We present an approach to 3D printing custom optical ele-
ments for interactive devices labelled Printed Optics. Printed
Optics enable sensing, display, and illumination elements to
be directly embedded in the casing or mechanical structure of
an interactive device. Using these elements, unique display
surfaces, novel illumination techniques, custom optical sen-
sors, and embedded optoelectronic components can be dig-
itally fabricated for rapid, high fidelity, highly customized
interactive devices. Printed Optics is part of our long term
vision for interactive devices that are 3D printed in their en-
tirety. In this paper we explore the possibilities for this vision
afforded by fabrication of custom optical elements using to-
day’s 3D printing technology.