Printed material has one big limit: it cannot play a video. AR video gets around that. The viewer points their phone at your printed image, and the video plays on top of it. Here is how to make that work well on the formats people ask about most.

Business cards

A card is small, so the scan distance is short. Use a bold image on one side, ideally your photo, logo mark or a simple product shot, and keep text out of the trigger area. A short clip of you introducing your work, or a 10 to 15 second showreel, is enough. Add a line like "Point your phone here" so people know what to do.

Flyers and posters

Large prints are easier to scan because the image has more detail to recognize. Use the main artwork as the trigger and tell people what they will see: "Scan the poster to watch the trailer". Keep the video matched to the poster shape so nothing looks stretched.

Packaging

A recipe, an unboxing guide or a how-to video fits a product box well. Glossy finishes can reflect light and make tracking harder, so test a real printed sample, not just the artwork file. Matte or semi-matte areas usually behave better.

Menus and event materials

A menu cover or a ticket can show a short clip: a dish being prepared, or a trailer for the event. For restaurants that want full 3D dishes, ARView also has a separate restaurant AR platform.

A quick pre-print checklist

  • Image has lots of detail and contrast, no large flat areas.
  • Video is cropped to the same shape as the image.
  • Test the actual print, in the lighting where it will be used.
  • Try scanning from about 30cm to 1m.
  • Add a QR code and a short instruction as a fallback.
💡 Want to try it?

Upload an image and a clip on the Video AR page. New to the idea? Start with how to make an AR video.

Frequently asked questions

How far away can someone scan a printed image?

Scanning works best from roughly 30cm to 1m. Smaller prints such as business cards suit the closer end of that range.

Can I change the video after printing?

The link is tied to the image and video you uploaded. Plan the content before you print, and test the printed copy, not only the screen version.

Does the printed image need a QR code?

It is a good idea to add one as a backup. Some people do not know that an image itself can be scanned, so a short "scan me" line and a QR code help.