Print offers something that digital media and AI-generated content simply can’t replicate: authenticity and tangible engagement. As brands navigate an increasingly digital landscape, print is evolving into an immersive, interactive, and sustainable medium—one that captivates audiences in fresh and innovative ways.
In a recent PaperSpecs webinar, print expert Sabine Lenz explored the biggest print design trends shaping 2025. From multisensory experiences to sustainable materials and interactive elements, Sabine’s discussion highlighted how designers and marketers can use print to create deeper connections with their audience.
One of the clearest indicators of print’s growing influence is the resurgence of direct mail marketing. Recent industry data by Lob underscores this shift:
- 82% of marketers plan to increase their direct mail budgets in 2025, up from 58% in 2023.
- 84% of marketers agree that direct mail delivers the highest ROI of any channel they use.
Why? Because physical connection matters. Unlike digital content that can be scrolled past or deleted with a tap, printed materials engage multiple senses—enhancing brand recall and emotional connection. When combined with personalization strategies, print has the power to create high-impact experiences that drive response rates and conversions.
This year’s print design inspiration reflects this shift. Designers are embracing tactile finishes, visually striking embellishments, and digital-meets-physical innovations to make print more engaging than ever. At the same time, concerns over AI-generated content and digital oversaturation are fueling a fresh appreciation for the craftsmanship, culture, and storytelling power of print.
In this post, we’ll explore our favorite print design inspiration and ideas shaping 2025. Whether you’re looking to enhance the sensory appeal of your materials, create eco-friendly print solutions, or introduce interactive elements, these print design ideas will help you push the boundaries of print and bring it to life in ways that digital simply can’t match.
Let’s jump in.
Mega-Trend: Multisensory Experiences
Sabine kicked off the session with a look at the mega-trend dominating print design in 2025: multi-sensory experiences.
More than 50% of our brain is dedicated to processing sensory experiences, meaning that touch, sight, sound, smell, and even taste play a crucial role in how we perceive and remember a brand. Incorporating all of these sensory elements into printed materials can transform a simple sheet of paper into an immersive brand experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Brands can use multisensory print design to enhance engagement and elevate their perceived value. Here’s how:
- Texture and tactile elements: Embossing, debossing, soft-touch finishes, and textured paper create a premium, hands-on experience that makes print more memorable. Luxury brands, in particular, may use high-end materials to reinforce their exclusivity.
- Interactive and layered printing: Fold-outs, die cuts, and pop-up elements encourage customers to physically interact with printed pieces, making them more engaging and dynamic.
- Scented inks and materials: From scented paper to specialty inks, smell can evoke strong emotional responses and link a brand to a distinct experience.
- Holographic and iridescent effects: Unique finishes that catch the light create a visually dynamic impact and reinforce a sense of innovation and modernity.
Why multisensory print is more relevant than ever
Alongside the growth of AI-generated digital content is a rising skepticism about authenticity. Whether it’s a carefully crafted product package or a beautifully designed business card, multisensory experiences help brands tell their story in a way that feels authentic and personal.
If you’re on the hunt for print design ideas, incorporating multisensory elements is an opportunity to push creativity further by transforming printed materials into immersive brand experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Mega-Trend: Sustainable Print Design
Sabine’s next mega-trend is sustainable print design.
Today’s consumers (especially Gen Z and Millennials) are more committed than ever to supporting brands that align with their values—and one of the biggest priorities is sustainability. As businesses strive to meet this growing demand, print design is evolving to incorporate eco-conscious materials and practices throughout the print and production process.
However, sustainability in print isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it requires thoughtful decision-making at every stage of the process. From material selection to printing methods, packaging, and shipping, every step in the print journey presents an opportunity to minimize environmental impact. Here are some key considerations:
- Paper choices: Opt for FSC-certified or recycled paper with high post-consumer content to reduce waste, or consider tree-free alternatives like cotton, hemp, or bamboo-based papers. Shop paper and card stock at thepapermillstore.com and use our filters to focus on the eco features that matter to you, such as papers made using wind power, carbon neutral papers, FSC-, Green Seal, or Green-e certified papers, and more.
- Eco-friendly printing methods: Use soy- or vegetable-based inks instead of petroleum-based options. Digital printing can also be more sustainable than traditional offset methods, depending on the project.
- Minimal and recyclable packaging: Reducing unnecessary packaging and using compostable or recyclable materials ensures a more environmentally friendly end product. The Paper Mill Store uses 50% recycled fiber shipping boxes packed with 13% recycled plastic filler to ship every order.
- Sustainable shipping and sourcing: Where and how materials are produced and transported impacts sustainability. Choosing local suppliers and carbon-neutral shipping helps reduce environmental footprints. Since 2008, The Paper Mill Store has reduced our carbon output by as much as 115 tons per year by purchasing carbon offsets to cover 100% of the carbon dioxide produced during shipping.
- Collaboration and transparency: Sit down with your team or clients to determine which aspects of sustainability matter most to your brand and audience, ensuring your print materials align with your broader sustainability goals.
