--- title: StairGraphics url: "https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/stairgraphics/" type: "product-page" language: en publisher: Shapeshifter Media summary: "StairGraphics turn a staircase into one seamless large-format image across every step and landing. Printed locally, installed without frames, removed without a trace." keywords: - stairgraphics - staircase - stairs - advertising - graphics - 3d - stair graphics - staircase advertising - stair art updated: "2026-08-07" translations: - "de: https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/de/treppenwerbung/" - "es: https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/es/graficos-de-escaleras/" --- # StairGraphics *The ONLY seamless method for staircase advertising graphics that does NOT destroy your artwork.* > One seamless image across every step and landing - without the jagged step-effect that destroys your artwork. To successfully monetise the surface of a staircase and satisfy both the advertising client and consumers there is only one way. StairGraphics reproduce a 2D or 3D image seamlessly across every step and landing, printed locally and removed without a trace. #### Table of Contents - [Introduction to StairGraphics](#introduction-to-stairgraphics) - What are StairGraphics? [Advertising on steps](#advertising-on-steps) - [The StairGraphics comparison](#stairgraphics-comparison) - Shapeshifter Media's contribution [Who invented the StairGraphics method?](#who-invented-the-stairgraphics-method) - [The only method that does not destroy your image](#the-only-method-that-does-not-destroy-your-image) - [How does it work?](#how-does-it-work) - [See StairGraphics in action](#see-stairgraphics-in-action) - Working with Shapeshifter Media [What we need from you](#what-we-need-from-you) - [Installation of StairGraphics](#installation-of-stairgraphics) - [Services for seamless 2D & 3D StairGraphics](#services-for-stair-graphics) ### Success with every step Promotion companies, advertising agencies and specialised media companies are always on the lookout for innovative concepts for making advertising campaigns as effective as possible. The objective is to create a targeted and simultaneously extensive advertising presence, by locating the campaign on the most attractive advertising formats. ![](/media/images/illustrations/articles/3/illustration-asahi-people-zoom-8_10.jpg) ### Advertising on steps Shapeshifter Media introduces Stair Graphics, enabling an innovative large format on an almost unused and widely available advertising location - staircases. Advertising on staircases was previously uncommon, and only possible in the form of single step ads. With the use of our mathematical procedure and proprietary software, Stair Graphics now enable us to reproduce a larger-than-life 3D image across several steps and landings. The 2D or 3D image with Stair Graphics appears seamless, upright and can also feature additional three-dimensional effects. #### Striking visual impact Shapeshifter Media Stair Graphics transform a staircase into an exclusive advertising vehicle. Using our own software for precise re-calculation of any image for multi-step display, every design for StairGraphics on staircases is automatically adapted to suit the surface of any staircase. On public, highly frequented staircases, as eye-catchers at trade fairs and events or as a TV-relevant advertising medium at sports matches and entertainment shows - advertising on steps with Shapeshifter Media StairGraphics allows you to exploit previously unused spaces, opening up entirely new possibilities for advertising communication. [anchor:product_comparison] ### Who invented the StairGraphics method? The method behind StairGraphics was invented by Josef Hinterkeuser, founder of Shapeshifter Media. He filed the patent application on 12 February 2002, in his own name and with no assignee, two years before he founded Shapeshifter Media in 2004. The patent was granted on 2 January 2007 as US 7,155,849 B2, under the title "Method for representing an image on a stepped surface and staircase". Josef Hinterkeuser is named on the grant as the sole inventor. The full record is public and can be read at [patents.google.com/patent/US7155849B2](https://patents.google.com/patent/US7155849B2/en). Patent record for the StairGraphics method Granted patentUS 7,155,849 B2 TitleMethod for representing an image on a stepped surface and staircase InventorJosef Hinterkeuser Published applicationUS 2004/0134107 A1, 15 July 2004 Public record[patents.google.com/patent/US7155849B2](https://patents.google.com/patent/US7155849B2/en) ![](/media/images/illustrations/general/made_in_germany.png) ![](/media/images/illustrations/general/german_cogwheels.png) ### The ONLY method that does not destroy your image - available worldwide for all of your staircases - totally seamless apearance over any amount of steps - the only method