Lenticular Design Guide & Tips

Animated FLIP Lenticular is two images that change from one to another

Lenticular Setup:

• Send us two images (depending on the art, a 3 image flip can be done)
• File prepared to the desired size, plus 1/8" bleed on all sides 
  
• 300 dpi (image resolution) Photoshop, Vector EPS or Editable PDF file
• CMYK for color accuracy
• Minimum font size depends on the lens:
  75 lpi lens (12 pt. min.), 100 lpi (8 pt. min.), 30 lpi (18 pt. min.)
  

Lenticular Design Tips:

• DO NOT use smaller than minimum font sizes.
  
• AVOID using white or very light colored backgrounds in your lenticular art. This will produce a ghosting effect that will show 10% to 20% of both images at the same time.
• YES:  Use vibrant colors and full ink coverage. They work best at producing a clean flip from one image to another.

MATERIAL: Plastic Lenticular Lens (LPI stands for lenses per inch)

• 75 lpi  (18 mil) – up to 17" x 24"
• 100 lpi (14 mil) – up to 12" x 18"
• Large Format: 30 lpi (3 mm / .1181 inch thick) – up to 48" x 96"

Lenticular 3D printing creates a three dimensional illusion on a flat surface.

 
Setting up your file is easy! Create your 3D design as a layered Photoshop file as shown here – and we'll do the rest! We interlace your design with out proprietary software to line up with the lenticular lens to bring your art to life.

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Lenticular 3D images can be viewed without any special equipment, making them suitable for advertising, point-of-purchase displays, or product packaging. The movement observed in these images is known as a parallax shift. Parallax refers to the apparent movement of objects in the lenticular art when the viewer tilts their head or walks past the artwork.

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Lenticular Setup:

• File must be provided as a layered 300 dpi (image resolution) Photoshop file
• Arrange layers in order (see example)
• Designate one layer to be your “Focal Point” (Text and logos are usually positioned here)
• You may use up to 15 layers of depth (see example)
• Minimum font size depends on the lens: 75 lpi lens (12 pt. min.),
  100 lpi (8 pt. min.), 20 lpi (28 pt. min.), 30 lpi (18 pt. min.)
• Bleed
  (Top & Bottom) Prepare file to size, plus 1/8" bleed, PLUS 1/2" bleed
  (Left & Right) 1/2" bleed for 75 lpi. and 100 lpi. lenses. 20 lpi. bleed varies upon finished size and art. 

Lenticular Design Tips:

• DO NOT use smaller than minimum font sizes.
  
• DO NOT use backgrounds with solid colors or horizontal stripes. These two situations do not provide a depth reference to the observer.
• YES: Your text, logo and product, should be on or near the "Focus Layer"
• YES: Overlap Design Elements – As shown in the example, elements are overlapping each other providing a frame of reference. The more 3-dimensional your layout looks when it is flat, the more amazing your 3D will appear once we create your lenticular piece.
• YES: As an alternative to a solid background, add visual interest, bold elements or vertical stripes to your background.

MATERIAL: Plastic Lenticular Lens (LPI stands for lenses per inch)

• 75 lpi  (18 mil.) – up to 17" x 24"
• 100 lpi (21 mil.) – up to 12" x 18"
• Large Format: 20 lpi (3.25 mm / .12795 inch thick) – up to 48" x 96"
• Large Format: 30 lpi (3 mm / .1181 inch thick) – up to 48" x 96"
• Large Format: 35 lpi (4 mm / .15748 inch thick) – up to 48" x 96"

Motion, Zoom or Morph Effects

Consider a scene featuring a dynamic activity, or a product demonstration. Your lenticular product should effectively capture and showcase the entire action sequence, allowing viewers to experience the movement from beginning to end. 

To achieve the most striking and seamless effect, it is essential to maintain a consistent background throughout the different frames of your lenticular image. This consistency helps to create a smooth visual transition and enhances the overall impact of the motion effect. 

Additionally, carefully planning the progression of the action and ensuring that each frame flows naturally into the next will contribute to the visual appeal of your lenticular product. By adhering to these guidelines and focusing on the details of both motion and background, you can craft lenticular products that are engaging and visually stunning.

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Lenticular Setup:

• Artwork for MOTION – Send us one image for each frame of motion, or send us HD quality video.
  
• Artwork for ZOOM – Send us the first and last frame and we will create the frames in-between. 
• File prepared to the desired size, plus 1/8" bleed on all sides 
  
• 300 dpi (image resolution) Photoshop, Vector, Editable PDF, or HD video file
• Font size: 75 lpi lens (12 pt. min.), 100 lpi (8 pt. min.), 30 lpi (18 pt. min.)

Lenticular Design Tips:

• AVOID using white or very light colored backgrounds when designing. This will produce a ghosting effect that will show 10% to 20% of both images at the same time.
• YES: A common background should be maintained for optimal effect (3 to 8 frames recommended).
• YES: Vibrant colors and full ink coverage work best at producing a cleaner movement from one image to another.
• YES: Fewer frames the better – Illustrate your message with as few frames as possible in order to limit the amount of ghosting. Sometimes ghosting can work in your favor like shown in the cycling animation.
• YES: Your animation should have some stationary elements – Lenticular animation works best when there are elements of your design that don't move at all. When everything is moving, it is harder for the eyes to focus.
• DO NOT use smaller than minimum font sizes.
  

MATERIAL: Plastic Lenticular Lens (LPI stands for lenses per inch)

• 75 lpi  (18 mil.) – up to 17" x 24"
• 100 lpi (14 mil.) – up to 12" x 18"
• Large Format: 30 lpi (3 mm / .1181 inch thick) – up to 48" x 96"