Abstract: A one-way imaging optical film is provided by a transparent polymer substrate bearing a first coating defining an image area and a second coating defining a background or surround area. In the visible light spectrum, the two coatings have very similar light transmittance characteristics and very similar reverse reflectance characteristics, but different reflectance characteristics such that when the film is viewed from the coated side the image area is visually distinct from the surround area, and when the film is viewed from the substrate side, the film is transparent and the image virtually non-discernible. The film has a visible light transmittance of at least about 25 percent for use especially as an architectural and vehicle window film.