to display an image over several landings of a staircase without destroying it (see comparison above) - the only method to display 3d imagery on staircases - can be printed with your local printing company and installed by local staff Equipped with the dimensions of your staircase and your image, we deliver the printable data for your seamless StairGraphics within 48 hours. See more examples of our worldwide installations in our [gallery](/gallery/stairgraphics/) ### How does it work ? The specially developed software Stair Calculator uses the geometric details of a staircase to calculate the parts of the advertising layout to be reproduced for Stair Graphics, in minimum time. These modified parts are printed on high-quality materials and attached to the front surfaces of every step. StairGraphics appear as an impressive total 2D or 3D advertising design for every observer. Shapeshifter Media Stair Graphics are the only advertising format for staircases & steps, that will save your advertising message from taking on a jagged "step-effect". Stair Graphics require absolutely no additional aids such as frame systems or electrical supplies. StairGraphics can be removed without leaving the slightest trace at any time. The origin of the method is documented in the public record - see [who invented the StairGraphics method](#who-invented-the-stairgraphics-method). ![](/media/images/illustrations/articles/3/illustration-asahi-steps-angled-8_10.jpg) ### See StairGraphics in action ![](/media/images/illustrations/articles/3/stairgraphics_data_requirements.jpg) ### What do we need to create your StairGraphics ? - layered image data - the measures of the staircase - That's all ? Yes ! You will be provided with a printable file that can be printed and installed by your local printing company, surface owner or service supplier. ### Installation of our StairGraphics ### Services for seamless 2D & 3D Stair Graphics Seamless large format advertising on steps and staircases is easy and straight-forward with Shapeshifter Media. Our services for Stair Graphics include : - finding the best key-components for your advertising campaign from your customer's base material - helping you to find the best staircases to use throughout your campaign - instructing you on all technical aspects and requirements for StairGraphics - creating different layouts for each staircase - applying our unique mathematical method to all imagery for your StairGraphics campaign, so every image fits a staircase seamlessly - creating high-resolution printable files for StairGraphics with die-cut, small visual index/serial number for each step plus overview - printing services through our partners throughout Europe - supplying you with information for location-based printing - supplying you with information and documents for the installation, cleaning and removal of StairGraphics The seamless staircase method was developed by Shapeshifter Media founder Josef Hinterkeuser and granted United States patent 7,155,849 B2 in 2007. See [who invented 3D floor graphics](/invented-by-shapeshifter-media/) for the dated timeline and its sources. ### StairGraphics: frequently asked questions #### What are StairGraphics? StairGraphics are a seamless anamorphic print applied across the risers of a staircase so that, from a defined viewing point, the whole flight reads as one continuous image. The layout is recalculated for the geometry of each individual staircase, which is what lets a single picture run across many steps and several landings without breaking up. #### Who invented the StairGraphics method? The method was developed by Josef Hinterkeuser, founder of Shapeshifter Media. He filed the patent application on 12 February 2002 in his own name, and it was granted on 2 January 2007 as United States patent 7,155,849 B2, "Method for representing an image on a stepped surface and staircase". He is named on the grant as the sole inventor. #### How is this different from ordinary step-by-step stair advertising? Conventional staircase advertising treats each step as a separate panel, so an image spread across the flight is chopped into offset slices and takes on a jagged step-effect. StairGraphics recalculates the artwork so the steps combine into one upright, unbroken picture. The difference is most visible where an image has to cross a landing. #### What do you need from us to produce StairGraphics? Two things: the artwork as layered image data, and the measurements of the staircase. That is genuinely all. From those we produce a print-ready file with a cutting contour, plus a small index number for each step and an overview sheet showing where every piece belongs. #### How long does it take? Given the dimensions of your staircase and your image, we deliver the printable data for a seamless StairGraphics within 48 hours. Printing and installation time depends on your printer and the site, and sits outside that