Fast Shipping Learn more

How to Use Our Custom Frame Builder — Step-by-Step Guide

Building your perfect custom frame has never been easier. Our custom shop walks you through every decision — from sizing to hanging hardware — so you end up with a frame that fits your artwork exactly and looks exactly how you imagined it. Here's a complete walkthrough of each step.


Step 1: Enter Your Artwork or Image Size
Start by entering the dimensions of your artwork or photo — length and width. Your frame will be sized around the art piece itself, so you're always entering the size of what's going inside the frame, not the finished frame dimensions. This ensures a perfect fit every time.

If you'd like your photo or artwork professionally printed, you can upload your file in this step. We handle the printing in-house and take great care to deliver a beautiful, gallery-quality result. Please note: adding printing to your order extends production time by 10–14 days.

Step 2: Choose Your Frame Moulding

This is where your frame starts to take shape — literally. Browse dozens of moulding options across a wide range of materials and finishes, from classic wood and sleek metal to ornate and modern profiles. Not sure where to start? Use the color filter to quickly narrow down options that match your décor or the artwork's palette. Whether you're framing a bold canvas or a delicate watercolor, there's a moulding that will complement it perfectly.


Step 3: Add Matting
Matting is one of the most impactful ways to elevate the presentation of your artwork. In this step you can choose single, double, or triple mats — layered mats create depth and draw the eye toward the piece at the center.

We offer several premium matting options:

  • Standard — a clean, versatile choice for everyday framing
  • Premium — elevated quality for heirloom-worthy pieces
  • Black Core — a professional-grade mat with a dramatic black edge visible when cut
  • Acid-Free — ideal for preserving photographs and valuable artwork over time
  • Suede Effect — a luxurious, velvety texture that adds warmth and dimension

You can also customize the width of your mat to your preference, giving you full creative control. Important: selecting matting will add to your overall frame dimensions, which will automatically update in the frame step so you always know your finished size.


Step 4: Select Your Glazing
Glazing is the protective front panel of your frame — and choosing the right one matters for both the look and longevity of your piece.

  • Styrene — our standard option. Lightweight, shatter-resistant, and excellent at preventing humidity-related condensation — making it a smart choice over traditional glass in many environments.
  • Acrylic — a premium upgrade offering exceptional clarity and superior durability. Acrylic is highly resistant to both weather and impact, making it ideal for valuable or frequently-moved pieces.

Glass — available for artwork 12x16 and under. While more fragile than the alternatives, glass delivers a classic, professional finish that many collectors and artists prefer.

Step 6: Hanging Hardware (Optional)

Your custom frame ships standard with screw-in sawtooth hangers — a reliable, easy-to-install option for most walls. But if you have specific hanging needs, this step lets you customize. You can add additional hangers for extra support on larger frames, or upgrade to a wire hanging kit for a more traditional, gallery-style installation. This step is completely optional — if the standard hangers work for you, simply skip it and you're done.


Step 5: Choose Your Backing

Your backing provides the structural support that keeps your artwork in place inside the frame. We offer cardboard backing as our standard option, along with two premium foam core alternatives for added rigidity and archival-quality protection. Foam core is especially recommended for heavier prints, larger pieces, or anything you want to preserve long-term.

How Long Will My Custom Frame Order Take to Ship?

We build every custom frame to order, and we take pride in getting them out the door quickly without sacrificing quality.

  • Orders under 30 units ship within 2 business days
  • Orders of 30 units or more ship within 7–10 business days
  • Orders with printing add an additional 10–14 days to production time

If you're ordering for an event, installation, or gallery show, we recommend placing your order as early as possible — especially for larger quantities or printed pieces. Have questions about a specific timeline? Reach out to our team and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Join Framers Circle

10% off your first order + expert tips. Unsubscribe anytime.

  • Made in the USA

    U.S. Manufacturing Excellence

  • Factory Direct Savings

    Best Price Guaranteed

  • Fast Shipping

    Quick Turnaround

  • Simple, Affordable Custom

    Design Made Easy

Quick Specs

Switch to Popular Size?

Your entered size will be cleared if you select a popular size, do you wish to proceed?