Introduction to 3D Stereograms

A stereogram is a hidden three dimensional shape in a two dimensional picture. Another name for 3D stereograms is magic eye images. These images are called as such because the stereograms are a window to another 3D world. It is not that easy to see a stereogram in a picture, unless you’re used to seeing such graphics. Looking to these images is quite enjoyable and mind-boggling at times and can be even be as enjoyable as playing handheld electronic games.

There are two viewing methods or techniques in order to see a stereogram. These methods are: parallel view and cross-eyed view.

For the parallel stereograms you need to align your eyes in a parallel manner, so your eyes will focus somewhere behind the stereogram. You don’t have to look directly at the stereogram, but rather through the image. Since stereograms are images within images, it is still quite a trick to see it.

For the cross-eyed stereograms you need to cross your eyes, so you will focus the eyes somewhere in front of the image like putting your finger very close to your nose and trying to look directly at your finger.

Most of the stereograms are parallel, but it is not a rule that stereograms be created as such.

Here are some tips to see a Magic Eye 3D Stereogram:

Bring the stereogram image really close to your eyes until you touch it with your nose. At this distance your eyes cannot focus on the image and they look somewhere behind the image. Now, slowly push the image away from you, while trying to keep the eyes off focus.

At some point you will see the hidden image.

Another method is to take an object and put it behind the image about half of meter behind it. Now, focus on the object behind the image while keeping the eyes looking at the image.

If you are not used to look at stereograms, this might take you some time. As what people often say, practice makes perfect. Looking at 3D stereograms may take you a while but it is fun and you will surely enjoy it once you’ll learn it.

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