Technical Guidelines for Converting 2D Images to 3D Lenticular

This guide is for designers, photographers, and digital artists preparing files for true 3D lenticular depth, not flip or animation effects.

Creating 3D from a single 2D image is a layered depth simulation process. Proper structure, depth planning, and parallax control are critical for a realistic and comfortable 3D result.

1️⃣ Image Requirements

Parameter	Recommendation
Resolution	300 DPI at final print size minimum
File Format	PSD, PSB, TIFF (layers preferred)
Compression	None (avoid heavy JPEG)

Higher resolution gives cleaner masks, better edge reconstruction, and smoother depth transitions.

2️⃣ Layer-Based 3D Construction

A 2D image must be separated into depth layers:

• Foreground (FG)
• Midground (MG)
• Background (BG)
• Optional sub-layers between these for smoother depth

Each object should be placed on its own layer.

✔ Correct Structure

FG: Person / Product / Main Subject MG: Secondary objects BG: Environment / scenery Deep BG: Sky, distant elements

❌ Incorrect Structure

• Flattened images
• Merged shadows with subjects
• Background not extended after object removal

3️⃣ Background Reconstruction (Inpainting)

When foreground objects are separated, hidden areas must be rebuilt.

Designers must:

• Clone or paint missing background areas
• Extend textures naturally
• Avoid repeating patterns

Poor background fill leads to:

• Stretching artifacts
• Ghosting
• Depth tearing

4️⃣ Depth Map Planning

3D conversion is controlled by a grayscale depth map.

Tone	Depth Position
White	Closest to viewer
Light Gray	Near
Mid Gray	Middle
Dark Gray	Far
Black	Farthest

Rules

• Use smooth gradients between layers
• Avoid sudden depth jumps
• Do not use noisy textures as depth maps

5️⃣ Parallax Budget (CRITICAL)

Parallax determines how far objects shift between views.

Too little → weak 3D

Too much → eye strain and double images

General Safe Ranges

Element	Recommended Parallax
Foreground	Moderate negative parallax (pop-out)
Midground	Near zero parallax
Background	Positive parallax (receding)

Total depth budget should stay within comfortable viewing limits, especially for small-format prints.

6️⃣ Edge Treatment

All cut objects must have:

• Clean masks
• Anti-aliased edges
• No halos
• No leftover background color

Zoom to 200–400% to check edges.

Hair, fur, smoke, and foliage require advanced masking and often produce imperfect results.

7️⃣ Perspective & Depth Logic

Depth must follow real-world spatial rules:

✔ Objects lower in frame = usually closer
✔ Distant objects = lower contrast, smaller size
✔ Foreground overlap must match depth order

Incorrect depth logic causes visual discomfort.

8️⃣ Window Violations

A “window violation” occurs when an object that pops forward touches the image edge.

This breaks the 3D illusion.

Fix by:

• Keeping foreground objects inside margins
• Reducing pop-out depth near edges
• Adding depth fade toward borders

9️⃣ Lens Pitch & View Count Considerations

Final depth strength depends on:

• Lens LPI
• Viewing angle
• Number of interlaced views
• Print size

Design depth before interlacing, not after.

Depth that looks good on screen may be too strong once printed under the lens.

🔟 Common Technical Mistakes

Problem	Cause
Cardboard cutout look	No sub-depth layers
Depth tearing	Excessive parallax
Ghosting	Misaligned masks
Eye strain	Too much pop-out
Floating objects	No contact shadows
Depth confusion	Incorrect layer order

⭐ Ideal Technical Image Types

• Products staged in depth
• Architectural interiors
• Scenes with strong perspective lines
• Portraits with clean background separation
• Objects photographed with wide aperture (natural depth cues)

📩 File Submission Tip

Provide:

• Layered PSD (preferred)
• Depth map (if available)
• Notes on intended pop-out or deep background effect

If depth planning is not done, we can assist with professional 3D conversion and optimization for lenticular printing.