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Print And Frame Help
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With the Print and Frame feature at PictureFrames.com, you can upload, edit and frame your digital images. The following pages offer instructions for each of these steps. Just click on a link below for information and help related to the section in which you need assistance or have questions.
Please Note: We have made every effort to present the mats and frames in Print & Frame as accurately as possible, with high
quality photographs and color matching. The color of the product you
receive should closely match what you see on your screen. Nevertheless,
the Internet as a medium is challenged to convey a standardized color/hue
due to the variance in the manufacturer, settings, and age of monitors;
screen images even differ by computer platform -- a PC is darker than
a Macintosh. If you are uncomfortable or unsure of a particular mat
or frame color, please request a free sample(s) in the Online Store
portion of PictureFrames.com. Also, natural wood products' grain, finish,
and hue may vary slightly from the frames pictured.
For a step-by-step walk through of Print and Frame's features, take
our Quick Tour! Click
on a link below for information and help related to the section in which
you need assistance or have questions.
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1. Upload Picture |
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To get started, choose the image you want to upload and follow these instructions:
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| Uploading an Image |
Please Note: We accept JPEG and TIFF files in RGB format only. CMYK support is coming soon. Please make sure your image is in one of these formats before uploading. Upload time may vary depending on the size of the image file and speed of connection. |
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PC User |
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1. Click the 'Browse' button.
2. Locate the images(s) on your computer.
3. Click the 'Open' button; your image is selected.
4. If you would like to use the edit studio, choose the 'Yes, I'd like to artistically enhance my image' option. If you would like to print and frame your image as is, choose the 'No editing necessary' option.
5. Click the 'Upload My Image' button |
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MAC User |
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1. Click the 'Choose File' or 'Browse' button.
2. Locate the image(s) on your computer.
3. Click the 'Choose' button; your image is selected.
4. If you would like to use the edit studio, choose the 'Edit Image after Uploading' button. If you would like to print and frame your image as is, choose the 'Upload and Don’t Edit' button.
5. Click the 'Upload my Image' button.
To use an image from iPhoto, simply click and drag the desired image(s) onto your desktop or specific location on your computer. Follow the steps above to upload your image(s).
Mac OS 9 users: Please be sure all image names include file extensions.
For example, if your image is a jpg and is named 'sunset,' be sure the complete file name is sunset.jpg. |
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2. Edit |
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If you have chosen to edit your image before framing, you should now be in the editing studio. Here you can select the size of your image or crop it; rotate your image; apply one of six different color filters to your image; and apply one of nine different artistic edges to your image.
At the top right-hand of your screen you will see a box titled 'Your Image'. This should show you the current size of your image, the print cost (which will update as changes are made), the original image size, and a maximum suggested size for your image.
Directly underneath is the 'Editing Tools' box. On the left-hand side of this box are seven buttons that can take you to the different editing tools, reset your changes, and finally save your changes before taking you to the Frame Shop.
To the left of the 'Your Image' and 'Editing Tools' boxes will be your uploaded image.
Please note the button directly beneath your uploaded image. This disables our pixel resolution enhancement process (the filter which prevents a loss of quality when your image is increased in size). Click that button only if you do not wish to use the resolution enhancement feature.
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3. What is the Image Enlargement Process?
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Imagine taking your favorite digital images and printing them as high quality, large-format pictures that, when combined with a mat and frame, will hang on your wall as magnificent pieces of art! Our Image Enlargement Process makes it a reality: we can enlarge your images up to SIX times their original size so you can finally get the big image you want, without losing much quality.
The Details of the Process:
Advanced digital cameras can produce images that print as high quality 4" x 6", 5" x 7", or even 8" x 10" images. But what about creating elaborate large-scale artwork from your digital images?
All digital images are made up of pixels, or tiny squares of color. An image's resolution is based upon the density of pixels per square inch, usually represented by DPI (dots per inch).
In order to enlarge and print your images, our software, with minimal loss of quality, takes your original image and digitally increases the resolution and pixels and, therefore, the size.
A higher-resolution image will result in a clearer, cleaner printed image because there are more dots of information per square inch. All Print & Frame images are printed at the photo-quality resolution of 300 dpi.
