In lenticular 3D, objects are distributed within the scene at different spatial levels and “sculptured” into their 3D forms.
It is a pleasantly peculiar version of 3D which has its own unique appeal.
It is more engaging than flat motionless print, entertains, fascinates and breaks through consumer’s indifference.
It is highly effective in attracting attention, increasing dwell time and improving sales figures.
Moreover, studies prove consumers will pay more for a product featuring a 3D effect than one that doesn’t, since such items are perceived as having a higher value and collectable.
Types of 3D
- Pure 3D
- Hybrid 3D 2-Flip L/R
- Hybrid 3D 3-Flip L/R
- Hybrid 3D Motion L/R
Design tips
The same visual cues we use in everyday life to inform us of which object is closer or farther than another is just as pertinent for 3D lenticular design.
- Use partial overlap of objects
- Use perspective (convergence of lines) to enhance the illusion of depth
- Use larger, less detailed elements for those that will project forward off the print surface
- Use "busy" detailed, colourful or patterned backgrounds
- Consign copious text & information to the regular backside print
- Avoid white or solid colours as a background -these provide no depth cues (references) and lighter colours also give rise to ghosting
- Avoid the use of horizontal lines as they provide no depth clue
- Avoid very dark backgrounds
- Do not apply depth of focus to the design
- In Hybrid 3D, generally avoid text changing in the same location
- Avoid small italic text and diagonal lines due to "staircasing" by the lens
- Avoid small, fine text and lines as parts can break up under the lens
- Avoid Serif font styles as the narrow strokes and ticks can disappear
Artwork setup
Be aware:
- Artwork must be properly layered to avoid extra costs
- Objects which overlap must be separated on individual layers AND you must clone in the area on the layer from which you cut out the foreground element
- The more layers you provide the more convincing the depth effect will be
- The further elements are postioned before or aft the print’s surface, the softer they become
- Audiences don’t tolerate unsharp text, logos, and eyes -these will need to be positioned by us at or near the print’s surface
- A mediocre design will still look mediocre in 3D
Offset Printing
Inkjet Poster
File colour mode:
Colour: CMYK
B&W: Gray
RGB
File colour profile:
Colour: U.S Web Coated (SWOP) v2
B&W: Dot Gain 20%
Adobe RGB (1998)
File colour channels:
Colour: CMYK only
B&W: Gray
RGB only
File resolution:
300 ppi
200-300 ppi
File type:
Photoshop
Photoshop
Image safe area:
3 mm inside trims
10 mm inside trims
Document bleed:
+3 mm top & bottom
+10% to document width on the left & right sides
+3 mm top & bottom
+10% to document width on the left & right sides
Custom shape:
Knife layer or file
Knife layer or file
Rich black (small area):
C 40 M 0 Y 0 K 100
Rich black (large area):
C 60 M 40 Y 40 K 100
Max. total ink coverage
Colour: 300%
B&W: 100%
Fonts:
Outlined or embedded
Min. size 12 pt (75 LPI)
Min. size 10 pt (100 LPI)
Outlined or embedded
Photoshop File
- Remove all layer Groups
- Do NOT flatten layers; text, logos and 3D objects must be accessible
- For Hybrid 3D all elements which change/flip must not be flattened
- Layers should be ordered in sequence and appropriately labelled
- The more layers the better the 3D effect
- Clearly label layers
- Layer names should contain only English letters and numbers
- Layer Blending mode must be set to Normal
- Layer Opacity is supported (0% – 100% slider)
- Flatten all layer effects (File->Scripts-> Flatten All Layer Effects)
- Flatten all Masks (File->Scripts-> Flatten All Masks)
- Merge all Adjustment layers
- Rasterize all Smart layers
- Remove Alpha Channels
- Rasterize text layers or supply fonts
- Do not position text over elements which need to project forward of the print surface
- Supply any backside print design as a separate high resolution PDF
- Zip before sending
