What is lenticular printing?
Lenticular printing is a technology that uses a ridged plastic lens to create the illusion of depth, motion, or transformation in a printed image. The lens directs different portions of the image to your eyes depending on the viewing angle, creating animated effects from a flat surface.
What kinds of projects is lenticular printing used for?
Lenticular printing is used for retail displays, point-of-purchase signage, trade show graphics, outdoor advertising, direct mail, packaging, promotional products, fine art prints, and more. Any environment where visual impact and attention are priorities is a candidate.
What effects are available?
3D/Depth, Flip, Zoom, Morph, Full Motion Video (FMV), and Hybrid (custom combinations). Express Solutions supports 2-Flip, 3-Flip, Zoom, and Flip-Zoom with the 40 lpi lens.
How do I choose the right effect for my project?
It depends on your artwork and your goal. 3D works best when you want depth. Flip is ideal for showing contrast or a message change. Morph suits transformation stories. FMV captures action. Our team can recommend the best effect during the consultation process.
What file format should I use?
We prefer .psd (Photoshop) layered files. For large format, provide files at 200 DPI minimum at final output size. For small format, 300–400 DPI is required. Always include bleed.
Do you do the interlacing, or do I need to prepare interlaced files?
Tracer handles all interlacing in-house. You provide your layered source images and we take it from there. We match the interlacing to the specific lens selected for your project.
What lens do you use?
We select the optimum lens based on your artwork, desired effect, viewing distance, and display application. Tracer uses and develops proprietary lenses for specific applications.
What are your size limitations?
Individual sheets typically max at 48″ × 72″ or 48″ × 96″ depending on lens and application. For larger installations, we can tile panels seamlessly using our patented alignment system.
Are there minimum or maximum quantities?
No minimums or maximums. We produce one-offs on our digital flatbed press at competitive prices, with no upper limit on offset production runs.
How does pricing work?
All Custom Solutions projects are quoted based on specifications. Pricing depends on size, effect, quantity, substrate, and finishing. Contact us for a quote. Express Solutions pricing is available Tracer’s online builder.
Can lenticular printing be backlit?
Yes. Tracer produces backlit lenticular prints and reviews them on our adjustable lightbox to ensure accurate color and effect performance under illumination.
What is ghosting, and how do I avoid it?
Ghosting is the faint appearance of one image while viewing another — an unwanted artifact. It is minimized by using high-contrast images, simple backgrounds, and proper file preparation. Our team will advise on file design to minimize ghosting risk.
What is the difference between Custom Solutions and Express Solutions?
Custom Solutions supports all effects, all sizes, custom lens selection, and full Tracer consultation. Express Solutions is a cost-effective DIY pathway for standard effects using the 40 lpi lens — ideal for simpler, repeatable projects.
How long does production take?
Most jobs are completed in 5–10 working days or sooner. Custom finishing or high-quantity large-format projects may require extended timelines. Contact us for current lead times.
Can I tile lenticular panels for large installations?
Yes. Tracer’s patented alignment system enables seamless tiling of lenticular panels for large-format displays with no visible seams between panels.
Do you offer proofing?
Yes. Proofing begins with an electronic proof simulating your chosen effect. Upon approval, a hard copy contract proof is produced before full production begins. Jobs of fewer than five pieces do not require a hard copy proof unless requested. Backlit projects are reviewed on our adjustable lightbox.
How do I get started?
Contact Tracer at sales@tracer1.com or call +1 (914) 945-7000 to schedule a project consultation. You can also explore Express Solutions for standard projects.
