How do I measure my artwork?

Start measuring your artwork from the second inch on your tape measure for accuracy. Record the width and height, accounting for mat overlap or canvas depth as needed, whether framing with or without a mat, or using a floating frame.

General Tips for Measuring Your Artwork

1. Start Measuring at the Second Inch: The first inch on most rulers and tape measures is not a true inch. Always begin measuring from the second inch on your tape measure for greater accuracy, and subtract 1 inch from your final number.
2. Measure to the Nearest 1/16": For maximum precision, measure your artwork to the closest 1/16". Don't worry about adding any allowances for frame fitting; that’s handled on our end.

Measuring Artwork Without a Mat

If you plan to frame your artwork without a mat, here’s how to measure:

• Width and Height: Measure the width and height of the artwork exactly, entering those numbers as the "art size" when ordering.
• Frame Lip Overlap: Note that the frame lip will typically overlap the artwork by about 1/4" on all sides. This overlap is accounted for in the frame manufacturing process.

Measuring Artwork for Framing With a Mat

When framing artwork with a mat, the mat window will be cut 1/4" smaller than the artwork in both directions, allowing the mat to overlap the artwork by 1/8" on each side. This ensures that the artwork stays securely in place within the frame.

• Measure the Artwork: Measure the artwork's width and height, and use those measurements as the "art size" when ordering your frame.
• No Need to Adjust for Matting: The framing system will automatically account for the mat overlap when you enter the artwork size, so there's no need to add or subtract anything for the mat window size.

Measuring Canvas for Framing

Canvas artwork requires some extra attention because it’s often not perfectly square, and the canvas depth can also affect your frame choice. Here’s how to measure:

1. Measure at Multiple Points: Measure the top, middle, and bottom of the canvas, both horizontally and vertically. Use the largest measurement for the frame size.
2. Include Folded Canvas at Corners: Be sure to account for the folded canvas at the corners, as this can add up to 1/8" to the overall size.
3. Consider Canvas Depth: When selecting a frame, ensure the rabbet (the inner part of the frame that holds the canvas) has sufficient depth to accommodate the canvas stretcher bars.

Measuring Artwork to Float Within a Frame

A floating frame treatment is a great choice if you want to display artwork with textured paper, deckled edges, or time-worn documents that showcase their unique borders.

1. Measure the Artwork: Measure the width and height of the artwork itself.
2. Decide on Border Width: Choose how much space you want around the artwork. Add the border width to both the left and right sides of the width measurement, and to both the top and bottom sides of the height measurement.
3. Frame and Mat Size: The total size, including the border, is the size of the uncut mat, frame, acrylic, and mounting board needed.

Example:

If the artwork is 8" x 10" and you want a 1" border around it, the total size would be 10" x 12" for the frame, mat, and mounting materials.

Measuring Artwork with an Existing Border or Reveal

If your print or photograph has an existing border or reveal (such as the artist’s signature area) that you want to display:

1. Measure the Artwork and Border: Include the artwork and the extra space you want to display. Double the width of the border and add it to the artwork's width and height to calculate the total size.
2. Adjust the Mat Window: Enter the mat window dimensions (which will be slightly larger than the artwork) as the "art size" when ordering the frame. Set the mat overlap amount to "zero" so that the system does not calculate a standard overlap.