A photo frame is a decorative border that holds and protects an image, consisting of a decorative outer border, a protective front (like glass or acrylic), and a backing board. Key details include standard sizes like 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10 inches, which correspond to specific dimensions in centimeters. The frame's interior features include the “rabbet,” which is the groove that holds all the components together, and may also include a mat, a decorative border that surrounds the photo itself. Parts of a photo frame Frame moulding: The outer decorative border of the frame, which can be made from wood, metal, or plastic. Glazing: A protective sheet of glass or acrylic placed in front of the photo. Mat: An optional decorative border placed between the photo and the frame, which can help draw attention to the image and is cut with a specific opening size. Backing board: A rigid board at the back of the frame that holds all the components in place. Rabbet: A groove on the inside of the frame that holds the glazing, mat, and backing board. Common frame details and sizes Standard sizes: Common sizes include 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, and 16x20 inches. Mat opening: The size of the hole in the mat, which is slightly smaller than the photo to prevent it from falling through. For example, a frame for an 8x10 photo will have a mat opening around 7.5x9 inches. Frame size: Refers to the size of the opening or the outside dimensions of the mat. An 8x10 photo in an 11x14 frame would be referred to as both an 8x10 (for the photo size) and an 11x14 (for the frame/mat size). Outside frame size: The total dimensions of the frame, which are useful for space planning but are not commonly used for identifying the frame's purpose. Rabbet depth: The space available inside the frame for the glass, mat, and backing board. Types of frames Standard frames: The most common type of frame, suitable for a wide range of uses. Gallery frames: Typically used in a set to create a gallery wall arrangement. Collage frames: Designed to hold multiple photos in one frame. Floating frames: Designed to make a photo appear as if it is “floating” between two panes of glass. Deep-set frames: Used for framing three-dimensional objects or artworks.