Photo Print and framing guide
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Matted 3×4 print.
Mat opening - 2.5×3.5
Frame size - 5×7
No Mat 3×4 print.
3×4 print size.
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Matted 4×5 print.
Mat opening - 3.5×4.5
Frame size - 5×7
No Mat 4×5 print.
4×5 print size.
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Matted 4×6 print.
Mat opening - 3.5×5.5
Frame size - 8×10
No Mat 4×6 print.
4×6 print size.
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Matted 5×7 print.
Mat opening - 4.5×6.5
Frame size - 8×10
No Mat 5×7 print.
5×7 print size.
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Matted 6×8 print.
Mat opening - 5.5×7.5
Frame size - 8×10
No Mat 6×8 print.
6×8 print size.
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Matted 6×9 print.
Mat opening - 5.5×8.5
Frame size - 8×12
No Mat 6×9 print.
6×9 print size.
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Matted 8×8 print.
Mat opening - 7.5×7.5
Frame size - 10×10
No Mat 8×8 print.
8×8 print size.
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Mat opening - 7.5 × 9.5
Frame size - 11×14
No Mat 8×10 print
8×10 print size.
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Matted 8×12 print.
Mat opening - 7.5×11.5
Frame size - 11×14
No Mat 8×12 print.
8×12 print size.
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Matted 9×12 print.
Mat opening - 8.5×11.5
Frame size - 11×14
No Mat 9×12 print.
9×12 print size.
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Matted 10×10 print.
Mat opening - 9.5×9.5
Frame size - 12×12
No Mat 10×10 print.
10×10 print size.
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Matted 10×14 print.
Mat opening - 9.5×13.5
Frame size - 12×16
No Mat 10×14 print.
10×14 print size.
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Matted 10×15 print.
Mat opening - 9.5×14.5
Frame size - 12×18
No Mat 10×15 print.
10×15 print size.
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Matted 10×15 print.
Mat opening - 10.5×13.5
Frame size - 16×20
No Mat 10×15 print.
11×14 print size.
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Matted 12×12 print.
Mat opening - 11.5×11.5
Frame size - 14×14
No Mat 12×12 print.
12×12 print size.
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Matted 12×15 print.
Mat opening - 11.5×14.5
Frame size - 16×20
No Mat 5×7 print.
12×15 print size.
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Matted 12×16 print.
Mat opening - 11.5×15.5
Frame size - 16×20
No Mat 12×16 print.
12×16 print size.
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Matted 12×18 print.
Mat opening - 11.5×18.5
Frame size - 16×20
No Mat 12×18 print.
12×18 print size.
PRINT SIZES
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With no mat (plain frame):
Put in a 4x6 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
The mat makes a smaller window so the photo looks nicer with space around it.
Common photo sizes for a 4x6 frame:
3.5 x 5 inches
3 x 5 inches
2.5 x 3.5 inches (wallet size)
What people usually put in 4x6 frames:
Everyday snapshots: kids, pets, vacations, holidays, selfies
Small gifts (super common for grandparents, friends, teachers)
Desk or shelf photos
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 5 × 7 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo has space around it and looks more polished.
• Common photo sizes for a 5 × 7 frame:
• 4 × 6 inches
• 3.5 × 5 inches
What people usually put in 5 × 7 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: school pictures, graduations, weddings, milestone events
• Everyday snapshots: kids, pets, vacations, holidays, selfies
• Art prints and photography: small artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces
• Small gifts: popular for grandparents, friends, teachers, or coworkers
• Desk or shelf décor: compact enough for offices, bedside tables, or bookshelves
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 8 × 8 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more refined.
• Common photo sizes for a 8 × 8 frame:
• 6× 6 inches
What people usually put in 8× 8 frames:
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, square landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces that need balance
• Certificates and awards: recognition or documents that fit neatly with matting for a polished look
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a square display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in an 8 × 10 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more polished.
• Common photo sizes for an 8 × 10 frame:
• 4 × 6 inches
• 5 × 7 inches
• 6 × 8 inches
What people usually put in 8 × 10 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: weddings, graduations, milestone events, professional sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces
• Certificates and awards: recognitions or documents that fit neatly with matting for a formal look
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a slightly larger display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in an 8.5 x 11 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat makes a smaller window so the photo looks more polished with space around it.
• Common photo sizes for an 8.5 x 11 frame:
• 6 × 8 inches
• 6 x 9 inches
• 7 x 9 inches
What people usually put in 8.5 x 11 frames:
• Certificates and documents: diplomas, awards, professional recognitions
• Art prints and posters: small-scale artwork, photography prints
• Family portraits or posed photos: weddings, graduations, formal occasions
• Office or home décor: inspirational quotes, decorative prints, branding pieces
• School projects or creative work: drawings, collages, or presentations
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in an 8 × 12 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more balanced.
