AI-assisted buyer guidance based on supplied catalogue material and the methods described below. Sources & content standards
A custom frame brief needs a dimensioned reference, a component list, an artwork file where relevant, and a revision number. Describe the requested change to a catalogue model explicitly. A photograph alone cannot define the opening, construction, personalization method or pack contents.
Decide what you are changing
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Starting point | Supply | Resolve before sampling |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue reference | SKU and a list of fields to retain or change. | Which existing specifications still apply to the proposed version? |
| Personalized reference | SKU, exact wording, placement and artwork file. | Which process, finish and file format can the supplier use? |
| New drawing | Dimensioned views, components, display method and packing requirements. | Design feasibility, sample scope, costs and any development steps. |
A small visible change may still affect construction or packaging. Treat a different opening, profile, stand or attachment as a written requirement rather than leaving it implied by an annotated front photograph. Availability and commercial terms need a current factory response.
Make the drawing readable without a conversation
Start with front, rear and side views where each adds necessary information. Mark artwork width and height, rear fitting dimensions, visible opening, outside dimensions and usable depth. Use one unit throughout, or label every mixed-unit value explicitly.
Place a revision and date on the drawing. If a dimension is still a request rather than an agreed value, label it that way. Do not invent manufacturing tolerances from an online template: ask the supplier to propose measurable limits for the actual assembly and record the agreed result.
Keep the component list beside the drawing
- Frame body: material, profile and finish reference. For wood, list the requested species separately from the colour name.
- Glazing: requested material and thickness, with relevant performance requirements stated separately.
- Mat and backing: window dimensions, visible colour, thickness and how the components fit.
- Display components: stand, hangers, closure or clip, plus the intended orientation.
- Retail contents: printed insert, instructions, accessories and the number of frames.
- Packaging: individual protection, retail presentation, labels and shipping proposal.
This is a requested bill of components, not a declaration that every option is available. Link each agreed component to the sample or drawing that defines it. The materials guide explains why a frame-body material does not establish the complete assembly.
Supply artwork as a production question
For names, dates or messages, provide the exact spelling, capitalization, punctuation and line breaks as selectable text, alongside the intended visual arrangement. State the position and maximum artwork area on the frame. A screen mock-up should be labelled as a placement reference.
Ask which file format the proposed production method requires. If supplying a vector file or outlined lettering, retain an editable original and the exact text for proofreading. Raster artwork needs a target physical size and resolution agreed for that use; there is no single pixel size that suits every frame and process.
For several names or messages, use a stable row identifier for each variant. Record quantity per row and separate front artwork from box artwork. Confirm your right to reproduce submitted logos, illustrations and typefaces before requesting production.
A worked revision example
Illustrative workflow, not a completed order: a buyer selects YC040 as a starting reference and requests “ALEX & SAM” above the photo opening and “12 OCTOBER 2026” below it. The brief identifies the desired artwork size, placement, finish and quantity, while asking the factory to propose the personalization method.
Revision A contains the requested drawing and text. If the factory proposes moving the lower line, record the changed position in revision B and issue a matching proof. Approving only a cropped screenshot leaves uncertainty about which drawing and wording were accepted. Review the complete marked version with its sample.
This example does not establish that YC040 supports a particular engraving or printing process. Compare YC040 and YC046 as catalogue starting points and obtain feasibility confirmation for the proposed artwork.
Close the brief with a decision log
For every changed item, record the requested version, supplier response, sample observation, decision and next action. Use clear outcomes such as “accepted as shown”, “revise and resubmit”, or “open question”. Approval of a finish does not approve a different opening or revised packing arrangement.
Save the final drawing, artwork, component list and packing revision together. Use the custom frame brief worksheet and sample approval checklist to keep those decisions traceable, then return to custom frame projects to prepare your enquiry.
Basis: supplied catalogue references and a general buyer specification workflow. Artwork and revision examples are hypothetical. No design-service scope, production technique, tolerance, MOQ, price or lead time is promised by this guide.