How Do Borders Affect the Final Size of Paper Prints?

Updated July 2026 • 3 minute read

By default, Artbeat Studios paper prints include a 1-inch white border on all four sides of the image.

The ordered dimensions refer to the size of the printed image itself. Because the border is added outside the image area, the final paper size will be larger than the size selected during ordering.

Quick Answer

A 1-inch white border is added around the image by default.

This adds:

• 2 inches to the overall width
• 2 inches to the overall height

For example:

• An 8" × 10" image with the standard border will have a final paper size of 10" × 12"
• A 12" × 18" image with the standard border will have a final paper size of 14" × 20"

If you select Remove 1" Border, the image will print edge to edge at the exact dimensions ordered.

How Is the Final Size Calculated?

To calculate the final size with the standard border:

Ordered width + 2 inches = Final width

Ordered height + 2 inches = Final height

The image itself remains the dimensions selected during ordering. The additional size comes only from the surrounding white border.

What Does “Remove 1" Border” Mean?

Selecting Remove 1" Border removes the white border entirely.

The print will then be produced edge to edge at the exact size ordered.

For example:

• An 8" × 10" print with the border removed will have a final size of 8" × 10"
• A 12" × 18" print with the border removed will have a final size of 12" × 18"

No additional paper will extend beyond the printed image.

Is the Border Included Within the Ordered Size?

No.

When the standard 1-inch border is included, the ordered dimensions refer to the image area.

For an 8" × 10" order:

• Image area: 8" × 10"
• White border: 1 inch on every side
• Final paper size: 10" × 12"

The border does not reduce or crop the image to fit within the ordered dimensions.

Can I Choose a Different Border Size?

No.

Paper prints are available with either:

• A 1-inch white border on all four sides
• No border

The border width cannot be customized.

We are unable to offer:

• Half-inch borders
• Two-inch borders
• Different border widths on individual sides
• Custom-colored borders
• Partial borders

Why Is a Border Added by Default?

The white border provides additional space around the image and may be useful for:

• Matting
• Framing
• Handling the print without touching the image area
• Creating visual separation between the image and frame
• Signing or numbering the print outside the image area

Whether you keep or remove the border depends on how you plan to present the finished print.

Which Option Should I Choose?

Keep the standard 1-inch border if you plan to:

• Place the print beneath a mat
• Frame the print with visible white space
• Sign or number the print beneath the image
• Leave additional handling space around the artwork

Select Remove 1" Border if you want:

• The image printed edge to edge
• The final paper dimensions to match the ordered size
• No visible white space around the artwork
• A full-bleed presentation

Will the Border Affect My Image Crop?

No.

The border is added outside the selected image area. It does not change the crop, proportions, or dimensions of the image itself.

An 8" × 10" image will remain 8" × 10", with the border increasing the final sheet size to 10" × 12".

What Should I Consider When Framing?

When purchasing a frame or mat, use the final paper size, not only the ordered image size.

For example, if you order an 8" × 10" print with the standard border, the physical sheet will measure 10" × 12".

If you remove the border, the physical sheet will measure 8" × 10".

Always confirm whether your frame, mat, or display system is sized for:

• The image dimensions
• The paper dimensions
• The visible opening of the mat

Common Misconceptions

An 8" × 10" paper print with a border will still measure 8" × 10".

No.

The image will measure 8" × 10", but the final paper size will be 10" × 12".

The border reduces the size of my image.

No.

The border is added outside the ordered image dimensions.

I can request a custom border width.

No.

The available options are a standard 1-inch border or no border.

Removing the border will make the print smaller than the ordered size.

No.

Removing the border means the final print will match the exact dimensions ordered.

The border can be removed after the print is produced.

The border could potentially be trimmed by the customer or a professional framer, but selecting the correct option before production is recommended to ensure the intended final size and presentation.

Our Recommendation

Before ordering, decide whether the selected dimensions should represent:

• The image area, with an additional 1-inch border around it
• The complete edge-to-edge paper size

Keep the standard border when you need space for matting, framing, signing, or handling.

Select Remove 1" Border when you want the image printed edge to edge and the final paper size to match the dimensions ordered.

Updated on: 07/23/2026