• Common photo sizes for an 8 × 12 frame:
• 5 × 7 inches
• 6 × 9 inches
What people usually put in 8 × 12 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: weddings, graduations, milestone events, professional sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces that need proportion
• Certificates and awards: recognitions or documents that benefit from a slightly larger presentation
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that look best with extra matting space
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 10 × 10 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more refined.
• Common photo sizes for a 10 × 10 frame:
• 8 × 8 inches
What people usually put in 10 × 10 frames:
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, square landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces that need balance
• Certificates and awards: recognitions or documents that fit neatly with matting for a polished look
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a square display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 9 × 12 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more refined.
• Common photo sizes for a 9 × 12 frame:
• 8 × 10 inches
• 7 × 9 inches
What people usually put in 9 × 12 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: graduations, weddings, milestone events, or professional sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces that need balance
• Certificates and awards: recognitions or documents that fit neatly with matting for a polished look
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a slightly larger display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in an 11 x 14 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo has breathing room and looks more elegant.
• Common photo sizes for an 11 x 14 frame:
• 8 x 10 inches
• 9 x 12 inches
What people usually put in 11 x 14 frames:
• Professional portraits: family photos, weddings, graduations, formal sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscape or automotive photography, decorative pieces
• Certificates and awards: larger diplomas, recognitions, or documents that need prominence
• Home décor: statement prints, inspirational quotes, or themed artwork for living rooms and offices
• Creative projects: collages, posters, or custom designs that benefit from a larger display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in an 12 × 12 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo has breathing room and looks more elegant.
• Common photo sizes for an 12 × 12 frame:
• 10x 10 inches
What people usually put in 12 × 12 frames:
• Professional portraits: family photos, weddings, graduations, formal sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscape or automotive photography, decorative pieces
• Certificates and awards: larger diplomas, recognition, or documents that need prominence
• Home décor: statement prints, inspirational quotes, or themed artwork for living rooms and offices
• Creative projects: collages, posters, or custom designs that benefit from a larger display
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 12 × 16 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has space around it and looks more balanced.
• Common photo sizes for a 12 × 16 frame:
• 8 × 10 inches
• 11 × 14 inches
What people usually put in 12 × 16 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: weddings, graduations, professional sittings, or milestone events
• Art prints and photography: medium-sized artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative pieces that need presence
• Certificates and awards: larger diplomas or recognitions that benefit from a more formal presentation
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that look best with extra matting space
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 12 × 18 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has breathing room and looks more polished.
• Common photo sizes for a 12 × 18 frame:
• 8 × 12 inches
• 9 × 12 inches
• 10 × 15 inches
What people usually put in 12 × 18 frames:
• Portraits and family photos: weddings, graduations, milestone events, professional sittings
• Art prints and photography: landscapes, automotive photography, medium-to-large artwork, or creative pieces that need proportion
• Certificates and awards: oversized recognitions or documents displayed with prominence
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for home and office décor
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a larger showcase
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 16 x 20 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has breathing room and looks more refined.
• Common photo sizes for a 16 x 20 frame:
• 11 x 14 inches
• 12 x 16 inches
What people usually put in 16 x 20 frames:
• Large portraits: family photos, weddings, graduations, professional sittings
• Art prints and photography: medium-to-large artwork, landscapes, automotive photography, or statement pieces
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for living rooms, offices, or studios
• Certificates and awards: oversized diplomas or recognitions that deserve prominence
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a larger display.
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With no mat (plain frame):
• Put in a 16 × 24 photo → it fills the whole frame.
With a mat:
• The mat creates a smaller window so the photo or artwork has breathing room and looks more refined.
• Common photo sizes for a 16 × 24 frame:
• 11 × 14 inches
• 12 × 18 inches
What people usually put in 16 × 24 frames:
• Large portraits: family photos, weddings, graduations, professional sittings that need a bold presence
• Art prints and photography: statement pieces, landscapes, automotive photography, or creative work meant to dominate a wall
• Decorative posters: inspirational quotes, themed artwork, or design prints for living rooms, offices, or studios
• Certificates and awards: oversized diplomas or recognitions displayed prominently
• Creative projects: collages, mixed-media artwork, or custom designs that benefit from a larger showcase
FRAME SIZES
Key Photo Framing Insights
• Small frames (4×6, 5×7) → casual, personal, everyday snapshots and gifts.
• Medium frames (8×10, 8×12, 8.5×11, 9×12) → balance between personal and professional; great for certificates, portraits, and art prints.
• Large frames (11×14, 12×16, 12×18) → versatile formats for photography and art, often chosen for proportion and matting flexibility.
• Extra-large frames (16×20, 16×24 and larger) → bold centerpiece pieces, ideal for statement photography, landscapes, and wall décor.