified design data, the modified design data compensating for at least one of translational and rotational misalignment of the target piece of material with respect to a design-application mechanism; and applies the design to the target piece of material in accordance with the modified design data.