Beyond the Page: How Augmented Reality is Changing Print

Print has always been powerful—it tells stories, builds brands, and creates tangible connections in an increasingly digital world. But what if your printed materials could do even more? What if your brochure talked back, your business card launched a video, or your postcard brought a 3D product demo to life?

Welcome to the exciting world of Augmented Reality (AR) in print.

Wait, What’s AR?

Augmented Reality (AR) blends digital content with the real world—think interactive images, videos, or animations that pop up when you scan a printed piece with your phone or tablet. It's not virtual reality (VR), which replaces the real world. Instead, AR enhances it.

And yes, that means your print materials can now move, talk, and interact.

Why Pair AR with Print?

Print is trusted. It grabs attention, it's tactile, and it stands out in a world of endless scrolling. But when you pair that trust and attention with the interactivity of AR, you create something that’s not only remarkable—but unforgettable.

Here’s how AR is revolutionizing print:

·      More Engagement, Less Skimming: Instead of flipping through a brochure and forgetting it five minutes later, readers can scan a page and watch a product demo, explore a 360° view of a venue, or hear a personal message from your CEO.

 

·      Trackable Interactions: One of print’s limitations has always been tracking performance. With AR, you can see exactly how many people interacted with your content, which pages they engaged with, and how long they stayed. Yes—print just got analytics.

 

·      Limitless Creative Possibilities: From pop-up animation in a magazine ad to immersive instructions on packaging, AR gives print new life. You can tell a richer story—without changing your layout or adding pages.

 

·      Stand Out in a Big Way: In trade shows, mailers, or brand experiences, AR sets you apart. It shows that your brand is forward-thinking and invested in delivering value in exciting, interactive ways.

Real-Life Use Cases We Love

At Progress Printing Plus, we’re seeing more clients exploring AR-enhanced:

  • Postcards and Direct Mail with clickable coupons or video intros

  • Product Packaging that offers usage tips or recipes

  • Event Invitations that preview highlights with video

  • Recruitment Materials that bring company culture to life

  • Catalogs with scannable “shop now” links and 3D product views

How to Get Started

You don’t need to be a tech expert to bring AR into your print strategy. With the right tools and a creative team (👋 that’s us!), AR can be seamlessly integrated into your next project—without blowing your budget or your timeline.

At Progress Printing Plus, we believe print should never be flat.

We're passionate about pushing the boundaries of print and helping our clients bring their visions to life—on paper and beyond. If you’re curious about what AR can do for your next campaign, let’s talk. We’ll help you turn your print into an experience your audience won’t forget.

Ready to make your print interactive? Let’s go beyond the page. Contact Progress Printing Plus today to get started!

Kristi Rinck