Artwork Preparation for Lenticular Animation

Preparing artwork for animation is a creative process that differs from standard 3D depth. Whether you are creating a simple 2-image flip or a complex motion sequence, following these guidelines will ensure your final product is sharp, fluid, and free of "ghosting."

1. Understanding Animation Types

Flip & Morph

Flip: A transition between 2 or 3 distinct images. Ideal for "Before & After" reveals.
Morph: A smooth transformation where one object turns into another. Requires a common background.

Zoom & Motion

Zoom: An object grows larger or smaller. Keep the focal point centered.
Motion: A video-like sequence (6–15 frames) showing continuous action, like a waving hand.

2. Design Best Practices

  • Textured Backgrounds: Use patterns or colors to help mask transitions; avoid solid white/black.
  • Common Elements: For Zoom or Morph, keeping the background stationary helps the eye focus on the action.
  • Font Selection: Use bold, sans-serif fonts (Helvetica, Arial). Avoid thin serif fonts.
    Minimum: 12pt for small prints; 24pt for large format.

3. Technical Specifications

Requirement Specification
Resolution Minimum 300 DPI at final print size.
Color Mode CMYK (Preferred) or RGB.
Standard Bleed 1/8" (Top/Bottom) | 1/4" (Left/Right)
Large Format Bleed 1/2" (Top/Bottom) | 1" (Left/Right)
Safety Zone Keep text/logos 1/4" (6mm) from trim edge.

4. File Submission

We accept the following formats for animation sequences:

Layered Files (.PSD)
Adobe Photoshop with each frame on a separate, labeled layer.
Individual Frames
High-resolution JPG, TIFF, or PDF files numbered in order.
Recommended Frames
  • 2-Image Flip: 2 frames
  • Morph/Zoom: 5 to 10 frames
  • Full Motion: 8 to 20 frames

Ready to start your project?

Contact our team for a technical consultation to ensure your artwork is perfect.

Contact ViCGI Support