How Magic Eye Illusions Work
Creating a Magic Eye illusion is a combination of proprietary technology and artistic ability.
Step 1: Create the Hidden Artwork
The first step is to create a 3D Model. Only a true 3D Model which can be rotated and edited at will provides the necessary flexibility for a Magic Eye illusion. Expertise in sophisticated 3D and 2D software in the hands of an experienced artist is required.
Hidden artwork can be a word, scene or a complex 3D model, such as Spider-Man or the Hogwarts Castle. For this example it is the word Value.
Step 2: Create the 2D Visible Pattern
The second step is to produce a pleasing and technically effective 2D vertical pattern. This pattern will determine the overall look and feel of the final illusion, so it is very important. We can incorporate company logos, company colors and other design elements into the 2D vertical pattern to meet your specific needs.
The dimensions of the 2D vertical pattern is determined by the dimensions of the final image size. Our illusions are created specifically for the final output size in order to insure the effectiveness of the 3D Illusion.
The 2D vertical pattern will repeat to create the final overall 2D Visible Pattern that camouflages the hidden illusion. Where the 2D Visible Pattern overlaps the 3D Hidden artwork, distortions will occur. Can you find the 3D distortions in the illusion below?
Step 3: Rendering the Magic Eye Illusion
Step three includes combining the hidden artwork with the 2D Visible Pattern using our Magic Eye 3D programs. When finished, the main focus of attention will be on the hidden word Value, when it emerges in 3D.
Do you see the many words and icons that appear to “Float in 3D space” above and below the hidden word Value? We call these elements “3D Floaters”! They add additional levels of 3D content to this illusion.
Our creative department has over 25 years of experience and they will happily guide you from concept to completion of your genuine Magic Eye® illusion!
Magic Eye 3D Floaters
In addition to our classic Magic Eye hidden illusions, we also offer another 3D illusion we call Magic Eye “3D Floaters”. Floaters are elements we often add to smaller Magic Eye 3D hidden images, to add additional and interesting 3D content.
Please view the “How Magic Eye 3D Illusions Work” image shown above, in 3D. First you will notice the word Value emerge. Above and below the word Value are smaller Euro symbols and the words Advance, Achieve, Worth and Profit. They are all “Floating” in 3D space at different levels of depth. The longer you look, the clearer the 3D illusion becomes. The farther away you are from the 3D illusion, the deeper it becomes.
We have created many Magic Eye 3D images exclusively using 3D Floaters.
3D Floaters do not contain any hidden 3D at all. Floaters are completely recognizable, whether they are imbedded into a 3D hidden image, or if they stand alone, as in the example above.
View the apes using our standard Magic Eye 3D viewing technique. The apes will appear to be three dimensional, and the soda bottles they are holding will appear to be held out toward you. This is an example of a Magic Eye “Stereo 3D Floater”. This effect is similar to the 3D illusion you see in a virtual reality headset, or at a 3D movie where you are required to wear 3D glasses.
Further examples of 3D Floaters can be found in our Samples section.