Picture Framing
Custom Photo Mats Cut to Standard and Custom Sizes
Photo Mats & Picture Frame Mats
Photo mats add a clean border around your photograph, define the presentation, and protect the photo from contact with the glazing.
Design your photo matWhy photo mats matter
A mat creates space between the photograph and the glazing, which prevents the print from sticking to glass or acrylic over time (a real risk with photographic prints, which can fuse to glazing in humid environments). The mat also gives the image a defined border, focuses the eye on the subject, and makes the framed piece feel deliberate rather than crowded against the moulding.
Standard photo mat sizes
| Photo size | Mat opening | Common outer mat |
|---|---|---|
| 4×6 | 3-3/4 × 5-3/4 | 8×10 |
| 5×7 | 4-3/4 × 6-3/4 | 8×10 or 11×14 |
| 8×10 | 7-3/4 × 9-3/4 | 11×14 |
| 11×14 | 10-3/4 × 13-3/4 | 16×20 |
| 16×20 | 15-3/4 × 19-3/4 | 20×24 or 22×28 |
Single vs double photo mat
A single mat is one window in one color and works for most snapshots, family photos, and informal display. A double mat stacks two colors with a small reveal of the inner mat at the opening, typically 1/4 inch wide, which adds depth and reads as more deliberate. Doubles are common for wedding photography, fine-art prints, and any piece you want to improve.
Mat color choices for photos
White and off-white work for most color photographs and read as gallery-classic. Black mats with white reveals are a strong choice for high-contrast black-and-white photography. Accent colors (deep navy, sage, charcoal) can work but should be picked deliberately rather than to match a wall color. For a deeper walk-through see the mat color selection guide.
Acid-free photo mats
For irreplaceable photographs (original portraits, family archives, vintage prints) choose the conservation mat option. Acid-free and lignin-free construction prevents the mat from causing yellowing or chemical transfer over time. See the matboard guide for the conservation details.
Sizing the mat opening
The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the photograph (about 1/8 inch on each side) so the photo does not slip through. For a 4×6 photo, the opening is typically about 3-3/4 by 5-3/4 inches.
Common Questions
What is a photo mat?
A photo mat is the flat decorative border that sits between your photograph and the glazing inside the frame. It protects the photo from sticking to the glass or acrylic and frames the image with a clean visual border that makes the picture feel finished and intentional.
What size mat do I need for an 8×10 photo?
For an 8×10 photo, a typical mat opening is about 7-3/4 by 9-3/4 inches (so the mat overlaps the photo by about 1/8 inch on each side). Outer mat dimensions are usually 11×14 to give a balanced 1.5 to 2-inch border around the photo. Use the mat designer for exact sizing.
Are photo mats acid-free?
Our conservation mat option is acid-free and lignin-free, suitable for archival photographs. For irreplaceable photos (original prints, heritage portraits), choose the conservation option. Standard mats are also alpha-cellulose for color stability.
What color mat is best for a black-and-white photo?
Bright white or off-white pulls the eye to the image and reads as classic. Black creates a high-contrast gallery look that suits architectural and abstract photography. Avoid bold accent colors with black-and-white photos; they compete with the tonal range of the image.
Can I get a custom-cut photo mat?
Yes. Any opening size, any outer dimension, single or double, in a wide range of colors and ply thicknesses. Use the mat designer tool, or send dimensions to the contact form for guidance.
Do I need a mat at all?
Not strictly. Modern minimalist framing often skips the mat for a tight border-to-frame look. However, a mat protects the photo from contact with the glazing (which can cause sticking and damage over time), and it visually separates the image from the frame. For most photographs, a mat improves both protection and presentation.
How thick should a photo mat be?
4-ply is the standard. 8-ply (double thick) gives a more substantial gallery look with a deeper shadow at the bevel and is often used for prints in larger frames.
Will the mat damage my photo?
Not if you use an acid-free mat and avoid direct adhesives on the photograph. For sensitive or archival photos, choose the conservation mat option and use mounting hinges or photo corners rather than tape or glue.