What is an Optically Variable Device (OVD)?
An Optically Variable Device (OVD) is a security feature that changes its appearance – colour, image, or pattern – when the viewing angle or illumination angle is shifted. OVDs are among the most trusted anti‑counterfeiting technologies because they are: (1) visually striking and easy for the public to verify, (2) extremely difficult to replicate with standard printing or scanning, and (3) cannot be photocopied. Common examples include holograms, kinegrams, colour‑shift inks (OVI), and diffractive optically variable image devices (DOVIDs).
At Holoseal – a trusted hologram supplier with 15+ years of experience – we supply a wide range of OVD products, including hologram labels, holographic strips, stamping foils, and films. Our OVD solutions protect banknotes, passports, ID cards, pharmaceutical packaging, and luxury goods across India and worldwide.
🔍 Types of Optically Variable Devices (OVDs)
OVDs can be categorised into several families based on their optical effect and manufacturing method:
1. Holograms (Diffractive OVDs)
Classic rainbow‑coloured, three‑dimensional images created by laser interference and embossed onto metalized film. Includes 2D/3D, dot matrix, and e‑beam holograms. Used on credit cards, currency, and product authentication labels.
2. DOVID (Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device)
A more advanced diffractive OVD that typically contains multiple images or text that switch or move as the device is tilted. Often seen on passport data pages and high‑security documents.
3. Kinegram / Kinematic Images
A specialised diffractive OVD that creates complex, kinetic effects – the image appears to move, rotate, or change shape smoothly when tilted. Widely used on banknotes (e.g., the “rolling bar” effect).
4. Colour‑Shift Ink (OVI – Optically Variable Ink)
Not a diffractive device, but an OVD that changes colour based on viewing angle (e.g., green to magenta). Used on currency numerals and security threads. Machine‑readable versions exist.
5. Liquid Crystal OVDs
Polarisation‑based OVDs that change colour when rotated or when viewed through a polarising filter. Often used on tax stamps and high‑security labels.
6. Lens‑Based OVDs (Moire, Lenticular)
Micro‑lens arrays that create flip or 3D effects without diffraction. Common on some ID cards and premium product labels.
🛡️ How OVDs Provide Security
OVDs are effective anti‑counterfeiting tools for several reasons:
- Public recognition – People instinctively tilt a banknote or label to see the shiny, moving image. No tools required.
- Copier resistance – Photocopiers and scanners cannot replicate diffracted colours or kinetic movement. A copied OVD appears flat, dark, or missing.
- Complex origination – Creating a master OVD requires expensive laser lithography, electron‑beam writing, or specialised optical benches – beyond the reach of counterfeiters.
- Integration with other security features – OVDs can include microtext, serialisation, ultraviolet features, and tamper‑evident adhesives.
📦 Types of OVD Products We Supply
Drawing on 15+ years of sourcing experience, Holoseal supplies these OVD products (all customisable):
- OVD Hologram Labels – Self‑adhesive stickers with diffractive 2D/3D, dot matrix, or e‑beam patterns. Can include serial numbers, QR codes, and tamper evidence.
- OVD Holographic Strips (Security Threads) – Narrow diffractive strips (2–15mm wide) partially embedded into paper or applied by hot stamping. Used in banknotes and documents.
- OVD Stamping Foils – Heat‑transfer foils for application on cartons, labels, and plastic cards. Ideal for pharmaceutical and luxury packaging.
- OVD Holographic Films – Large‑format diffractive films for lamination on packaging, ID cards, or passport pages.
- Kinegram & DOVID Components – Specialised diffractive devices with kinetic imagery, supplied as patches, threads, or hot‑stamped elements.
🏭 Real‑World Applications of OVDs
💵 Banknotes & Currency
Almost every modern banknote includes an OVD – a holographic patch, a kinegram thread, or a colour‑shift numeral. Examples: the rolling bar on Euro notes, the hologram on Indian ₹500 and ₹2000 notes.
🛂 Passports & Visas
E‑passports have a DOVID patch or laminate on the data page. When tilted, the photo number, country emblem, or biometric symbol appears and disappears.
💳 ID Cards & Driver’s Licences
National ID cards, PAN cards, and driver’s licences in many countries incorporate a holographic OVD for quick visual authentication.
💊 Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Anti‑counterfeit labels on medicine cartons and bottles. The OVD helps patients and pharmacists verify authenticity before use.
🍾 Luxury Goods & Cosmetics
Perfume boxes, whisky bottles, and designer handbags use OVD tags to reassure buyers of authenticity.
📜 Certificates & Diplomas
Universities and government agencies apply OVD holographic seals on degree certificates and legal documents.
🔐 How to Verify an OVD
End users can authenticate OVDs using these simple methods:
- Tilt test – Tilt the label or document left‑right and up‑down. A genuine OVD will show colour changes, image movement, or hidden text.
- View under magnification – Some OVDs include microtext that becomes visible with a 10x loupe.
- UV light test – Many OVDs have covert UV‑fluorescent features.
- Machine verification – Some OVDs are machine‑readable (IR, magnetic, or barcode‑coded).
⚖️ OVD vs. Standard Printed Ink – Security Comparison
- Printing – Flat, no angle‑dependent change. Easy to copy with a scanner and consumer printer.
- OVD – Dynamic colour/shape change. Requires specialised origination and manufacturing. Cannot be scanned or photocopied.
🌍 Holoseal’s OVD Supply
We source OVD products (holograms, kinegrams, colour‑shift foils) from leading manufacturers and supply them to clients across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Patna, Guwahati, Chandigarh – as well as export to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. With 15+ years of experience, we help you select the right OVD type (hologram, kinegram, DOVID) based on your security level, budget, and application method (label, strip, foil, or lamination).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About OVDs
Are OVDs and holograms the same thing?
No. Holograms are a subset of OVDs. OVDs also include kinegrams, colour‑shift inks, and liquid crystal devices. All OVDs change appearance with viewing angle, but not all use diffraction.
Can OVDs be photocopied or scanned?
No – copiers and scanners produce a flat, static image without the optical variability. A counterfeiter using a copier will produce a dull, non‑shifting copy that is easily detected.
What is the difference between a DOVID and a standard hologram?
A DOVID is a diffractive OVD that contains multiple, often hidden images that reveal themselves at different angles. DOVIDs are generally more complex and secure than simple rainbow holograms.
Are OVDs used on Indian currency?
Yes – Indian banknotes (₹500, ₹2000) incorporate a holographic patch or OVD thread with the Ashoka Pillar emblem and denomination numeral that shift when tilted.
How do I order custom OVDs from Holoseal?
Provide your artwork (logo, text), desired OVD type (hologram, kinegram, etc.), size, shape, quantity, and any security features (microtext, UV, serialisation). With 15+ years of experience, we source the optimal OVD and deliver pan‑India or worldwide.
