Short answer: a photo frame is sold by the picture size it holds, and its outside size is larger because the moulding is added on all four sides. Profile, front sheet and back follow the size on the standard list.
| Term | Meaning | Where it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Picture size (inside size) | The size of picture the frame holds, written width by height. Frames are sold by the size they hold. | Name it in the brief; ArtzFolio standard sizes are picture sizes |
| Outside size | The whole finished frame including the moulding on all four sides, so it is larger than the picture size. | Wall and carton planning |
| Rabbet | The L-shaped channel cut into the back inner edge of the moulding that holds the glazing, mat, art and backing. | Fit and clearance |
| Sight size | The visible opening of the frame, measured inside the lip; slightly smaller than the rabbet size. | The look of the opening |
| Mat outside size | The overall size of the finished mat: the window opening plus all four borders. | When a mat is included |
| Profile | The shape and size of the moulding. ArtzFolio makes four: Fine, Slim, Classic and Broad. | Look and wall presence |
| Front width | The part of the moulding you see from the front: Fine 15 mm, Slim 19.5 mm, Classic 21 mm, Broad 28 mm. | Compare profiles |
| Depth | How far the frame stands from the wall: Fine 12 mm, Slim 13.5 mm, Classic 15 mm, Broad 12 mm. | Shelf and wall fit |
| Front sheet | The clear sheet over the picture, with a protective film: 0.5 mm PVC on the smaller standard sizes, 1 mm acrylic on the larger. | Set by size on the standard list |
| Engineered wood back | The back of the frame: 1.5 mm on the smaller standard sizes and 2.1 mm on the larger; adjustable hangers or a stand. | Ready to hang |
| Moulding | The frame material around the picture: polystyrene (the most standard), wood or aluminium. | Material choice |
| Standard size | One of the 31 sizes on the published list, 4 x 6 to 24 x 36 inches, including A4, A3 and A2. | Quoting from the list |
| Made to brief | A size, profile or colour outside the standard list, made to your specification and confirmed in the quote. | Non-standard needs |
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Sources: photo frame inside size vs outside size [S18]; photo frame profiles compared [S19]; photo frames [S5]. As of 2026-11-12. Terms are typical and are confirmed in your written quote.