Framing Your Print

So after much deliberation you've finally decided on a design, and you may already have a frame, but what print size should you settle on to match your frame? To help with this often confusing dilemma, we explain the difference between sizing your print for a frame with a mount and for a frame without a mount.

If you think about it logically, you are filling a gap in the frame with a picture. It makes sense therefore, that the dimensions of the picture need to be the same as the gap, otherwise you will either have empty space around the picture because it's too small for the gap, or part of the picture will be hidden because it's too big for the gap.

Let's look at the two options available to you.

Frame without a mount

As the image below shows, if you're not using a mount your picture will need to completely fill the frame. Let's assume this frame is A4 size, in order for your print to fit perfectly without any gaps, it will also need to be A4.

It's important to note that when we talk about the size of a frame without a mount, we are referring to the dimensions of the glaze which your picture sits behind. These measurements do not include the surrounding edge of the frame, whether this is wood, metal or any other material. You are only measuring the flat surface area within the frame where your print will sit.

Frame with a mount

Again, if we look at the image below, we can see that the frame is the same size as above. However, because it uses a mount, the picture clearly needs to be much smaller in order to be fully visible. If we assume the mount opening is A5 size, in order for your print to fit perfectly and not be hidden, it will also need to be A5.

Don't be afraid to use a ruler

If in doubt, a ruler is the easiest way to work out what size print you need. Simply measure the dimensions of the gap you want to fill and that will give you your print size. For example 210mm x 297mm is the exact measurement for an A4 print. Don't worry if the opening in the mount is a few mm smaller on each side. Frame manufacturers will allow a slight overlap for the picture to sit comfortably behind.

Bear in mind however that there is no 'one size fits all' and frame mounts vary enormously between suppliers. If you're using an old frame without any instructions, a ruler is really the only way to precisely measure the size of the frame and any mount included.

New frames

It's common for new frames with a mount included, to provide two different print sizes. This is really helpful in determining what size print you need. Both sizes will relate to using the frame either with or without the mount, often described for example as "suitable for A4 without mount or A5 with mount". This is demonstrated in our examples above.

Order with confidence!

Please make sure you know the correct size you need before ordering as we can't change it once your print is in production. If you're not sure, contact us beforehand and we'll do our best to advise. You'll be surprised how many customers order the wrong size because they didn't take into account the mount!

Happy framing!