How to Measure Artwork for a Picture Frame
See three practical ways to measure artwork accurately before ordering a custom picture frame or mat.
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Learn how to measure, assemble, fit and finish picture frames with step-by-step videos from the experienced framing specialists at WebPictureFrames. These free tutorials cover wood and metal frame assembly, picture mats, glass and acrylic glazing, mounting materials, framing hardware and other techniques used in our custom frame shop.
Whether you are framing artwork for the first time or looking for professional guidance on a specific step, select a topic below to watch the complete video and read the accompanying instructions.
Browse Picture Framing Videos by Topic
Choose a subject to find practical demonstrations from working framing professionals. Each video opens on its own page with additional information about the technique or material.
Measuring and Planning
Measure artwork correctly and understand the framing components and costs before beginning your project.
Frame Assembly and Artwork InstallationFollow professional techniques for joining frames, fitting artwork and installing the hardware used in wood, metal and floater frames.
Picture Mats and Mat DesignLearn how mat layers, border widths, bevels, V-grooves, fillets and linen liners affect presentation and protection.
Glass, Acrylic and Conservation FramingCompare glazing options by clarity, reflection control and UV protection, and learn how conservation materials help protect artwork.
Backing Boards and Mounting MaterialsCompare common backing materials and choose suitable support for artwork and finished framing packages.
Finishing, Shipping and Our Frame ShopLearn finishing and shipping techniques, then see how custom picture frames are produced inside our working frame shop.
Start Here: Measuring and Planning
Measure artwork correctly and understand the framing components and costs before beginning your project.
How to Measure Artwork for a Custom Mat
Learn how to measure artwork and choose a mat opening that reveals the desired image area while holding the art securely.
What Should You Order with a Custom Picture Frame?
Review the mats, glass or acrylic, backing board and hardware you may need to complete a custom framing project.
How Much Do Custom Picture Mats Cost?
Learn how mat type, dimensions, openings and specialty options affect the price of a custom picture mat.
Frame Assembly and Artwork Installation
Follow professional techniques for joining frames, fitting artwork and installing the hardware used in wood, metal and floater frames.
How to Hinge Artwork to a Picture Mat
Learn two professional methods for hinging paper artwork to a picture mat while allowing the art to expand and contract without buckling.
How to Assemble a Large Wood Picture Frame
Watch a framing professional align and join the corners of a large wood picture frame using dovetail keys.
How to Join a Wood Picture Frame with Dovetail Keys - Part 1
Learn how to arrange wood frame rails, prepare the routed corners and begin joining a picture frame with dovetail keys.
How to Join a Wood Picture Frame with Dovetail Keys - Part 2
Complete a wood picture frame joined with dovetail keys and learn how to align, tighten and inspect the frame corners.
How to Install a Stretched Canvas in a Wood Frame
Learn how to position and secure a stretched canvas inside a traditional wood picture frame.
How to Install Canvas or an Art Panel in a Floater Frame
Learn two methods for centering and securing a stretched canvas or cradled art panel inside a canvas floater frame.
How to Assemble and Fit a Metal Picture Frame
Learn how to join metal frame rails, insert acrylic, artwork and backing board, install spring clips and attach hanging hardware.
How to Assemble and Fit a Wood Picture Frame
Watch how to layer acrylic, artwork and backing board in a wood frame, secure the contents, attach hanging wire and add wall-protecting bumpers.
How to Install Hanging Hardware on a Wood Frame
Learn how to position hangers, attach picture-frame wire and add bumpers to prepare a wood frame for the wall.
How to Install Artwork-Securing Hardware
Compare tabs, points, offset clips and screws used to hold artwork and framing materials securely inside a frame.
How to Install Glazier Points in a Picture Frame
Learn how to use push points or glazier points to hold artwork, glazing and backing securely inside a wood frame.
How to Install an Easel Back on a Picture Frame
Learn how to attach an easel back so a small picture frame can stand securely on a desk, shelf or tabletop.
How to Install Glass Spacers in a Picture Frame
Learn how picture-frame spacers create separation between artwork and glass or acrylic glazing inside a wood frame.
Picture Mats and Mat Design
Learn how mat layers, border widths, bevels, V-grooves, fillets and linen liners affect presentation and protection.
Should You Add a Mat to Your Artwork?
Learn when a picture mat improves presentation, creates visual space and helps keep paper artwork separated from the glazing.
How Wide Should Picture Mat Borders Be?
Learn how artwork size, visual balance and personal style affect the best mat-border width for a framing project.
What Is a Reverse Bevel Picture Mat?
Learn how a reverse bevel hides the mat core and when this understated edge treatment works well with artwork.
Should You Add a V-Groove to a Picture Mat?
See how a V-groove adds a subtle decorative line around a mat opening and learn when it complements the artwork.
Single vs. Double vs. Triple Picture Mats
Compare single, double and triple mats to see how added layers introduce color, depth and emphasis around artwork.
What Is a Single Picture Mat?
Learn what a single picture mat is and how it creates space, balance and separation around artwork.
What Is a Double Picture Mat?
