Horizontal or vertical lenses in lenticular printing?
This is a common question in the world of lenticular printing, and as almost always, the answer is the dreaded “it depends”.
But don’t worry, aside from this “it depends”, there are some basic recommendations for achieving the best result.
Horizontal lenses
This type of lens allows for up / down image shifting.
It’s ideal for items you view at close range and that you often handle: business cards, postcards, invitations, etc.
This horizontal arrangement is ideal because the lenses are parallel to your eye line, and the image shift is cleaner when you move the printed item up / down.
In this case, we’re referring to all visual effects (flip flop, motion, zoom, etc.), except for 3D, which always uses vertical lenses.
Vertical lenses
This type of lens allows for left / right image shifting.
It’s appropriate for items you see from a distance and as you pass in front of them: posters, displays, billboards, etc.
This vertical arrangement is necessary in these cases because the lenses are perpendicular to the eye line, and the image change occurs when you pass in front of the printed item.
In this case, we’re referring to all visual effects.
Conclusion
The use of horizontal or vertical lenses depends on the printed item and the visual effect.
— If the item is to be handled and viewed at close range (business cards, postcards, etc.), we recommend horizontal lenses.
— If the item is to be viewed from a distance as you pass in front of it (posters, displays, etc.), you’ll need to use vertical lenses.
In the first case, you can opt for vertical lenses if the design recommends it (the images or text) or the use of the item (for example, if you’re designing it for a book cover).
But either way, use horizontal lenses whenever the item and the visual effect allow it.
And that’s all!
I hope you found this brief explanation about horizontal lenses and vertical lenses in lenticular printing interesting.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you!
