Lenticular Lens FAQs

Learn how lenticular lenses work and how to choose the right lens for 3D, flip, or motion effects.

A lenticular lens is a plastic sheet made up of many tiny cylindrical lenses (called lenticules). These lenses direct different image slices to each eye depending on the viewing angle, creating visual effects such as 3D depth, flip, or motion animation without the need for special glasses.

Yes - the lens itself is different.

While both lenses may look similar, they are designed for very different visual goals:
  • 3D lenticular lenses are optimized for depth and smooth parallax.
  • Flip / motion lenticular lenses are optimized for rapid image switching or animation.
Using the wrong lens will result in poor image quality, ghosting, or a failed effect.

A 3D lenticular lens is designed to create a natural sense of depth by showing slightly different views to each eye as the viewer moves left and right.

Compared to animation lenses, 3D lenses typically have:

  • A smaller overall viewing angle (per manufacturer specifications)
  • Smoother transitions between views
  • A focus on depth comfort, not image switching

3D images usually use 10–16 views that blend gradually across the viewing angle. The goal is realistic depth with minimal eye strain rather than noticeable image changes.

A flip or motion lenticular lens is designed to show distinct image changes as the viewing angle changes.

These lenses typically have:

  • A larger overall viewing angle (per manufacturer specifications)
  • Sharper separation between image frames
  • Clear, intentional image switching

Flip effects usually use 2 images, while motion effects commonly use 4–8 frames. The goal is clean, obvious image changes—not depth perception.

Technically yes, but it is not recommended.

A 3D lens blends views together to create depth. When used for flip or motion, this blending causes:
  • Ghosting between frames
  • Unclear transitions
  • Weak or confusing motion effects
For professional results, the lens must match the intended effect.

Choosing the correct lens depends on:
  • Desired effect (3D, flip, or motion)
  • Final print size
  • Viewing distance
  • Number of image frames
If you are unsure, it is best to consult with us before preparing your artwork. Lens selection affects image interlacing, resolution, and viewing quality, and cannot be corrected after printing.

Yes. Lens thickness affects durability, focal length, and optimal viewing distance. Thicker lenses are often used for large-format displays, while thinner lenses are suitable for postcards, book covers, and packaging.

What thickness does affect

1. Image separation (crosstalk)

Thicker lenses:

  • increase optical path length
  • improve separation between adjacent image strips
  • reduce ghosting

Result: cleaner frame changes

Thin lenses:

  • more light leakage between frames
  • softer, muddier flips

2. Tolerance to mis-registration

Thicker lenses are:

  • more forgiving of tiny print / lamination errors
  • better for UV, digital, and short-run printing

Thin lenses:

  • require tighter alignment
  • show artifacts faster

3. Viewing distance sweet spot

Thicker lens:

  • feels better at slightly longer distances

Thin lens:

  • optimized for close viewing

Same angle, different comfort zone.

4. Perceived contrast and "snap"

Motion lenses rely on contrast during frame change.

Thicker lens:

  • sharper transitions
  • stronger “snap” when it flips

Thin lens:

  • >smoother but weaker motion
  • >can feel washed out

What thickness does not do

❌ It does not:

  • increase number of frames
  • widen viewing angle
  • make animation "bigger"

Those are controlled by:

  • LPI
  • image count
  • interlacing