The invention discloses a device and a method for transferring a
predeterminable, high-resolution magnetic design onto a document printed
with a magnetic ink, in particular a magnetic optically variable ink. The
device comprises a body of a composite permanent-magnetic material,
having at least one flat or curved surface engraved with indicia
corresponding to the design to be transferred, wherein the said magnetic
material is permanently magnetized, preferably in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the said surface. The method comprises
imprinting or coating a first surface of a sheet or web with a magnetic
ink or coating composition, and approaching the imprinted sheet or web to
the engraved surface of a body of magnetized composite permanent-magnetic
material while the ink is wet, followed by hardening the ink.