First, identify which measurement you have
“Frame size” can refer to the outside of the frame, the paper or print it holds, or the visible opening through which the artwork shows. Those measurements can differ. Use the frame maker’s stated print size or measure the opening and mat rather than relying on the outside edge of the frame.
Print size
The intended width and height of the paper or image file, such as 8 × 10 inches.
Frame outside
The outer measurement of the frame. It is usually larger than the artwork it holds.
Visible opening
The part of the print seen through the frame or mat. It can cover a small edge of the paper.
If the print has a border, measure whether that border should remain visible or sit underneath the frame. Keep lettering, faces, and other important details away from the edge that could be hidden.
Common printable art and frame sizes
These examples pair familiar nominal print dimensions with their aspect ratio. They are a starting point, not a guarantee that every frame or mat uses the same opening. Confirm the product dimensions before ordering a frame.
| Nominal print size | Image ratio | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 7 in | 5:7 | Small prints and desk or gallery frames |
| 8 × 10 in | 4:5 | Portrait prints and common home frames |
| 11 × 14 in | 11:14 | Traditional portrait and art frames |
| 12 × 18 in | 2:3 | Poster-style prints and larger frames |
| 16 × 20 in | 4:5 | Large portrait prints and statement art |
| A4 / A3 | ISO A-series | Metric paper and international frame sizes |
See the complete Etsy printable size chart for more ratios and pixel dimensions, or browse the focused print size guides.
How mats change the visible print area
A mat creates a border between the artwork and the frame. It can make a smaller print sit inside a larger frame, but its aperture (the cut-out) is smaller than the mat board and may overlap the edges of the print slightly to hold it in place.
- 1. Check the frame label. Find whether the stated size describes the artwork, the mat opening, or the frame itself.
- 2. Measure the aperture. If the mat is already in the frame, measure the visible opening and confirm the print can extend underneath its edge.
- 3. Choose border or full bleed. Decide if you want the artwork to reach the paper edges or leave a margin that can sit behind the mat.
What if the frame ratio does not match?
Aspect ratio describes shape. If the frame’s shape differs from the image file, a printer usually has to fit the whole image with blank space, crop some edges to fill the paper, or distort the image. Stretching changes the artwork’s proportions and is generally not a good choice.
Fit the whole artwork
Preserves the full image but can leave a border or unprinted space. Choose this when no artwork should be cut off.
Fill the frame
Covers the paper but crops the image to a different shape. Preview the edges first to protect important details.
When printing, check the preview in the print dialogue and avoid automatic settings that crop unexpectedly. If you need help understanding the ratios in your download, see how to print an Etsy digital download.