window. #### Can we print and install locally? Yes. The deliverable is a print-ready file that can be produced by your own local printing company, the owner of the surface, or your service supplier, and installed by local staff. We also offer printing through partner companies across Europe. This keeps large-format freight out of the project. #### Do StairGraphics damage the staircase? No. They need no frame systems, no fixings and no electrical supply, and they can be removed at any time without leaving a trace. Because nothing is mounted to the structure, they suit listed buildings, rented retail space and public staircases where permanent changes are not permitted. #### Can StairGraphics show 3D imagery, or only flat artwork? Both. The same method reproduces a flat 2D design seamlessly across the flight, or a three-dimensional scene that appears to rise out of the staircase from the viewing point. The choice is a design decision rather than a technical constraint. #### What does a StairGraphics campaign cost? Cost is driven by the number and size of the steps, the number of staircases in the campaign, the substrate chosen, and whether you print and install locally or through our partners. The design and data preparation is a separate item from print and installation. Send the staircase dimensions and we will quote against them. ## Questions and answers ### What are StairGraphics? StairGraphics are a seamless anamorphic print applied across the risers of a staircase so that, from a defined viewing point, the whole flight reads as one continuous image. The layout is recalculated for the geometry of each individual staircase, which is what lets a single picture run across many steps and several landings without breaking up. ### Who invented the StairGraphics method? The method was developed by Josef Hinterkeuser, founder of Shapeshifter Media. He filed the patent application on 12 February 2002 in his own name, and it was granted on 2 January 2007 as United States patent 7,155,849 B2, "Method for representing an image on a stepped surface and staircase". He is named on the grant as the sole inventor. ### How is this different from ordinary step-by-step stair advertising? Conventional staircase advertising treats each step as a separate panel, so an image spread across the flight is chopped into offset slices and takes on a jagged step-effect. StairGraphics recalculates the artwork so the steps combine into one upright, unbroken picture. The difference is most visible where an image has to cross a landing. ### What do you need from us to produce StairGraphics? Two things: the artwork as layered image data, and the measurements of the staircase. That is genuinely all. From those we produce a print-ready file with a cutting contour, plus a small index number for each step and an overview sheet showing where every piece belongs. ### How long does it take? Given the dimensions of your staircase and your image, we deliver the printable data for a seamless StairGraphics within 48 hours. Printing and installation time depends on your printer and the site, and sits outside that window. ### Can we print and install locally? Yes. The deliverable is a print-ready file that can be produced by your own local printing company, the owner of the surface, or your service supplier, and installed by local staff. We also offer printing through partner companies across Europe. This keeps large-format freight out of the project. ### Do StairGraphics damage the staircase? No. They need no frame systems, no fixings and no electrical supply, and they can be removed at any time without leaving a trace. Because nothing is mounted to the structure, they suit listed buildings, rented retail space and public staircases where permanent changes are not permitted. ### Can StairGraphics show 3D imagery, or only flat artwork? Both. The same method reproduces a flat 2D design seamlessly across the flight, or a three-dimensional scene that appears to rise out of the staircase from the viewing point. The choice is a design decision rather than a technical constraint. ### What does a StairGraphics campaign cost? Cost is driven by the number and size of the steps, the number of staircases in the campaign, the substrate chosen, and whether you print and install locally or through our partners. The design and data preparation is a separate item from print and installation. Send the staircase dimensions and we will quote against them. --- This page in other languages: [Deutsch](https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/de/treppenwerbung/), [Español](https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/es/graficos-de-escaleras/) Source: https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/stairgraphics/ Publisher: Shapeshifter Media, Hamburg, Germany - https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/ Contact: https://www.shapeshiftermedia.com/contact/