Max Print Size:
After running the Image Enlargement Process on your uploaded image, this is the maximum size at which you can print your image without experiencing substantial loss of quality. This is calculated by multiplying your original image by eight, and printing at 300 DPI (dots per inch).
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4. What is Aspect Ratio? |
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Aspect ratio is the ratio between the width of your image and the height. Thus, a 6x4, 9x6, 12x8, 15x10, 18x12...image all have a base aspect ratio of 3:2 as they are the base multiplied. A square will have a 1:1 aspect ratio, as both the width and height are the same. Changing the aspect ratio of your image will result in the cropping, or cutting off part of it.
For example, if you want a square image from your 3:2 aspect ratio image, you will lose part of your image because you can only get a 1:1 ratio.
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5. Size/Crop |
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The 'Size/Crop' button will allow you to crop or change the size of your image. You can achieve this by either choosing from six standard image sizes or customizing the image size yourself. A rectangular cropping tool will appear inside your image when the 'Size/Crop' button has been selected.
(Note: If you would not like to change the size of your image, click the 'Don't Crop' button, then click on one of the other editing options to leave the 'Size/Crop' screen.)
STANDARD SIZES
Your image will automatically default to the 'Standard Sizes' button. This will allow you to select from six standard image sizes (in inches).
Click 'Horizontal' to adjust your cropping rectangle to a horizontal plane.
Click 'Vertical' to adjust your cropping rectangle to a vertical plane.
Once you have chosen either 'Horizontal' or 'Vertical', you should choose a standard image size from the six options below.
After you select a standard image size, you can move the cropping tool using your mouse and directly clicking on the tool itself. You can also adjust the size of the tool by clicking on one of the eight points on the perimeter of the tool’s rectangle and dragging the tool to the desired position. Please be aware that, regardless of how you change the size of the cropping tool, the proportions you have selected will remain the same.
Once you have placed and adjusted the cropping tool to the part of the image that you want to crop, click on one of the other editing options to leave the 'Size/Crop' screen.
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6. Rotate |
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Clicking the "Rotate" button will display five different options for rotating your picture (if needed or desired). You can rotate your image in the following ways:
a. 90-degrees clockwise
b. 90-degrees counter-clockwise
c. 180-degrees (upside-down)
d. Horizontal flip
e. Vertical flip
(Note: If you would not like to rotate your image, click the "No Rotation" button, then click on one of the other editing options to leave the “Rotate” screen.)
Once you have chosen a rotation option, click the button next to the option’s name. Your image will rotate on the left-hand side of your screen.
Click the “Clear” button at the bottom of the editing tools box to cancel your rotation selection. Click on one of the other editing options to leave the "Rotate" screen.
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7. Filters |
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Clicking the "Filters" button will display six color filters and three brush size options for the "Oil Painting" filter.
(Note: If you would not like to add a filter to your image, click the "No Filter" button, then click on one of the other editing options to leave the “Filters” screen.)
The colored filters ("Sepia," "Red," "Black & White," etc.) will apply the named color to your image.
The "Oil Painting" filter will give your image the appearance of having been painted with brush strokes. Using one of the three "brush size" options, you can select how detailed you would like the "Oil Painting" filter to appear. (1 being the most detailed, 3 the least.)
Once you have chosen a filter, click the button next to its name. Your image will then have the filter applied on the left-hand side if your screen.
Click the "Clear" button at the bottom of the editing tools box to cancel your filter selection.
(Note: Only one filter can be applied to your image.)
Click on one of the other editing options to leave the "Filters" screen.
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8. Edges |
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Clicking the "Edges" button will display nine artistic edges that can be applied to the perimeter of your image.
(Note: If you would not like to add an edge to your image, click the "No Edge" button, then click on one of the other editing options to leave the "Edges" screen.)
To see how the edges will appear with your image, click on the button next to edge name.
When you have found the desired edge click on one of the other editing options to leave the "Edges" screen.
If you would rather not apply an edge to your image, click “Clear” and the edge will be removed from your image.
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9. Reset All/Save & Frame |
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The "Reset All" button will reset every editing option you have applied to your image. Click the button only if you want to begin the editing process from scratch.
SAVE & FRAME
The "Save & Frame" button will save options you have chosen for your image in the Editing Studio.
When you are ready to save your options and move on to frame your image, click the "Save & Frame" button. Your options will then be saved and you will be taken to the Framing Studio.
