When selecting a frame with passepartout, it's important to know that the artwork inside will be one size smaller than the selected frame size.
The outer measurements refer to the frame and passepartout, not the print itself.
Example
If you order a 50×70 cm frame with passepartout, the frame and passepartout will measure 50×70 cm, but the print will be 40×50 cm.
This is because the passepartout creates a visual border around the artwork, and the print must be smaller to fit inside it properly.
Size reference chart
Here’s how artwork sizes adjust when using passepartout:
Frame Size (with Passepartout) | Print Size Inside |
A1 | A2 |
A2 | A3 |
A3 | A4 |
A4 | A5 |
A5 | A6 |
30×40 cm | A4 |
40×50 cm | 30×40 cm |
50×70 cm | 40×50 cm |
60×80 cm | 50×70 cm |
70×100 cm | 50×70 cm |
40×40 cm | 30×30 cm |
50×50 cm | 40×40 cm |
60×60 cm | 50×50 cm |
70×70 cm | 50×50 cm |
Good to know
This only applies if passepartout is selected when choosing your framing.
If no passepartout is selected, the artwork will match the full frame size.
Always check that your artwork file matches the correct print size, not just the frame size.
Why your artwork may be slightly cropped with passepartout
In some cases, the passepartout can cause small parts of your artwork to be cropped. This happens because the aspect ratio of the print inside the passepartout doesn’t always match the outer frame size.
For example, a 30×40 cm frame with passepartout fits an A4 print inside. An A4 print has a different aspect ratio than 30×40 cm, which means the artwork may not fill the space in exactly the same proportions. To keep the print centered and balanced inside the passepartout, the edges of your artwork might be trimmed slightly.
Tip: If you want to avoid cropping altogether, we recommend choosing a frame size that corresponds to the A-series (A1, A2, A3, etc.) when using passepartout. These sizes match more consistently with the inner print and reduce the risk of trimming.
Need help?
If you’re unsure which file size to upload for your chosen frame and passepartout combination, feel free to reach out via our contact form, we're happy to help!