Multilayer element (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) as a security element for securing security documents, for product assurance or for packaging applications, having a transparent first layer, in which a plurality of microlenses are moulded in a first area, which are arranged according to a microlens array, and having a second layer arranged below the first layer and in a fixed position relative to the first layer, which has a plurality of micro images that are arranged according to a micro image array and each with at least a partial overlap with one of the microlenses of the microlens array for generating a first piece of visually variable information, wherein the screen rulings (41, 42) of the micro image array and the microlens array are each smaller than 300 μm in at least one spatial direction, wherein the micro images are each formed by one or more image areas, which are surrounded by a background area, and wherein the second layer has a metallic layer, which is provided in the first area in the image areas and not in the background area, wherein the second layer has a photoresist layer, which is provided in the first area in the image areas and not in the background area, or vice versa, wherein the one or more image areas are opaque and the background area is transparent, wherein on the one hand the one or more image areas and on the other hand the background area possess different reflective characteristics, wherein the one or more image areas or the background area are covered with a visually variable element, wherein the second layer has a replicating lacquer layer having a surface relief moulded into a surface of the replicating lacquer layer, and wherein the microlens array and/or the micro image array is a two-dimensional microlens array or micro image array and in each case two or more microlenses or micro images are in succession to each other in a first spatial direction and in a second spatial direction according to a respective screen ruling between 5 μm and 150 μm. wherein the micro images are each formed by one or more image areas, which are surrounded by a background area, and wherein the second layer has a metallic layer, which is provided in the first area in the image areas and not in the background area, wherein the second layer has a photoresist layer, which is provided in the first area in the image areas and not in the background area, or vice versa, wherein the one or more image areas are opaque and the background area is transparent, wherein on the one hand the one or more image areas and on the other hand the background area possess different reflective characteristics, wherein the one or more image areas or the background area are covered with a visually variable element, wherein the second layer has a replicating lacquer layer having a surface relief moulded into a surface of the replicating lacquer layer, and wherein the microlens array and/or the micro image array is a two-dimensional microlens array or micro image array and in each case two or more microlenses or micro images are in succession to each other in a first spatial direction and in a second spatial direction according to a respective screen ruling between 5 μm and 150 μm.