Objects within an image are layered to give the illusion of depth and perspective. Unlike 2-dimensional design, using this lenticular effect allows graphics to appear more realistic. Lenticular 3D can be incorporated into most images or design styles.
TIP:Color choice and placement play a large role in the optimum 3D effect. Neutral colors in the background and brighter colors in the foreground work best.
FLIP
A dramatic swapping of two images-each vanishing and then reappearing from one to another. Utilizing this lenticular flip effect is most beneficial for demonstrating "cause-and-effect" or even "before-and-after" comparisons.
TIP:To maintain sharp contrast between the elements, limit the flip to only two images. The most dramatic visual presentation will result with fewer frames. In flip animation, less is definitely more.
MORPH
The conversion of one image into another is used to create the illusion of transformation. This lenticular morph effect can be used for showcasing a product or feature that may change or create change.
TIP:It is important that the images are of a similar shape and color density. Elements that are not similar enough can cause one image to appear faintly over the other (known as "ghosting") when only one image should be seen.
ZOOM
The illusion of movement from background to foreground to create the effect of "leaping out" or "jumping back." A lenticular zoom animation can consist of one or more objects, or even a full image. This effect works best for highlighting elements such as products, logos, or important messages.
TIP:Cool, darker colors in the background and warmer, lighter tones for the element in motion tends to produce the best zoom effect.
ANIMATION
With a series of images coming together to create an animation much like a short movie clip, this is the most complex lenticular effect. The illusion of motion actually comes from either a selection of video frames or sequential still images. This lenticular animation effect is great for emphasizing body movement or mechanical action.
TIP:While all master video formats can be used, digital betacam is the best source material to ensure high-quality motion.
Printing Lenticular effects on flexographic presses can be difficult due to issues with dot size and registration. However, new developments in these areas have made lenticular flexographic printing a reality.
Flexographic printing is very popular for packaging and label due to its flexibility and high speed. Many products can be produced with flexographic printing that would simply be too costly or time-consuming to do any other way.
Flexographic lenticular printing has the potential to make lenticular product packaging more cost-effective than ever before.
Lenticular combination effects is utilizing two or more of the animated effects; a full motion animation with zoom is one example, or a 3D Depth with a Flip effect. Great care needs to be taken when preparing your artwork for this effect but the results are worth the extra time.
