Lenticular Printing and Promotions —
The
Dimension Difference

What are Lenticulars?

What does Lenticular mean?

Lenticular printing is a way of producing the illusion of 3D, 4D, moving images or morphing between images on a printed surface. (See samples on our Lenticular Case Studies page.) The unique process relies on a plastic sheet composed of parallel rows of optical lenses that magnify and show to the human eye only a small portion of the image printed underneath. (That image underneith consists of two or more images sliced up and interlaced in a controlled pattern, according to the lenses used and the effect you want.) When the angle at which you view the Lenticular piece changes, the lenses change the image seen by the eye, and that change creates the illusion of depth, movement or transformation.

Are Lenticulars a type of hologram?

No, holograms are produced by a completely different process. You have seen holograms when you look at the shimmering 3D image on thin silvery plastic film that is featured on many credit cards and documents. Holograms are often used for security purposes because they are difficult to forge. We are able to produce promotional holograms as well. Please contact us for details.

Can I do a 3D effect?

Yes! 3D and image flip are the most common Lenticular effects. Other options include motion, morph, zoom and animation. Some of these options may require special lenses and careful art set-up. In some cases, it's even possible to combine 3D effects with another effect.

What are the differences between the lenses?

The standard lens used is the 18 mil/75-line lens, which can be used for all the effects listed above. For higher resolution, stunningly deeper 3D or more fluid motion, there are more specialized lenses (such as 23 mil or 27 mil), which can be much more expensive in small quantities, but go down in cost for larger production runs. We will advise you as to the most appropriate lens based on your artwork and desired use.

What kind of art do I need?

Specifications vary by effect. As a general rule, any art has to be high-resolution. For a basic two-flip effect, we may be able to use JPEG files, if high enough in quality. Motion and 3D require layered Photoshop files with bleeds and a particular sequence. For detailed art specs, please review our Lenticular design guide.

How are Lenticulars used?

The main reason to use Lenticulars is to attract attention. As a bonus, they are often saved and shown to others. When used as direct mail pieces, they have been shown to exponentially increase response rates. No other printed medium can convey morphing, motion or 3D effects, and Lenticulars are the ideal way to show how devices operate or show transformations over time.

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