How to see the hidden pictures
Every hidden picture holds a 3D shape. You won’t find it by looking at the pattern – you find it by looking through it, as if the screen were a window and you were gazing at something far behind it.
Try these three methods and find the one that works best for you.
Follow the two dots
Look through the two dots as though you’re looking at something behind the screen. Let them overlap until you see three dots. Keep the middle dot steady, then gently lower your gaze onto the pattern without refocusing on the screen.
How it feels when it works
- The pattern doublesThe pattern may look blurry or doubled at first. Keep your gaze relaxed as you try to bring the two middle dots together.
- Two dots become threeThe middle dot looks solid and steady. Keep your eyes relaxed and stay with it.
- A star appears in depthThe hidden star begins to stand out from the pattern. Keep your gaze relaxed and give it a moment to become clear.
Nose to the screen
Bring your phone or tablet up until it almost touches your nose. Your eyes can’t focus that close, so just let them relax. Slowly move it away, to about a foot, keeping your eyes relaxed, and wait for the shape to appear. On a computer, lean in close to the screen and sit back slowly.
↑ Back to practice stripLook beyond the screen
Look over the top of your screen at something across the room. Keep that faraway focus while you lower your gaze onto the picture.
↑ Back to practice stripHelpful tips
- Use bright, even lighting, choose a comfortable screen brightness, and avoid any glare.
- Be patient – the first one can take a few minutes.
- Don’t strain; relax and blink normally.
- Once a shape appears, look around it. If it slips away, relax and find it again.
- Rest your eyes between pictures.
What’s hiding in here?
Use any of the methods above. When you’re ready, or if you’d like a hint, reveal the hidden shape.
Tip: turn your phone sideways for a bigger picture.
Not seeing it yet?
That’s common, especially the first time. Here’s what usually helps.
I only see the pattern
Most people need a few tries, and it often clicks all at once. Try another method, aim your gaze a little farther behind the screen, and give it a couple of minutes.
I see four dots
You’re almost there. Ease your focus slightly until the two middle dots merge into one.
The practice star sinks in
The star on the practice strip should float up. If it looks sunken into the pattern, your eyes may be crossing, focusing in front of the screen. Aim your gaze farther away, behind it.
My eyes feel tired
Look away and blink for a minute. Short tries work better than long ones; stop if you get a headache.
I wear glasses or contacts
Keep them on, the ones you use for reading or the screen. With progressive lenses, keep your head still and look through the same part of the lens.
I’m on a phone
Choose a comfortable screen brightness, hold your phone steady, and don’t zoom in: the practice strip is sized to work as it is.
Everyone’s experience is different
Seeing the hidden depth depends on how your two eyes work together. Some people find it difficult or cannot see the effect, even when following the instructions correctly. For them, it’s simply how their eyes team up, rather than a matter of practice or technique.
Ready for more hidden pictures?
Every Hidden Wonderland book is full of them. Find your next one.