You can use the Editing Tool as many times you like to try out different editing options. Your saved image will be assigned a number; for example: if you upload an image titled "Bird" it will be named "Bird_1". Each time you save an image, it will be given an incrementally higher number ("Bird_1," "Bird_2," etc.).
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10. Select Paper |
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Clicking the "Select Paper" button will display the nine different paper options PictureFrames.com provides.
At the top of the Editing Tools box is a text that reads, "Click here for paper details." Click this text if you would like detailed descriptions of the different paper options. Your browser should open a small window with this information.
Once you have decided upon a type of paper, click on the corresponding button next to the paper’s name. Then click the "Update" button at the bottom of the Editing Tools box to save your paper selection.
(Note: Once you click "Update" the "Print Cost" listing under the Your Image box will adjust to correspond with the type of paper you have chosen. If needed, you can change your paper type in the Frame Shop.)
Click the "Clear" button at the bottom of the editing tools box to cancel your selection.
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11. Frame |
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View your art with hundreds of different picture frames. You have five option menus from which to select different frames for your consideration. If you want fewer frame choices, and more specific results, select more options (Example: 'Custom-Made>Wide>All>Gold>Ornate' displays five frames). If you want more results, select fewer options (Example: 'Custom-Made>All>All>Gold>All' displays 73 frames).
It is possible to select too many options, increasing the restrictions, and get no frame matches. If this happens, you will receive a message that states you had no frame matches, and to expand your search by selecting fewer options. If you know the specific Item# of the frame you want, enter it in the box, and click 'Go' (Example: entering 1CT will display only that frame).
Once the frames are displayed, simply click on the frame you want, and your picture will be framed. To change frames, click on another frame, and your picture will be framed by this selection. Next to each frame are symbols - see the legend below:
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W: The width of the frame. |
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R:The depth of its rabbet. |
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 : Click to view frame corner. |
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 : Click to view frame profile. |
After you have found a frame you like, click the "Select Matting" button, or the "3. Matting" tab. If you do not want matting you can just click the "Add to Cart" button, and your frame is added to your shopping cart.
Please Note:
Minimum Frame Sizes
For safety reasons, the minimum size for our custom-made frames is 4"x4" and the minimum size for our metal sectional frames is 5"x5". Going any smaller brings our saw operators' hands too close to the blades.
When Frames Can't Be Shipped Assembled
We are unable to assemble frames larger than 65 total inches (ex. 40"x25") because UPS, FedEx, and Airborne Express are under ICC (Federal) size regulations – not us. Only truckers can handle this size by law, and at a much higher shipping charge.
How Frames Are Measured
All frame dimensions are measured from the inside of the frame. Your frame size should be exactly the same size as the artwork to be framed. DO NOT OVERCOMPENSATE YOUR MEASUREMENTS.
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12. Matting |
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In the Matting section, you can select either one or two mats from a wide variety of Crescent custom cut acid-free mat boards, choose a color, set your borders to exactly the dimensions you want, and view hundreds of options.
As a point of suggestion, you may want to have your artwork set to 1/4" smaller in height and width (this will add 1/8" on each side), to better hold in place your art when combined with a mat.
For a single mat:
1. Click the color grid for a pop-up window of colors, or select a color in the pull-down menu.
2. Set your borders to whatever dimensions you want.
3. Click the 'Update' button
4. The mat will be added to your frame package, and your frame size automatically adjusted to fit both mat and artwork.
To view your art with different mat colors, or different mat borders, make the changes you want, and click 'Update.' After every change you make, click 'Update' to see your changes. When you have the combination you want, click 'Add to Cart.'
For a double mat:
1. Click the color grid for a pop-up window of colors, or select a color in the pull-down menu.
2. Set your borders to whatever dimensions you want.
3. Select a second mat color (this will be the top mat).
4. Select the mat offset (amount of the bottom mat you will see).
3. Click the 'Update' button
To view your art with different mat colors, or different mat borders, make the changes you want, and click 'Update.' After every change you make, click 'Update' to see your changes. When you have the combination you want, click 'Add to Cart.'
Please Note:
Minimum mat borders are 1/2".
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13. Your Professionally Finished Print/Frame Package |
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Professional Framing & Finishing
Pictureframes.com professionally mounts, mats (if selected) and frames your Print & Frame image, allowing you to hang your art as soon as it arrives!
