Abstract: High-quality, artifact-free phase contrast images from an object are yielded using an arrangement of gratings. The method suppresses the need of direct image integration and significantly improves the quality of phase contrast images. In comparison with existing techniques, no additional alignment work is needed, nor increased exposure time. On the other hand, the method delivers excellent, direct interpretable information about the phase projection within a radiographic experiment. Due to its general applicability and its simplicity in usage, the method is likely to become a standard method for a variety of 2D imaging applications using gratings arrangements in particular on medical scanners (for instance mammography), inspection at industrial production lines, non-destructive testing, and homeland security.