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PICTURE FRAMING: STANDARD SIZES AND GENERAL GUIDELINES |
This useful guide is intended to answer all your questions about standard frame and paper sizes, canvas print guidelines, general guidelines about window mats, the how and why of different hanging hardware, and basic thicknesses of frame content materials. |
SUMMARY
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STANDARD FRAME AND MAT SIZES |
Standard frame sizes (8 x 10', for example) are those you can find in your local craft or department store. While custom frame businesses are more often called upon to create uncommon sizes (such as 19.5 x 22'), they are also a useful source for frame face widths you might not find down the isle, such as an 8 x 10' frame that is 4' wide. Many standard frames also come with a mat. This allows the buyer to use the frame as two different sizes: one larger size without the mat, and a smaller size with the mat in place. An 8 x 10' standard frame may come with a 1-1/2' mat, which allows you to frame a 5 x 7' image as well. NOTE: The mat opening will be slightly smaller than the suggested picture size. This allows the mat to overlap the image slightly, holding it behind the frame. Generally, the mat will cover 1/4' on each side of the image. So, a mat for a 5 x 7' picture will have an opening of 4.5 x 6.5'. Standard Frame and Mat Sizes in Inches
There are other important measurements for frames, besides the dimensions. You may want to know the face width, rabbet depth, or overall depth. When you order a custom picture frame you will see all these measurements outlined in a graphic within the order page. DIMENSIONS AND FRACTIONSWhen measuring the artwork dimentions for ordering a custom frame, it is important to record very exact measurements, down to 1/16 of an inch. These specifics can be recorded as fractions or decimals (for instance: 7.75 x 9.75 or 7-3/4 x 9-3/4):
| Standard frame and mat pairs offer two size options This graphic is shown on each frame's order page |
MORE ON MATS |
There are many things to consider when choosing a mat for your frame. You must select the best shade (there are hundreds of 'whites' out there), the best depth, the best width - and this is determined by both the frame and the artwork. You must decide if you want a double or triple mat, a French Cut mat, or a textured mat. If you have purchased a less expensive standard frame, the mat within may be low quality. It is also possible you require that frame size but a different mat opening. In that case, we are happy to cut a custom mat to fit in your standard frame. Place your order from our Custom Cut Matboards page. Kardnote 1 0 4 – note taking with markdown. For more information on these different choices, you can read these articles: Though matboard is available in hundreds of colors, a white mat is the most common choice. One of those many different shades is bound to work with your photograph or artwork. And if it doesn't, extending your search to grays and creams will generate a suitable result. BOTTOM WEIGHTINGA quick note on bottom weighting, which is discussed in more detail in Choosing a Mat Size. Bottom weighting is the traditional mat style practice of making the bottom arm of the mat slightly wider than the other three. The style originated when artwork was hung high on the wall, tilted down. An optical illusion created when the viewer was gazing up made the bottom arm of the mat appear thinner, though it was the same size. To compensate, the framer would make that arm 10-20% wider. Today, most art is hung at eye level, and the optical illusion is a thing of the past (some some museums). Some framers may encourage the style, while others have moved away from it, but the choice to bottom-weight is entirely at the discression of the buyer. If the correlation between the frame size and the image size means even measurements on all sides is not possible, bottom-weighting is a way to avoid disparate dimensions. (For instance: if you are fitting a 10 x 11' image into a 16x20' frame, you can avoid a mat that is 2' on the sides and 2.5' on the top and bottom by making the top and sides 2' and the bottom 3'.) | Evenly-weighted mat border Bottom-weighted mat border |
FLOATER FRAME STYLES |
Floater frames are a relatively new convention in the long history of picture framing. Primarily used for stretched canvas or wood block artwork, they are also an option for plaques and rectangular ceramic or clay reliefs. Because the floater frame overlap the artwork from behind rather than in front (like the lip of a traditional frame), the arrangement of the pieces differs slightly. A floater frame is cut to be slightly larger than the dimensions of the canvas, so there is a gap between the outside of the art and the inside of the frame. Stair Step and Tapered floater frames force this gap, while the L-shaped variety must be deliberately cut wide. As you can see from the images at the right, the two former frames will touch the sides of the canvas, while the latter does not. Regardless of the style, the standard gap between a floater frame and the canvas is 1/4'.
