Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/photo-mat-opening-and-overlap/ # Plan a Photo Mat Opening and Overlap Calculate the visible opening separately from the paper size and the frame’s external dimensions. Printing & presentation2 min readUpdated 16 October 2026 ## Try it on your own photo Repair a copy of your photo, then compare faces and details with the original. [Restore my photo]()1 credit per successful photo · Account required[See credit packs]() Quick answer ## The short version A mat opening usually reveals slightly less than the full photograph because the mat needs overlap to hold the print behind it. Work from the actual frame opening and paper dimensions, then decide the visible image area. A centered calculation is a starting plan, not a guarantee that the frame or mount has the assumed dimensions. ## Define the job before editing A mat opening usually reveals slightly less than the full photograph because the mat needs overlap to hold the print behind it. Work from the actual frame opening and paper dimensions, then decide the visible image area. A centered calculation is a starting plan, not a guarantee that the frame or mount has the assumed dimensions. ## Calculate all four edges explicitly Subtract twice the overlap from each photograph dimension to find the opening. Subtract the opening from the frame’s corresponding internal dimension and divide by two for centered borders. Confirm orientation and compare the proposed opening with important faces, captions and signatures near the photo edge. ## Make the decision from evidence Before cutting material, ask the framer to confirm rebates, backing, mounting method and actual clearances. A valuable physical original needs an appropriate conservation framing decision; a browser calculator cannot specify safe materials or treatments for every photographic process. ## A worked planning example Example: An 8 × 10 print with 0.125-inch overlap per side has a 7.75 × 9.75 opening. In an 11 × 14 opening, centered borders are 1.625 inches left and right and 2.125 inches top and bottom. ## A practical checklist 1. Measure the actual frame opening. 2. Choose a visible area and overlap. 3. Calculate borders in the correct orientation. 4. Confirm the plan and materials with the framer. ## Keep a traceable result Keep the source file, the working copy and the delivery copy as separate items. Record the input and the changes you actually made so another person can understand the result later. These workflow examples are planning examples, not documented customer outcomes or proof of a successful restoration. ## FAQs Is the frame’s advertised size its outside measurement? Do not assume that. Frame sizing conventions and rebates need checking against the actual product before cutting a mat. Should I replace my original with the edited copy? Keep the source unchanged and save a separate working or sharing copy. An export, edit or AI interpretation can omit information that remains useful in the source. ## Sources Preservation and technical guidance reviewed for this article. - Library of Congress: [Care, handling and storage of photographs]() ## Related - [Open the related free tool]() - [Print Bleed vs a Digital Photo Border]() - [Browse photo guides]() - [Free image tools]() ## Ready to restore your photos? Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider. [Restore my photo]()[View Pricing]() RestoreBunny Source-backed photo workflows Guides follow our [editorial policy]() for sourcing, product claims, AI limitations, updates, and corrections.