How to Put a Frame Around a Picture: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Adding a frame around a picture can instantly elevate its visual appeal—whether you're working with a digital image for design or printing, or you're showcasing a cherished memory in your home. Frames do more than add decoration—they give structure, focus attention, and can even preserve the image. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide on how to put a frame around a photo, whether you're using software or doing it physically.

Why Framing Matters

Framing isn’t just about looks. It creates a defined boundary, helps your image stand out from its background, and offers a sense of completeness. In digital design, it can make an image feel more professional or polished. In home décor, a physical frame turns a photo into a focal point of a room.

Digital Framing: How to Add a Frame Around a Picture

If you’re working on a computer or phone, adding a frame around a picture is easier than ever with tools like Canva, Photoshop, or even basic editors like Microsoft Paint or Apple Photos.

1. Using Online Tools like Canva

Open Canva and upload your photo.
Choose a frame element or use the "Frames" under “Elements.”
Drag and drop your photo into the frame, then adjust sizing or border color to your liking.

2. Using Photoshop

Open your image in Photoshop.
Create a new layer.
Go to Edit > Stroke, and choose the thickness, color, and position (inside, center, or outside) of the border.
Press OK, and your frame is applied.

3. Using Mobile Apps

Apps like Snapseed or PicsArt also offer easy framing tools under filters or borders. Just select the picture, tap on the frame option, and explore various styles.

Physical Framing: How to Frame a Printed Photo

If you’re dealing with a physical photo, here are the steps to frame it properly:

1. Choose the Right Frame Size

Make sure your frame matches the dimensions of your photo. If there’s a mat involved (a paper border inside the frame), pick one that complements the photo without overwhelming it.

2. Select a Frame Style

Wood, metal, minimalist, ornate—choose a frame style that suits the mood or setting of the photo. For family photos, a warm wooden frame adds charm; for artwork or landscapes, clean black or white borders can make colors pop.

3. Assemble with Care

Clean the glass and frame.
Place the photo inside, align it with the mat (if any), and secure the back.
Hang it or display it in a well-lit spot where it’s protected from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

My First Time Framing a Photo

The first time I framed a photo, it was a picture of my grandfather from the 1950s. I had scanned it and wanted to create a digital version with a vintage feel. I used Photoshop to apply a soft beige frame around it, giving it that classic sepia look. Then, I printed it and chose a walnut wooden frame with a cream mat. Seeing that image, now carefully preserved and highlighted, made me appreciate how a simple border—digital or physical—can add emotional weight and elegance to a photo.

Final Thoughts

Putting a frame around a picture is a small step that makes a big difference. Whether you're designing digitally or working with printed photos, framing helps tell a story, define a moment, and showcase what matters most. Take the time to choose a method and style that suits your image—it’s worth the effort.