Image Size

Image Size

Definition: The actual width and height of a visual image, regardless of the size of the material or substrate it is printed, painted, or mounted on. Image size is distinct from paper size, frame size, or mat window size, and it is one of the most important measurements for framing, reproduction, and display purposes.

Importance in Framing

• Matting: The Window of a mat is typically cut slightly smaller than the image size to ensure the artwork is held in place and does not slip through.
• Fitting Frames: Understanding image size helps framers calculate Outside Frame Size and determine appropriate proportions for mats and borders.
• Standardization: Many Standard Frame Sizes are based on common image sizes, simplifying the process of finding ready-made frames.

Reproduction and Printing

• Scaling: Image size directly impacts how an artwork can be enlarged or reduced for prints without distortion.
• Resolution Considerations: High-resolution digital images can be resized effectively for larger prints, while low-resolution files may appear pixelated when enlarged.
• Aspect Ratio: Maintaining the original proportion of width to height ensures that the image is not cropped or stretched unintentionally.

Distinction from Other Measurements

• Paper Size: The dimensions of the paper or substrate on which the image is printed may be larger than the actual image size, leaving a border or margin.
• Outside Frame Size: Refers to the total dimensions of the frame, which are typically larger than the image size due to mats, spacers, or borders.
• Window Size: The opening cut into a mat board, slightly smaller than the image size to ensure overlap.

Best Practices

• Always measure the actual image area, not the full paper or canvas size, when ordering mats or frames.
• Confirm whether the client prefers the full image to show or if a margin can be overlapped by the mat.
• When printing reproductions, specify both the intended image size and the paper size to avoid miscommunication with printers or framers.
• Maintain consistent aspect ratios to preserve the integrity of the composition during resizing.

Related Terms

• Outside Frame Size
• Standard Frame Sizes
• Window
• Paper Size