Why sustainable print design matters more than ever
Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term shift in consumer expectations. Brands that integrate eco-conscious decisions into their print design inspiration will build more trust and loyalty with their audience. And beyond just reducing waste, sustainable print practices also signal a commitment to ethical responsibility, environmental stewardship, and long-term innovation.
Trend: Tactility
The feel of a printed piece can influence how consumers perceive a brand—whether it’s the soft-touch finish of a luxury business card or the textured grain of recycled kraft paper.
Tactile elements in print are more than just an aesthetic choice—they shape the way people experience and interact with a brand. Here’s why tactility is trending in 2025:
- Digital fatigue: In a screen-saturated world, textured materials provide a refreshing, hands-on experience.
- Luxury and brand perception: Tactile finishes can convey quality and exclusivity, as well as other brand values such as sustainability.
- Emotional and sensory appeal: Textured surfaces can evoke nostalgia, comfort, or excitement.
- Enhanced user experience: Interactive textures make printed materials more engaging and memorable.
How to introduce tactile elements in print
1. Substrate selection
Selecting a textured paper to print on is the most budget-friendly way to add tactility to print. Different substrates offer varying textures that set the tone for a design:
- Coated vs. uncoated paper: Uncoated stocks have a softer, more organic feel, while coated papers provide a smooth, polished finish.
- Textured papers: Linen, vellum, felt, and handmade papers naturally add dimension without distracting from your message.
- Soft-touch paper: A velvety, matte surface that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Recycled and Kraft paper: Rougher, unprocessed textures align with eco-conscious branding.
2. Printing techniques that add depth
Different printing methods can also introduce tactility and texture, transforming flat materials into interactive experiences:
- Letterpress printing: Creates a deep, inked impression on thick paper, adding noticeable texture. Shop Letterpress compatible papers.
- Embossing and debossing: Raises (embossing) or presses (debossing) elements into the paper for a dimensional effect.
- Engraving: The reverse of letterpress, where ink sits on top of the paper for a slightly raised feel.
3. Finishing touches & embellishments
Finishing techniques can help layer textures for an ultra-tactile effect:
- Raised UV & spot UV: Selectively applied gloss or texture to contrast with matte surfaces.
- Soft-touch and rubberized coatings: Suede-like or rubberized finishes for an unexpected sensory experience.
- Gritty and sandpaper coatings: High-friction textures that add a rough, industrial feel.
Why tactile print is here to stay
Tactile design isn’t just a passing print design trend—it’s an essential way for brands to create memorable, interactive experiences in an increasingly digital world. Whether it’s through textured papers, embossed finishes, or innovative coatings, adding tactility to print will give your materials a premium feel and encourage deeper engagement.
Trend: Interactivity
By encouraging physical interaction, brands can create personalized and engaging print materials that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s through hidden messages, dynamic fold-outs, or augmented reality (AR) integration, interactive elements add an unexpected layer of creativity to print.
Interactive print is trending because it:
- Engages multiple senses: Combining touch, sight, and movement makes print more memorable. (Remember our first mega-trend?)
- Encourages exploration: Fold-outs, pop-ups, and pull-tabs invite users to engage with the design.
- Bridges print and digital: Features like QR codes and AR can create a seamless experience between physical and online content.
- Adds personalization: Scratch-off coatings, writable surfaces, and hidden messages make print feel unique and customized.
How to incorporate interactive elements in print
1. Pop-ups & fold-outs
One of the simplest ways to make print interactive is by incorporating folding and pop-up elements that reveal hidden content:
- Pop-up elements: Three-dimensional visuals that create a sense of depth and movement.
- Fold-out pages: Expanding sections that go beyond traditional page sizes for surprise reveals.
- Sliding and hidden messages: Pull-tabs or interactive flaps that uncover hidden text or imagery. For example, a marketing brochure with a pull-tab that reveals a special offer.
2. Heat-sensitive & glow-in-the-dark inks
Using specialty inks can transform print into a dynamic and memorable experience:
- Heat-activated ink (thermochromic): Ink that changes color or reveals hidden messages when touched. For example, a business card that reveals a secret message when held in warm hands.
- Photochromic ink: Ink that reacts to UV light, revealing new details when exposed to sunlight or a black light.
- Glow-in-the-dark ink: Ink that enhances visibility at night or adds a playful surprise.
3. Bridging print & digital with AR & QR codes
Interactive print isn’t just about tactile engagement—it can also seamlessly connect with digital experiences:
- QR codes: A scannable link that directs users to videos, websites, or other digital content.
- AR-enhanced images: When scanned with an app, printed designs can reveal 3D animations, product demos, or interactive storytelling.
- Live print campaigns: Posters, catalogs, or packaging that “come to life” with AR interactions. For example, a furniture catalog where scanning an image shows how the product would look in your home using AR.
4. Scratch-off and writable surfaces
Interactive coatings and writable surfaces provide a tactile and personalized experience:
- Scratch-off ink: Used for promotions, giveaways, and surprise offers. For example, a direct mail campaign with a scratch-off discount code.
