The tutorial summarizes the basic statements of the theory of metal forming, using which is further analyzed and carried out the development of the general principles of the rational construction of plastic deformation processes. The issues regarding the fundamental laws and principles that govern the behavior of metals during plastic deformation; laws and peculiarities of emergence of the contact friction, as well as keeping it in plastic forming etc. Also in the tutorial briefly discussed the main methods of processing metals by pressure. The educational tutorial can be useful for students of specialties: "Mechanical engineering", "Metallurgy", Technology of materials processing by pressure".