AI-assisted buyer guidance based on supplied catalogue material and the methods described below. Sources & content standards
Three measurements to keep separate
The size of the photograph does not describe the outside of the frame. A mat adds another opening that also needs to be specified. Use the same unit for each measurement in your enquiry.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Measurement | What to specify |
|---|---|
| Photo or artwork size | The width and height of the sheet or image that must fit. |
| Mat opening | The visible window in the mat, if a mat is required. |
| Outer frame size | The full outside dimensions, needed for layout, packaging and handling. |
Read the catalogue measurement carefully
The factory table lists YC001 at 8.7 × 10.7 inches externally, while the planning name refers to an 8 × 10 inch photo. Those measurements have different purposes. Confirm the actual photo opening and mat configuration before approval.
Some source records contain inconsistent dimensions. Those measurements have been withheld on the relevant product pages instead of being presented as confirmed specifications.
Inches, centimetres and A sizes
One inch is exactly 25.4 millimetres. A4 is 210 × 297 millimetres; it is not the same format as 8.5 × 11 inches. When sourcing for several markets, give the intended artwork size explicitly rather than describing it only as “standard”.
Reference artwork sizes for a buying brief
These are artwork formats, not confirmed openings for every catalogue SKU. Use them to state the required fit, then ask the factory to approve the opening, mat and outer dimensions.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Artwork format | Width × height in millimetres | Use in your specification |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | State whether a mat is required. |
| 5 × 7 in | 127 × 177.8 mm | Specify the visible mat window separately. |
| 8 × 10 in | 203.2 × 254 mm | Do not substitute outer frame dimensions. |
| 8.5 × 11 in | 215.9 × 279.4 mm | US Letter; a different format from A4. |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Specify the document opening in millimetres. |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | Confirm the full frame assembly for this format. |
What to put in a size brief
- Artwork width × height, with units.
- Portrait, landscape or both orientations.
- Mat required or not, and the visible mat opening.
- Required outer size or any limits imposed by the display space.
- Tabletop stand, wall mounting or both, subject to the model.
Explore document frames or large picture frames to compare the supplied outer dimensions.
Which opening are you measuring?
A frame can have a fitting space at the back and a smaller visible area at the front. A mat, also called a mount, adds another window. Label these measurements on a drawing so that a single word such as “opening” does not hide a different requirement.
Swipe across the table to see every column.
| Dimension | What it describes | What to request |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork size | The complete sheet, measured edge to edge. | Width and height, units, orientation and any printed border. |
| Rear fitting opening | The space that receives the artwork and other components; often described using rebate or rabbet dimensions. | A drawing identifying the fitting width, height and usable depth. |
| Visible opening | The part of the image visible through the frame or mat. | The required visible area, including text or details that must remain in view. |
| Outside frame size | The finished frame measured across its outer edges. | The overall width, height and depth for layout and packaging. |
Measure, label, then confirm the fit
- Lay the artwork flat and measure its full width and height. Record the unit alongside both dimensions.
- Identify any border, signature or printed text that must remain visible. State whether a mat is wanted.
- Provide a labelled sketch showing the artwork, visible window and any outside-size limit.
- Ask for a drawing and sample that show how the artwork fits. Compare them with the written requirements before approval.
Do not apply a fixed clearance or overlap to every model. The supplier needs to confirm these for the frame assembly. Converting inches to millimetres does not establish whether a catalogue reference fits.
Method references: EasyFrame’s artwork measuring advice distinguishes the fitting opening from the visible area. Its production allowances are specific to its own products. NIST’s length reference confirms the inch-to-millimetre conversion used above.
Check the dimensions on a sample · Download the enquiry template