Lenticular Graphics, Lenticular Displays, Lenticular Printing
What are lenticular graphics?
Two-dimensional graphics that can show these special effects:
Motion or action sequencing
Flip from one image to another
3-Dimensional or depth appearance
They can vary in size from postcard, to large format See below for more information concerning these techniques.
How are they created?
A special lens is adhered to the face of an interlaced graphic. This lens is called lenticular film. The thickness of this film can be between 1/16” and 3/8” due to the intended effect (motion, flip, 3-d) and is made of acrylic with a raised surface of precisely measured, half-circular ridges or lenses.
Before the lenticular film is adhered, a technique called interlacing needs to be done to the graphic’s file. In the case of creating a flip graphic, 2 or more images are imput into a software program, which slices them into narrow bands and is arranged in an alternating sequence. The width of each slice of image must match exactly to the width of the acrylic ridges or lenses of the lenticular material being placed on top of the graphic. The file is now output, and the interlaced graphic is created.
Place the lens material over the newly interlaced graphic, and you will see an image emerge. As you move to the side, you will see another image, because it is a different viewing angle. Since each slice of graphic is perfectly sequenced by the software program, the visible slices always correspond to the same image. Make the viewing angle shift, and a different collection of strips comes into view, showing the different image.
Why use lenticular graphics?
Lenticular imaging is catching on as the way to capture a potential customer’s attention. As a person walks by, the image appears to move, change, or jump out! Lenticular images do not require any special equipment to use. They can easily be placed on a wall or window, or even hung from a ceiling. They can be front-lit, or backlit for even greater impact!
Ideal for tradeshows! Research shows that the trade show exhibitor has 3-5 seconds to capture the attention of an attendee; in that brief time, the decision is made whether or not to stop at the exhibitor’s booth. Seeing an image instantly flip into another image, or float off the wall, will certainly make them stop dead in their tracks!
Adaptable for any retail application, these graphics can fit easily into any sign holder, end cap, light box, or ceiling-hanging apparatus. Imagine how you can stop traffic in front of a store window showing motion or action-sequencing without the need for costly television monitors or electricity!
What types of effects?
Motion or action-sequencing: this effect creates the impression that the image is either rotating on an axis or moving in one or more directions. These can be 5+ images similar to animation frames, so that as you flip past them, you see movement.
Flip from one image to another: these are the most multi-functional. Flipping graphics on a panel is a nice way to tell a story visually, while saving space on your booth walls for additional signage. The image will change to an entirely different image, so you can show several signs on one graphic.
3-dimensional or depth appearance: this is the only process where the viewer is standing still to see the effect. There are a number of graphic elements contained in the original image that are separated and put on different layers, to produce the illusion of depth in a 2-dimensional image. The viewer sees part of the image float over the lens by 1/2 a foot, and sees into the graphic almost a foot deep!
How are files set up? 300 dpi at final size up to 30x40. sizes bigger can be at 150 dpi. Files are created in rgb format. If the file is too large to be built at 100%, then build at 50%, or even 25%.
Image quality is most important, so if the image is not sharp, or is a small file interpolated to a larger size, this will not work well.
Always specify whether there is a specific pms color to match, and enclose a hard copy.
Send all art elements used to make the final composite. Do not flatten file, so we can manipulate if needed.
Try to stay away from horizontal or vertical lines running in the same direction as the lens. Use text and lines which are large enough so they will not be distorted by the curvature of the lens material. Lines running diagonal to lens will show a stair-stepping effect.
Avoid serif fonts and outlined text.
3-d specific file set-up:
Use photoshop layered files for imaging 3-d graphics. For motion of flip graphics, save as a TIFF. If you are working in a vector program such as illustrator, you need to export to a tiff for each of the layers being created.
3-d background files need to be made 1/3 size larger than original in the width. Avoid solid color or horizontal stripe backgrounds; use a textured background instead.
Build the file with the important text or logo at the image center plane, to keep as sharp as possible. As elements are placed forward or back of the image plane, the will get softer.
If objects are cut out of the background and placed on a separate layer, the removed area of the background must be cloned to cover the void area left by the object’s former position.
Elements that overlap slightly are good depth cues to enhance the 3-d illusion.
Try to force perspective- make larger objects in front, and smaller objects in the background.
Psychologically, warmer colors tend to project, and cooler colors recede.
Elements that are projecting forward should not bleed beyond the trim area. This will cause confusion with the depth cues.
Flip specific file set-up:
2 image flips work best: 3 images flip too fast, and it is hard to see each flip.
When choosing images for a flip, avoid areas of solid colors which can cause ghosting.
Do not try to flip opposites; if one image has a black background, and the 2nd image has a white background, ghosting will appear.
Photographic images work better that line art.
Design your flip so that they share a common background.
If there is a logo or text that repeats from 1 image to the other, keep them in the same location on each graphic.
Any further questions about setting up files, please call your salesperson, or ask for our digital department.
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