Early translight production took place in the darkroom. The photo technicians used 100-foot-long by 48-inch-wide black and white Kodak film rolls to develop the translight images. The scene got developed in strips, which were then taped together and colored to create the scene.
Translight images can be created using digital image technology. The computer-generated image is printed using special large-scale printers on a variety of materials. Using digital printing allows scene designers greater speed and flexibility in creating or changing backdrop images.
Translight images can be printed onto polyester-reinforced vinyl. Backdrop images can also be printed onto muslin using water-based inks or on Kodak Enduratrans display material.