The effect of flat and shaped compression platens on cotton bale presses on the force required to compress cotton as well as the resilient force exerted by cotton bales and their resulting dimensions was investigated. Eight bales of cotton were compressed with two platen types (four bales on each) on a conventional universal density cotton bale press and evaluated. The test bales were compressed to about 19 inches of platen separation and restrained with 89-inch long bale ties; they averaged 533 pounds at a moisture content of 4.7%. Compression forces were measured initially, and bale tie forces and dimensions were monitored for 61 days. Results indicated that shaped platens require 15% more compression force than flat platens and produce 0.6-inch thicker bales but they reduce bale tie forces 18%.