How to Add a Matte Photo Border to Your Image

When you move into a new place, one of the first things you want to do is adorn your walls with your favorite photos. Whether it’s images of your pet, loved ones, or past travels, having these on display each day can fill you with a sense of joy and inspiration.

One of the most effective ways to display photos is to frame them with a stylish matte border, helping the image to truly ‘pop’. But what if the photo frames you have at home don’t come with a matte insert?

Thankfully, you can get the look of a matte border in your BeFunky photo editing sessions, no matter what size you need. All it takes is a few clicks of your mouse! Keep reading, because we’ll show you how.

What Is a Matte Photo Border?

A matte photo border (also known as a mat) is a flat, colored border placed around a picture within a frame. It’s usually made of paper or cardboard and can come in various colors to complement the artwork or photograph it surrounds.

Typically, a matte photo border has both aesthetic and protective purposes. Not only does it enhance the visual appeal of the framed photograph or artwork and provide a clean and professional look, but it also creates a buffer between the artwork and the glass of the frame. This can prevent the two from sticking together and potentially causing damage.

How to Add a Matte Border to a Photo

Ready to add some matte photo border perfection? To get started, go to the Photo Editor.

Step 1: Choose a Photo

Click Open at the top of the screen to begin editing your desired photo. Before we add a matte frame, now is a great time to make any adjustments to your image, including photo effects – if you wish!

In this example, we’ve added one of our Black and White effects.

Step 2: Crop and Resize Your Photo (Optional)

To crop, go to the Edit tab on the left, then select Crop. 

Using the Aspect Ratio dropdown menu, select the photo frame size (4x6, 5x7, etc.) Make sure the Lock Aspect Ratio box is checked, then drag your crop selection onto the part of your image you wish to keep. Click Apply to keep your changes.

Now it’s time to resize your photo to the chosen crop dimensions for perfect printing settings. Check out our handy Pixels to Inches Chart to determine your ideal size.

Because we cropped our photo to 5x7, our ideal size in pixels is 1500 x 2100. Locate Resize in the Edit tab, then enter your desired measurements in the Width and Height sections. Finally, click Apply.

Step 3: Add a Photo Border

Navigate to the Frames tab in the left menu and select Border. 

You will notice that your border automatically contains two colors: black and white. If you want a white matte photo border, simply change the Outer Color to white. Want a colored matte photo border instead? Click on the color swatches next to Outer Color and Inner Color and select your desired shade from the Color Picker.

Then, increase the Outer Thickness and/or Inner Thickness sliders to create a large matte border. Once you’ve finished editing your matte photo border, click Apply.

If you have specific measurements in mind for the top, bottom, left, and right margins of your border, you can also specifically adjust these by selecting Custom at the top of the panel.

Step 4: Save Your Matte Border Image

All that’s left to do is to save your photo so it’s ready to print, frame, and hang on your wall! Click Save at the top of the screen, then choose your desired save location. If you want to come back to your project at a later date (i.e. to add extra effects), then we also recommend the Save as Project option, which lets you save it as an editable BeFunky Project file to your BeFunky account or Computer.

Now that your photo has been perfectly bordered, you can print the file at your local Walmart, Office Depot, or anywhere else that takes your fancy. There are also many websites that allow you to submit your photo online and have the printed version delivered straight to your door. Then, it’s as easy as placing your printed photo in a frame and displaying it somewhere in your home. 

Final Results: A Beautiful Matte Photo Border That Makes Your Image Pop

Ta-da! This beautifully framed photo is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you walk past it.

Create Matte Photo Borders With BeFunky

Thanks to the tools available within BeFunky’s Photo Editor, creating on-trend, matte-bordered photos has never been so easy.

If you’re ready to turn your favorite photos into framed perfection, then now is the time! Head to the Photo Editor to start experimenting with matte borders.

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