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POSTER SIZES AND FRAMES |
Sometimes you need a frame for a larger piece of artwork, such as a poster. The following list shows the standard frame sizes available for large-size artwork. If your poster does not match one of these dimensions, you may need to order a custom frame. POSTER FRAME SIZES
Most poster frames will not come with a mat, as a simple display is often desired. The frame will generally be quite thin and unadorned. If you require a mat or decorative frame for one of these sizes, a custom frame is your best option. | Poster in a simple black frame |
STANDARD PAPER SIZES |
Most fine art printers print on large rolls of paper rather than sheets, so standard paper sizes are not automatically applicable. However, if you require printing or framing at a standard paper size, the following chart may be useful. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) originally applied the A series designations and measurements in millimetres. North American standards have full names and are generally measured in inches.
| A-series standard paper sizes |
CANVAS PRINT ORDERING GUIDELINES |
When choosing a canvas print, there are plenty of ways to customize your order. You can select from a variety of edge styles, image effects or retouching, size, and depth. 3/4' and 1-1/2' are the two standard stretcher bar depths. 2-1/2' is available for larger pieces, or customers desiring a more dramatic profile. While there are no strict rules - we can make a canvas print as small as 4 x 6', and as large as 59' by 10 feet - most framers prefer to match the stretcher bar depth to the size. As the canvas size increases, a thinner stretcher bar will require more supports, and is not recommended. Canvas prints that will be framed in a traditional frame are an exception, and must be stretched on a very thin, 7/16' frame.
NOTE: These guidelines are based on ease of construction and safety regarding stability and weight. They are not rules, and orders deviating from this guide are welcome! | 3/4' and 1-1/2' canvas prints |
HANGING HARDWARE GUIDELINES |
Picture framers use a variety of hanging hardware. For each piece, the type is selected based on the size and weight of the framed artwork or canvas print.
HANGER PLACEMENTThe hangers should be attached 1/3 to 1/4 of the way down from the top of the frame, one on each vertical arm. For instance, if you are hanging a frame or canvas that is 12 inches tall, the hanger (the part where the wire attaches) should be placed between 3 and 4 inches from the top.HANGING WIREOnce the hangers have been attached, the hanging wire must be strung between them. Hanging wire comes in various thicknesses that will support different weights, ranging from 15 to 100 pounds. When in doubt, choose the stronger wire.Softstrand Hanging Wire Strength
Attaching the Wire
| Picture frame hangers Wrapping the hanging wire |
FRAME CONTENT THICKNESS |
When ordering a frame, one thing to keep in mind is the depth of the rabbet. This is a space behind the frame into which your frame contents - glazing, mat, artwork, backing - will be placed. While there are ways to counteract contents thicker than the frame rabbet, ideally you should have a bit of space left over in the back of your frame once your contents are in place. This allows room for the framer's points (those flat nails that secure the contents) or another backing board for important artwork. To make sure the rabbet on your chosen frame is deep enough, you will need to know the thickness of the various pieces going into it. If you are putting the frame together at home, don't forget to include the thickness of the art itself in your calculations.
All these thicknesses should be taken into consideration and compared to the rabbet depth of your chosen frame. For instance: 0.12' plexiglass + 0.05' mat + 0.05' artwork + 0.2' foam core = 0.42'. Therefore, a frame with a rabbet of 0.5' or more is preferred. 3/8' or 5/16' will be too shallow and the contents will stick out at the back of the frame. These thin frames may also be too fragile to safely support the weight of the contents. | Frame contents < rabbet depth Rabbet depth in frame profile |
When ordering a picture frame, many different factors must be taken into consideration. If you feel overwhelmed by the choices and options, the guidelines in this article may be useful for narrowing down your parameters and speeding up your decision. Have questions about standard or custom sizes, weights and thickness, or any of our services or products? Don't hesitate to contact us. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist with answers, advice, or suggestions. |
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Don’t know which size to use for your image or design? We have listed common aspect ratios, along with popular image and photo sizes to help you create your next project.
Cover image via Photographee.eu
What is Aspect Ratio?
The aspect ratio of an image is the proportional relationship of the width to the height. You will recognize it as two numbers separated by a colon in an x:y format. For instance, a 6 x 4 inch image has an aspect ratio of 3:2. An aspect ratio does not have units attached – instead, it represents how large the width is in comparison to the height. This means that an image measured in centimeters will have the same aspect ratio even if it was measured in inches. The relationship between its width and height determines the ratio and shape, but not the image’s actual size.
However, an image’s aspect ratio will change depending on the medium in which it is presented. The aspect ratio of an image displayed on a computer will be different from the aspect ratio of that same image displayed on a phone.
Aspect ratios are a critical part of web content because images need to be uploaded at different aspect ratios for different uses, like desktop vs. mobile or blog vs. social media. When you use the right aspect ratios it ensures your images are displayed as intended without stretching or resolution loss.
Let’s go over some common aspect ratios that are typically used across different spaces.
Common Aspect Ratios
1:1 Ratio
A 1:1 ratio means that an image’s width and height are equal, creating a square. Some common 1:1 ratios are an 8 x 8 inch photo, a 1080 x 1080 pixel image, or typically any profile picture template on social media sites (think Facebook). This aspect ratio is commonly used for print photographs, mobile screens, and social media platforms, but it’s not ideal for most TV or digital formats.