- Textured coatings: Creates a sensory experience that invites users to touch and feel the design.
- Writable surfaces: Allows users to jot down notes, check off lists, or fill in personalized details.
Why interactive print is a game-changer
By integrating interactive print design ideas, brands can transform traditional printed materials into engaging, immersive experiences that feel personal and dynamic. Whether it’s through pop-up elements, augmented reality, or scratch-off coatings, these innovations make print more than just a visual medium—they turn it into an experience worth remembering.
Trend: Visual Intrigue
Visual intrigue in print goes beyond color and typography—it involves tactile, dimensional, and unexpected elements that spark curiosity and engagement. By incorporating foil finishes, edge treatments, and unique binding methods, designers can create printed pieces that feel luxurious, bespoke, and unforgettable.
Why is visual intrigue trending?
- Premium perception: Metallic foils, edge painting, and intricate binding techniques elevate the perceived value of a piece.
- Unique brand identity: Standout design details help brands leave a lasting impression.
- Tactile and interactive appeal: Unexpected textures and finishes encourage people to hold onto and engage with printed materials.
- Storytelling and personalization: Bespoke binding and specialty finishing techniques turn print into an experience rather than just a product.
How to create visual intrigue in print
1. Foil stamping and metallic finishes
Foil treatments add a shimmering, eye-catching element to printed materials. Different methods create varying levels of shine, texture, and depth. For example:
- Hot foil stamping: Uses heat and pressure to apply a thin metallic or pigmented foil layer.
- Cold foil printing: Adheres metallic foil to paper for a smooth, reflective finish.
- Holographic foils: Adds an iridescent, futuristic look for high-impact visuals. For example, a luxury business card with gold foil-stamped lettering for a premium feel.
2. Edge finishing for a pop of color
Edge treatments add unexpected detail to printed materials by coloring or texturizing the sides of the paper:
- Airbrushed edges: The most budget-friendly edge treatment, offering a soft gradient effect.
- Digital edge painting: Provides more precision and a bold color contrast.
- Gilding: The most premium option, using metallic or pearlescent finishes for an elegant touch. For example, a wedding invitation with gold-gilded edges for a luxurious effect.
3. Bespoke binding techniques
Innovative binding techniques not only serve a functional purpose but also add texture, craftsmanship, and personality to printed pieces:
- Singer sewn binding: A visible stitch along the spine that adds a handcrafted, artistic touch. Sabine’s pro tip: Let the thread hang slightly for added texture, or use multiple thread colors for contrast.
- Case binding: Used for hardcover books, case binding offers durability and prestige with customizable covers. Sabine’s pro tip: Pair case binding with a translucent dust jacket or die-cut window for added intrigue.
- Trailing edge envelopes: Unique die-cut shapes extend beyond the envelope’s edge for an eye-catching, USPS-approved mailing solution.
Why visual intrigue in print is essential
Print materials that surprise and delight are far more likely to be remembered. By incorporating foil accents, edge finishes, bespoke bindings, and unique packaging details, designers can create printed materials that feel luxurious, high-impact, and impossible to ignore.
Print Design Inspiration: Elevating Print in 2025
The print design trends shaping 2025 go far beyond aesthetics—they focus on creating immersive, engaging, and meaningful experiences. From multisensory elements that heighten sensory engagement to sustainable materials that align with eco-conscious values, today’s print innovations are redefining how brands connect with their audiences.
Tactile finishes, interactive elements, and visually striking embellishments provide a much-needed contrast to digital content, offering a level of authenticity and craftsmanship that digital simply can’t replicate. Whether you’re experimenting with letterpress textures, foil stamping, augmented reality, or sustainable print techniques, there are endless opportunities for creativity and brand storytelling in print.
Looking for print design inspiration? Join Sabine at PaperSpecs to explore the latest print design ideas and innovations. Whether you’re enhancing direct mail campaigns, luxury packaging, or marketing materials, integrating these cutting-edge print trends can elevate your designs and create truly unforgettable brand experiences.
Ready to bring your print design ideas to life? Start incorporating these trends today and transform the way you think about print.
About PaperSpecs
Founded by award-winning graphic designer Sabine Lenz, PaperSpecs is an online hub dedicated to empowering graphic designers with a passion for print. Backed by Sabine’s 20+ years of print design experience in the U.S., Germany, and Australia, PaperSpecs provides designers with the swatchbooks, resources, insights, and tools they need to create innovative printed pieces to wow their current clients and attract new ones.
Through videos, webinars, blog posts, and more, PaperSpecs offers practical, up-to-date information about paper and printing technologies, helping designers stay informed about the latest trends and techniques in the design and print world. Check out the PaperSpecs YouTube channel for inspiration, advice, and more.
By joining the PaperSpecs community, designers gain access to beautiful print materials, expert advice, and a network of like-minded professionals, all aimed at elevating their print projects to new heights. Become a PRO member now.
