Definition: lenticular printing

A printing method that, when the image is viewed at different angles, the objects either look 3D or change their appearance. Two or more views of a scene are printed on a thermoplastic sheet of lenticular (concave) lenses that look like parallel ridges (see below). In order to align the image to the lens array, specialized, high-quality lithographic presses that can be adjusted to fine tolerances are used.

Dating back to the 1940s, millions of lenticular images were printed on postcards, novelty items, political badges and religious scenes, as well as ads that change their message to the person walking by. Using multiple views, an image can be made to morph from one thing into another. Lenticular printing evolved into glasses-free 3D display screens (see lenticular 3D). See 3D visualization.

Happy Birthday!

When this Sunrise Greetings card is tilted, the dog and money pop out of the cake (top right). The microscopic views are a tiny section of the cake (middle) and edge of the lens (bottom).

3D Printing

The lens directs the left and right eyes to the left and right images, which are represented in this conceptual example by the purple and yellow stripes.