See how a second mat layer adds a narrow color reveal and more visual depth around framed artwork.
What Is a Triple Picture Mat?
See how three coordinated mat layers add color, depth and visual separation around framed artwork.
What Is a Picture Frame Fillet?
See how a narrow decorative wood fillet fits inside a mat opening or frame lip to add detail and depth.
What Is a Linen Liner Picture Frame?
Learn how fabric-covered linen liners add visual space and a refined inner border to framed canvas and artwork.
Glass, Acrylic and Conservation Framing
Compare glazing options by clarity, reflection control and UV protection, and learn how conservation materials help protect artwork.
Why Conservation Mats and Glazing Protect Artwork
See how unsuitable mat board and unfiltered light can discolor or fade artwork, and learn how conservation framing materials reduce damage.
Glass vs. Acrylic for Picture Frames
Compare picture-frame glass and acrylic by clarity, weight, break resistance, scratch resistance and available protective options.
Types of Picture Frame Acrylic Explained
Compare regular, non-glare, conservation and museum-grade acrylic glazing for clarity, reflection control and UV protection.
Regular Acrylic for Picture Frames
Learn about clear regular acrylic, a lightweight and shatter-resistant glazing option for everyday picture framing.
Non-Glare Acrylic for Picture Frames
Learn how non-glare acrylic diffuses reflections and when its softened appearance works best in a framing project.
Conservation Clear Acrylic for Picture Frames
Learn how conservation acrylic provides clear, lightweight glazing with UV protection for photographs, prints and artwork.
Conservation Non-Glare Acrylic for Picture Frames
Learn how UV-filtering non-glare acrylic reduces distracting reflections while helping protect framed artwork from fading.
Optium Museum Acrylic for Picture Frames
Learn how Optium Museum Acrylic combines exceptional clarity, anti-reflective performance, UV protection and shatter resistance.
Five Types of Picture Frame Glass Explained
Compare regular, non-glare, conservation, anti-reflective and Museum Glass to understand clarity, reflections and UV protection.
Regular Picture Frame Glass Explained
Learn about affordable regular picture-frame glass, including its clear appearance, visible reflections and limited protective performance.
Non-Glare Picture Frame Glass Explained
Learn how non-glare glass diffuses reflections, how to orient it and why it works best when positioned close to the artwork.
Conservation Clear UV Glass Explained
Learn how Conservation Clear picture-frame glass provides a traditional clear appearance with strong UV protection for artwork.
Anti-Reflective Picture Frame Glass Explained
Learn how anti-reflective glass improves clarity and reduces mirror-like reflections, and how to handle and clean its coated surface.
Museum Glass for Picture Frames Explained
Learn how Museum Glass combines exceptional clarity, anti-reflective performance and strong UV protection for important artwork.
Backing Boards and Mounting Materials
Compare common backing materials and choose suitable support for artwork and finished framing packages.
Picture Frame Backing Board Types Explained
Compare common picture-frame backing materials, including foam board, acid-free board, mat board, cardboard and Gatorboard.
Regular Foam Board for Picture Framing
Learn when standard foam board is an appropriate lightweight backing material for picture framing projects.
Acid-Free Foam Board for Picture Framing
Learn how acid-free foam board supports artwork while offering better long-term protection than regular foam board.
Black Foam Board for Picture Framing
Learn how black foam board provides a clean, dark backing option for shadow boxes and other framing projects.
Mat Board as Picture Frame Backing
Learn when mat board can serve as backing in a framing package and how it differs from foam board.
Cardboard Backing for Picture Frames
Learn about cardboard picture-frame backing, its economical uses and when a more protective material is preferable.
Gatorboard for Picture Framing
Learn why rigid, durable Gatorboard is useful as backing for large artwork and demanding framing projects.
Finishing, Shipping and Our Frame Shop
Learn finishing and shipping techniques, then see how custom picture frames are produced inside our working frame shop.
How to Add a Paper Dust Cover to a Wood Frame
Learn how to apply and trim a paper dust cover on the back of a wood picture frame for a clean, professional finish.
How to Flatten a Rolled Poster
Learn a careful reverse-roll technique that can help relax and flatten a poster before framing.
How a Custom Wood Picture Frame Is Cut and Joined
Go inside the frame shop to see a professional cut molding, prepare the corners and join a custom wood picture frame.
How to Pack and Ship a Picture Frame
Learn a practical method for protecting, packing and shipping a picture frame more safely.
Tour the WebPictureFrames Custom Frame Shop
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the WebPictureFrames facility and the workspace used to produce custom framing orders.
Continue Learning About Picture Framing
Use these videos with our written guides, framing collections and supplies to plan and complete your project with confidence.
Picture Framing How-To Guides
Read detailed framing guides that complement the demonstrations in this video library.
Custom Picture FramesExplore custom wood, metal and canvas floater frames built to your exact dimensions.
Custom Picture MatsDesign custom mats with the borders, colors, openings and layers shown in our videos.
Glass and AcrylicCompare glazing choices for clarity, reflection control, weight and UV protection.
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