3D Lenticular - Lenticular Printing - Do's & Dont's

Recommended Do’s & Don’ts for Perfect 3D & Flip Lenticular Prints

Get the best results from your 3D lenticular and two-image flip prints. Follow this simple guide before you upload your artwork to TwenT3.

 

 
Left: strong depth and clear subject = great 3D. Right: obstruction and flat contrast reduce impact.

Do - Best Image Choices

  • Keep the main subject fully visible - nothing should block faces or key details.
  • Choose images with good separation between foreground and background to enhance depth.
  • Use bright, colourful visuals and healthy contrast for crisp 3D.
  • Supply high-resolution images (300 dpi at print size) to avoid pixelation.
  • For portraits: leave a little space around the head/shoulders to maintain depth layering.
  • For product shots: angle slightly to create parallax; avoid perfectly flat, front-on shots.

Don’t - Common Mistakes

  • Don’t use photos where the subject is partially obstructed (hands, objects, text in front of faces).
  • Don’t mix large solid white areas with large solid black areas; this can cause ghosting (one image faintly showing through another, as illustrated above).
  • Avoid low-resolution or blurry images - they soften and break down after printing.
  • Avoid flat backgrounds with no depth cues; add layers, angles, or distance.
  • Don’t heavily compress JPEGs; keep editing in a lossless format (e.g., TIFF/PSD) until final export.

Tips for Two-Image Flip Effects

  • Pick two images with clear, strong differences (pose, colour, background, expression) for a dramatic flip.
  • Keep the subject size and position similar between the two images to reduce jitter.
  • Avoid tiny text or fine patterns that may shimmer during the flip.
  • Use consistent lighting and exposure across both images.

Pre-Upload Checklist

  1. Resolution verified at 720 dpi (at final print size).
  2. Subject fully visible; no obstructions.
  3. Good contrast and depth separation; colours look vibrant.
  4. No large areas of pure white and pure black together (reduces ghosting risk).
  5. Saved in a high-quality format; compression kept to a minimum.

FAQs

What causes ghosting in lenticular prints?
Ghosting is when a faint trace of one image shows through another. It’s more likely with high-contrast extremes (large pure whites against large pure blacks) and when images are over-compressed. Choose balanced contrast and avoid those extremes.
What resolution should I upload?
Aim for 300 dpi at final print size. If unsure, send the largest file you have and we’ll advise.
Do certain images work better for 3D than others?
Yes. Images with clear foreground, mid-ground, and background deliver stronger depth. Angled shots and natural separation (e.g., subject in front of a background with distance) enhance the 3D effect.
Any special advice for two-image flips?
Use two images with obvious differences, similar subject scale, and consistent lighting. Avoid tiny details and fine patterns that may shimmer.