Parallel Viewing

A relaxed technique that works like looking at something far away.

How It Works

In parallel viewing, your eyes look "straight ahead" as if focusing on something distant. Your left eye sees the left image, and your right eye sees the right image — just like in real life. The images merge into a single 3D view. 

Your left eye → sees → [LEFT image]
                            ↘
                              [3D in middle]
                            ↗
Your right eye → sees → [RIGHT image]

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Position yourself close

    Start with your face close to the screen (about 6-8 inches). The images will be blurry — that's okay.

  2. 2

    Relax your eyes

    Let your eyes relax as if you're looking "through" the screen at something far in the distance. This is the opposite of focusing — it's like daydreaming while staring at nothing.

  3. 3

    Move back slowly

    While keeping your eyes relaxed, slowly move back from the screen. Watch as the two images seem to drift apart, then merge into three images.

  4. 4

    Find the sweet spot

    At a certain distance, the middle image will come into focus while remaining merged. The middle image is the 3D view!

  5. 5

    Maintain the view

    Keep your eyes relaxed and explore the depth. Don't try to "focus" — let your brain do the work of locking onto the 3D effect.

Alternative: The "Magic Eye" Method

If you've ever seen a "Magic Eye" autostereogram, you already know parallel viewing. The technique is exactly the same:

  1. Hold the image very close to your face
  2. Let your eyes "zone out" — don't focus on the image
  3. Slowly move the image away while maintaining relaxed eyes
  4. The 3D effect will appear when you hit the right distance

Tips for Success

  • 🪟

    Try looking at a reflection in your screen (like a window behind you).

  • 📐

    Keep images small. Parallel viewing is harder with large images.

  • 🧘

    Relax! Tension makes this technique harder. Take deep breaths.

  • 🔧

    Use a stereoscope viewer for guaranteed results.

Cross-Eye vs Parallel: Which to Choose?

Aspect Cross-Eye Parallel
Learning Curve Easier for most Takes more practice
Image Size Works with any size Better with smaller images
Eye Strain Can be tiring More relaxed
Equipment None needed Stereoscope helps

Practice Time!

Switch the viewer to parallel mode and try it out!

Open Demo Viewer