Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I enter the actual size of my artwork?

Yes. Measure your artwork from edge to edge and enter that exact size when you order a frame. Please note: the frame moulding covers a thin strip along all four edges of the artwork.

If your print has a white paper border, the whole sheet of paper still has to fit in the frame. Our measuring guide shows how to frame a print with a border, with or without a mat.

If you choose to add a mat, our standard mat opening is cut ½" smaller than your artwork in width and ½" smaller in height. That is ¼" on each edge, so the artwork does not fall through the mat opening. For example, if your artwork is 5x7", the mat opening will be 4.5x6.5". Keep anything important at least ¼" in from every edge when you choose a mat.

  • Do I need to adjust the frame size if I add a mat?

Yes, you need a bigger frame size when you add a mat to your print, poster or picture. Our mats are listed by your artwork size first, then the frame size. For example, if your print is 5x7" and you choose an 8x10" frame, you'll see the option "5x7 Mat for 8x10 Frame". Remember, from our point above, this mat opening will actually be 4.5x6.5" to hold in the artwork. That gives a 1¾" mat border on each side, because 8 minus 4.5 is 3.5, and half of 3.5 is 1¾.

Want about 2" of mat around a 5x7" print? Choose "5x7 Mat for 8.5x11 Frame". It has a 2" border on the sides and a 2¼" border on the top and bottom. Some mat sizes have a different border on the top and bottom than on the sides. Our guide on how to measure frame size shows the math, and Find Your Size lists our most common sizes.

  • Do you offer glass in your picture frames and shadow boxes?

No, our picture frames and shadow boxes feature framer's grade acrylic instead of glass. While glass is a common material used in these items, it is heavy and prone to breaking during shipment. Acrylic is more lightweight, shatter-resistant, and has UV protection properties, making it a great material to hang in your home.

Our standard framer's grade acrylic includes UV protection properties to help preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage. This acrylic is used as the protective front for our picture frames and shadow boxes.

Note: Our acrylic is shipped with a blue protective film on both sides, which needs to be peeled to reveal the acrylic before framing your artwork or photograph.

  • What is framer's grade acrylic?

Framer's grade acrylic is crystal clear, much like glass, but is lighter and is designed specifically for framing. This acrylic is also more shatter-resistant than glass and has UV protection properties to help preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage.

  • What is this blue sheet inside my frame?

Our acrylic is shipped with a blue protective film on both sides. Before framing your artwork, remove the backing by lifting the push tabs with a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife. Lift the acrylic out of the frame and peel both sides of the blue protective film to reveal a clear acrylic. Replace the acrylic, artwork and backing in the frame, and you're ready to display your art!

  • What does rabbet depth mean?

The rabbet depth is the depth of the notch at the back of the frame. This space holds the acrylic, your artwork or keepsake, any mat, and the backing. Rabbet depth is not the same as usable depth. Typically, the acrylic and backing take up ¼" of the listed rabbet depth, so subtract ¼" to get the usable depth. Usable depth is the room left for your artwork or keepsake. For example, a shadow box that is 15/16" deep has 11/16" of usable depth. This matters most when creating a shadowbox frame for 3-dimensional objects or a canvas frame for a stretched canvas. Learn more on our framing terms page.

  • Is the acrylic UV protected?

Yes, our framer's grade acrylic is UV resistant, helping preserve and protect your photographs and artwork from light damage.

  • Will the mat opening be cut smaller than my artwork?

Yes. The mat opening is cut ½" smaller than your artwork in total width and ½" smaller in total height. That is ¼" on each of the four edges, so the mat covers the edges and the artwork does not fall through. Make sure no important part of your artwork is within ¼" of any edge. For example: if your artwork is 5x7", the mat opening will be 4.5x6.5".

  • How is the backing held in place?

The backings of our frames are held in place with push tabs. Use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife to lift the tabs. Once everything is in place, push the tabs back down to secure.

  • Will the frame cover any of my artwork?

Yes. With no mat, the frame moulding covers a thin strip on all four sides of your artwork. With a mat, the mat covers ¼" on each edge of your artwork, and the frame covers the outer edge of the mat.

  • How do I put my artwork in my frame?

The backings of our frames are held in place with push tabs. Use a flathead screwdriver or a butter knife to lift the tabs.

Remove the backing and acrylic, peel the blue protective film from both sides of the acrylic and put it back in the frame.

If you have a mat, lay this piece down next.

Place your artwork as the next layer.

Replace the backing and push the tabs back down to secure.