3:2 Ratio
The 3:2 ratio has roots in 35 millimeter film and photography and is still widely used for print sizes. Images framed at 1080 x 720 pixels or 6 x 4 inches are set within this aspect ratio.
4:3 Ratio
A 4:3 ratio is typically used for TV displays, computer monitors, and digital cameras. For every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height, creating a rectangular shape. An image sized at 1024 x 768 pixels or 8 x 6 inches fits a typical 4:3 ratio.
16:9 Ratio
The 16:9 ratio is mostly seen on presentation slides, computer monitors, or widescreen TVs. This international standard recently replaced the 4:3 ratio for monitors and TV screens, creating a slimmer, more elongated rectangular shape compared to the 4:3 format. Common resolutions in the 16:9 ratio are 1920 x 1080 pixels and 1280 x 720 pixels.
How to Measure Image Size
Unlike aspect ratios, image size determines an image’s actual width and height in pixels. Image size is the dimensions of an image. You can measure image dimensions in any units, but you’ll typically see pixels used for web or digital images and inches used for print images.
It’s important to realize that two different images that have the same aspect ratio may not have the same image size, or dimensions. For instance, an image sized at 1920 x 1080 pixels has an aspect ratio of 16:9, and an image sized at 1280 x 720 pixels also has a ratio of 16:9.
Common Image Sizes for Web
If you are uploading images on the web, it’s crucial to understand image size specifications because incorrect image sizes may stretch or distort to fill fixed dimensions.
When you’re working on a website builder or content management system (CMS), like WordPress or Squarespace, the image size requirements will vary according to the theme or template you’re using. Often, the website builder will resize images for you so that they display correctly in several different formats. To therefore satisfy several different standard image sizes, upload an image that’s big enough to reduce without losing resolution and small enough to comfortably fit the width of a standard screen. Squarespace recommends uploading images between 1500 and 2500 pixels wide. Check your template or theme on whatever CMS you’re using to determine the right image size to upload. Similarly, social media websites will often resize images for you, but there’s a sweet spot that will ensure your images display correctly at a few different sizes.
Note: Don’t confuse image size with image file size. Image file size is measured in bytes according to how much space it takes up on a disk or drive (think kilobytes or megabytes).
These are some of the most common image sizes for web.
1920 x 1080 pixels
This standard image size is widely seen across high definition TVs, presentations, and social media cover photos. It follows the 16:9 aspect ratio.
1280 x 720 pixels
This size follows the standard HD format featured in photography and film. It fits the 16:9 aspect ratio.
1080 x 1080 pixels
You’ll see this 1:1 ratio image size used widely across social media, namely Instagram and Facebook posts.
Common Photograph Sizes
Have you ever wanted to print an image or design, but haven’t figured out which size to use? While you can print an image at any size you want, there are some standard photo sizes that will help you narrow down the options. Different sizes work in different environments; display larger prints or posters to bring attention to an event or service, and reserve smaller prints for display in homes or on a counter space.
Printed images and photos are usually measured in inches, although you might see centimeters used in some countries.
Note: If you’re framing an image, you might need two measurements: the image size and the matte size. A matte is a border around the image that extends to the frame. When you print photographs to frame, make sure you know the matte opening size.
These are some of the most common photograph sizes.
4 x 6 or 5 x 7 in
These sizes are standard and popular photo sizes, typically for displaying photography or smaller artwork.
8 x 10 in
This size is a step above the smaller popular photography sizes and is common amongst portraits and larger artwork prints.
8.5 x 11 in
Small Image 2 4 X 8 Drywall
Use this standard flyer size for advertisements displayed in areas with limited space. While not as noticeable as larger poster sizes, the flyer size still aims to alert others in smaller settings.
12 x 18 or 18 x 24 in
Larger than typical flyers, these standard poster sizes are ideal when designing for events or advertisements that need to reach a medium audience.
24 x 36 in
Advertisers use this poster size for outdoor advertisements and specified display cases along high traffic locations.
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Creating Custom Sizes in Shutterstock Editor
You can create your own custom sizes and resize images in Shutterstock Editor with ease; simply head to the Canvas Size panel located on the right side of the program to enter specific values for the width and height of your image. You can also select from a list of popular image sizes for web.
Click on the lock icon to unlock the ratio, then type in your values in the white boxes. You can choose from dimensions displayed in pixels, inches, or centimeters in the dropdown arrow within the panel.
When you select or type in the dimensions, the canvas within Shutterstock Editor will adjust to display the values you have entered. You can easily edit these values in the future to reflect your specifications if needed. You can also try Shutterstock’s simple image resizer if you need a shortcut.
Small Image 2 4 X 8 Plywood
Interested in improving your image and photo knowledge? Look into these essential articles: