Discover how lenticular printing works, what makes the flip effect possible, and how to design the perfect custom lenticular card.
What Is Lenticular Printing?
Lenticular printing is a unique printing technique that creates the illusion of movement, depth, or image changes when viewed from different angles.
Unlike traditional printed cards, a lenticular card is covered with a transparent lens sheet made up of thousands of tiny cylindrical lenses. These lenses direct different parts of the printed image to your eyes as you tilt the card, creating a dynamic visual effect.
Depending on the design, a lenticular product can display:
- Two-image flip effects
- Animation
- 3D depth
- Zoom effects
- Morphing transitions
At Pomme by Jaisy, our custom products currently feature a vertical 2-image flip effect, allowing two images to smoothly change as you tilt the card up and down.
How Does a Lenticular Card Work?
A lenticular card isn’t simply two photos printed on top of each other.
Instead, the images are digitally interlaced using specialized software before printing. The printed layer is then precisely aligned with a lenticular lens sheet.
As you change the viewing angle, each tiny lens reveals a different portion of the printed image, creating the familiar “flip” effect.
Think of it as thousands of microscopic windows, each revealing different image information depending on how you look at the card.
What Materials Are Used?
Our lenticular cards are made using:
- Premium PET lenticular lens sheet
- High-resolution UV printing
- Durable laminated construction
The finished card is approximately 0.6 mm thick, making it lightweight while remaining durable and scratch resistant for everyday use.
Why Do Lenticular Cards Change Images?
Each lens only displays part of the printed image at a time.
When you tilt the card:
✔ One image gradually disappears.
✔ The second image gradually appears.
Because the transition depends on viewing angle, the effect feels smooth and interactive instead of simply switching instantly.
Tips for Creating the Best Lenticular Effect
Not every pair of photos produces the same result.
Here are our recommendations for the best custom experience.
1. Use Photos with Similar Composition
The best flip effect happens when both images have:
- The same framing
- Similar subject position
- Similar background
For example:
✔ Open eyes → Closed eyes
✔ Smile → Wink
✔ Different hand gestures
Large changes in composition can make the transition appear less smooth.
2. Match the Correct Orientation
Our products use a vertical flip effect.
Please upload your photos in the same orientation and aspect ratio as the example image shown on the product page.
Using the correct orientation ensures the flip effect works exactly as intended.
3. Avoid Important Details Near the Edges
Every printed product requires a small trimming tolerance.
Keep faces, text, logos, and other important elements away from the edges to prevent accidental cropping during production.
4. Darker Images Usually Produce Better Results
Very bright or predominantly white images can appear more transparent during the flip transition.
Photos with richer colors and stronger contrast generally create cleaner and more vibrant lenticular effects.
5. Some Ghosting Is Normal
During the transition, you may notice a slight overlap between the two images.
This is known as ghosting, and it is a natural characteristic of lenticular printing rather than a manufacturing defect.
The amount of ghosting depends largely on how different the two images are.
6. Fine Lines May Look Slightly Different
Because lenticular lenses contain thousands of microscopic ridges, very thin lines or detailed patterns may appear slightly softer or show subtle moiré effects under certain lighting conditions.
This is a normal optical property of lenticular materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the card actually 3D?
Not necessarily. Our custom products currently use a 2-image flip effect, which changes between two images as you tilt the card.
Why doesn’t the image change when viewed straight on?
The flip effect only appears when the viewing angle changes. Tilt the card gently up and down to see the transition.
Can I use screenshots?
Yes, as long as the image is high enough resolution.
For the best results, we recommend using original photos whenever possible.
Can I upload horizontal photos?
Yes, but they must match the orientation shown in the product example. We have one landscape-orientation lenticular card option available. Please upload your images in the same orientation and aspect ratio to ensure proper production.
Create Your Own Custom Lenticular Card
Whether you’re creating a keepsake for yourself, a gift for a friend, or a unique piece of fan merch, lenticular printing adds an extra layer of movement and personality that traditional prints simply can’t achieve.
At Pomme by Jaisy, every custom lenticular product is made to order with care, using premium materials and high-quality UV printing to bring your memories to life.
Ready to make your own? Explore our Custom Lenticular Collection today.