The professional assembly fee includes the following:
Non-Canvas Prints (priced per square foot)
Mounting print to foam core backing
Cutting and installing UV-resistant clear acrylic glazing
Cutting mats (if selected)
Installing glazing, mat, and print into frame.
Mounting dust cover (not included with metal frames)
Mounting wall savers
Installing screws and wire
Stretched Canvas Prints & Framed Gallery Wrap Prints(flat charge)
Spraying canvas with UV-resistant topcoat
Installing canvas into frame
Mounting wall savers
Installing screws and wire
Unframed Gallery Wrap Prints
There is no professional assembly fee for unframed Gallery Wrap prints.
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14. What is a Giclee Print? |
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Giclee Prints
The prints made by PictureFrames.com’s Print & Frame shop are Giclee (pronounced “gee-clay”) prints.
Giclee prints are created from high-resolution digital images, using the best quality ink and paper stock available. This process results in color resolution that far exceeds any other type of image printing.
PictureFrames.com’s giclee prints are generated on a pair of 8-color Epson 9600 ink jet printers. These printers are able to produce amazingly detailed prints of both works of fine art and photographs. For our print jobs we exclusively use Epson Ultrachrome ink, which is of archival quality. This guarantees you a long-lasting museum quality work of art.
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15. Basic Framing and Matting Tips |
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Choosing The Perfect Mat Color
Getting your mat color just right can take an already beautiful work of art and, "BAM!" kick it up a notch.
Neutrals, The Never-ending Success Story
Neutral colors, like whites (very white, arctic white, manor white, snow white, etc.), cream, ivory, sandstone, pearl, grays (dawn gray, bar harbor gray, dark gray, etc.) and blacks (smooth black, raven black, black watch, etc.) are always great choices. Not only do they step back and allow the colors in the art to remain the star of the show, but they fit right into any room, whether your taste in decorating leans toward French Colonial or 70s Glam.
Don’t Be Afraid To Be Bold
If you really want to be dramatic, bold colors (that means pretty much anything that's not neutral – yellow, ivy, crimson, etc.) are a real playground. Before swinging out with color, there are a few questions to consider. Is there a color in your art that you'd like to bring out? Where are you planning to hang your art?
If you want to play with color, but aren't ready to go wild, then try working with double or triple mats. If you use a richly colored mat just for the inner mat, it will pick up colors in the art, without overpowering it.
The Big Picture
General rules of thumb include choosing colors that are no lighter than the lightest color within your art, no darker than the darkest and no brighter than the brightest. After all, you don't want your mats to outshine your art.
And, according to PictureFrames.com customer and tip-submitter, Howard, "Light colored mats seem to open up the picture and make it seem larger and your perception more "open" or outward. Dark colored mats seem to turn your eye inward, making the picture seem smaller and you perceive a more "tunneling" effect."
In the end, as long as what you do is a reflection of your own taste and creativity, you'll never go wrong.
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| Working With Multiple Mats |
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If you're framing a subtle work of art, the use of multiple mats, also referred to as mat layers, will draw your eye in, like a flashlight in a dark room… like an exclamation point at the end of a sentence… or a piece of chocolate when you're on a diet. You get the idea. Basically, it makes your art something that you can't help but notice.
How Much Is Too Much?
Most people stick to two mat layers when they're working with multiples, but a general rule of thumb is to use no more than three mats for any given work of art. Go any higher than that and you're now sculpting, instead of framing.
Color Complications
You can try something monochromatic, keeping all your mats the same color, which softens the eye’s transition across the layers incredibly well. You can also be a bit more experimental and use different colors for each layer. Make sure that if you choose to go down this route, you steer clear of color transitions that are too extreme. For example, an inner layer in red, with a face mat of marine blue, surrounding a mostly purple work of art… wow! Of course, that might be your thing, so don't let us stop you, just don't claim that we didn't warn you.
Size Matters
Don't forget to keep in mind how much surface area of each mat you want to see. Rule of thumb on this is to keep your inner/bottom mat’s surface area much narrower than the outer/top mat (e.g. 1/4” border for the inner mat and 5” border for the outer mat). This way it'll remain the framing device it's meant to be. This becomes even more important when you choose an inner mat color that's darker than the outer mat.
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