How much smaller depends on how much you d like your artwork to be covered.
Standard mat opening sizes.
This will allow for a 1 inch mat border on all sides.
If you type 8x10 the opening will be exactly 8x10.
This allows the mat to overlap the image slightly holding it behind the frame.
This provides a surface to which the work can be taped or glued.
About our custom mat openings.
Choosing your opening size.
The mat overlaps the artwork 1 4 on all four sides.
Please note that if your paper size or artwork is 8x10 it may fall through the opening.
For instance an 11 x 14 photo will have a mat board opening that measures 10 1 2 x 13 1 2 inches as in this example.
This will ensure that the image will not fall through the front of your mat.
Our standard sizes all have windows that are 1 4 less the size of the intended print size.
The mat opening will be slightly smaller than the suggested picture size.
The exact mat opening size for a 20 x 24 image is 19 1 2 x 23 1 2.
Standard frame and mat sizes in inches.
When you want to frame artwork with a unique size order a custom frame to get an exact match for your print.
Traditionally the mat will cover about 1 4 inch of the image below.
On our site you can create a frame up to 40 x 60 inches.
Our website s custom build a frame allows you to enter your artwork size and using these dimensions automatically calculates the recommended mat window opening and frame size.
If you require a custom mat opening size to fit non standard sized artwork or to leave room for a signature border we can accommodate you.
Custom opening sizes we will cut custom openings exactly as you type it in.
If you d like the edges of your artwork to be covered by the mat board the opening size should be smaller than your artwork size.
8 x 10 4 5 x 6 5 5 x 7 11 x 14 7 5 x 9 5 8 x 10.
Frames for unique print sizes.
The image above shows the frame and image sizes of our standard mat openings.
Max custom opening size is 2 inches smaller than mat size.
The opening size of the mat board is the inner measurement of the mat board.
Frame size mat opening image size.
If you are making your prints to fit in a standard frame with a pre cut mat the following is a list of frame sizes and mat openings that you can find at most arts and craft stores.