Lenticular printing, also called “flickers”, “winkies”, “wiggle pictures”, and “tilt cards”, is a technology that uses lenticular lenses to create images with an illusion of depth, motion, or multiple images. This effect is achieved by printing different images on the back of a plastic sheet with parallel lenticules (lens-like ridges) on the front. When viewed from different angles, the lenses reveal different images or create a 3D effect, making it ideal for eye-catching graphics in marketing materials, packaging, and displays.
Lenticular printing has its roots in the early 20th century, with the first lenticular images appearing in the 1940s. The technology was initially used for novelty items and small promotional materials, but advancements in printing techniques and materials in the latter half of the century expanded its applications. The development of more sophisticated lenticular lenses and digital printing in the 1990s significantly improved the quality and versatility of lenticular prints, making them popular in advertising, packaging, and art. Today, lenticular printing continues to evolve, offering increasingly dynamic and engaging visual effects.
Lenticular printing offers a unique and engaging way to capture attention and stand out from the crowd. Unlike traditional printing, which delivers static images, lenticular printing can create eye-catching effects such as 3D depth, motion, and image flips. These dynamic visuals can significantly enhance the impact of marketing materials, packaging, and displays, making them more memorable and effective. By providing a more interactive and immersive experience, lenticular printing helps brands create a stronger connection with their audience and leave a lasting impression.
The table below shows some applications of lenticular printing.
| Products |
|---|
| Book Cover |
| CD Jewel Case Insert |
| DVD Case Insert |
| Vinyl Jacket Cover |
| Postcards |
| Posters |
The cost of a lenticular printing project varies based on the size and quantity of the prints, as well as any additional requirements such as backside printing, adhesive backing, or die-cutting. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, please use our online instant lenticular printing cost calculator.
There are three main methods to make lenticular prints: offset printing, UV printing, and inkjet printing.
The maximum size for lenticular printing depends on whether you need 3D or animation effects. For 3D effects, the largest single piece can be 70.9 x 114 inches (1.8 x 2.9 meters), while for animation effects, the maximum is 66.9 x 106.3 inches (1.7 x 2.7 meters). However, it’s possible to tile multiple pieces horizontally to create a larger mural. For example, we completed a project for San Jose International Airport using four pieces of 36 x 48 inches each to form a mural sized 144 x 48 inches, tailored to fit the existing lightboxes at the site.
There is no minimum per se. However, as in the printing industry, larger orders generally result in a lower unit price. For offset printing projects, the optimal quantity is typically 300 or more. For UV printing, it's best if the total area exceeds 3 square feet. Inkjet printing can accommodate smaller orders, including single copies.
Yes, you can request a physical proofing sample of your artwork, but it does come with a cost. For offset printed projects, the cost is approximately $280. For large-size UV printed projects, you can obtain a proofing sample priced as a single unit using our cost calculator, or $50 for a smaller proportional piece. However, please note that physical proofing samples can delay the project by about two weeks. Instead, we recommend using an animated GIF as a digital proof. If you want to assess the quality of our work, we can also provide samples from previous projects.
For offset printed projects, the lead-time is about 2 to 3 weeks. For UV printed projects, the lead-time is about 1 week. For inkjet printed projects, the lead-time is 2 days.
The table below shows some visual effects of lenticular printing.
| Effects |
|---|
| 3D |
| Animation |
| Flip |
| Morph |
| Zoom |
The number of frames needed for a lenticular print depends on the desired visual effect. For flip effects, using 2 frames yields the best results and more than 3 frames can be challenging. Even with 2 frames, make sure the two frames have similar contrast to avoid ghosting. For morph effects, 10 to 20 frames are suitable, as the focus is on the smooth transition rather than the clarity of individual frames. For 3D effects, 10 to 20 frames are also acceptable to create a convincing depth effect.
Yes, it is possible to combine 3D effects with other animation effects in lenticular printing. This versatile technology allows for the integration of multiple visual effects, such as 3D depth, motion, flips, and zooms, within a single print. By carefully designing the images and aligning them with the lenticular lenses, you can create a dynamic and engaging experience that captures the viewer's attention and enhances the overall impact of the printed piece. This combination of effects makes lenticular printing an ideal choice for producing captivating and memorable visuals.
Preparing lenticular artwork involves several key steps to achieve the desired visual effects. Start by designing the individual frames or layers for the animation or 3D effect, using high-resolution images for optimal clarity. Proper preparation and attention to detail are crucial for stunning lenticular prints. For more information, please refer to our Artwork Preparation page.
LPI stands for "Lines per Inch" or "Lenses per Inch". Please refer to the following table:
| LPI | 10 | 15 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 75 | 100 |
| View Angle | 48 | 47 | 47 | 49 | 49 | 54 | 49 | 42 |
| View Distance | 10’ - 50’ | 5’ - 20’ | 5’ - 20’ | 3’ - 15’ | 1’ - 15’ | 1’ - 10’ | 6” - 3’ | 6” - 10” |
Choosing the right lenticular sheet depends on the specific application and desired visual effects. Consider the lens pitch, which determines the density of the lenses and affects the image resolution and viewing distance. For detailed, close-up visuals, a fine-pitch sheet is ideal, while larger pitches are better for larger displays viewed from a distance. The thickness of the sheet also matters; thinner sheets are flexible and suitable for small prints or packaging, while thicker sheets offer durability for larger signs or displays.
Disclaimer: Above definitions shall be used for reference only.