mat & margin

Check what stays visible.

Mark the rectangle containing every detail you want to keep.

How to measure

Example measurements, not a recommended overlap. Replace them with your own. Use decimals or fractions, such as 8 1/2.

Paper size

The physical sheet, edge to edge—not just the printed image.

Coverage at each paper edge

How much paper the mat hides. This is not the visible mat border.

Protected area inside the paper

Measure in from each paper edge to a rectangle containing all image details, signatures and marks you want visible. Initial insets are examples, not measured from your art.

Use the form to calculate a plan.

Two-dimensional geometry only. Confirm cutting, fit and mounting with your framer. Drawings are schematic, not 1:1 cutting templates.

Source: https://mat-and-margin.pages.dev/tools/visibility-check/ · Method checked November 6, 2026

A check for the details at the edge.

Define one rectangle inside the paper that encloses everything you want to see. The tool intersects that rectangle with the opening defined by your coverage. It reports the visible fraction of this rectangle, not the fraction of actual ink, and does not recognize images or signatures.

Read the clipping correctly.

If the bottom of your protected area is 0.05 in from the paper edge and the mat covers 0.125 in there, 0.075 in of that rectangle extends past the bottom of the opening. Clipping distances on different sides can overlap at corners; do not add them to calculate hidden area.

A rectangle exactly on a window boundary is within the mathematical opening with no spare allowance. Real measuring, cutting, bevel and positioning may differ. A “within” result is not a safety approval. If a signature conflicts with mounting coverage, discuss a different presentation with your framer.

For image and signature in different places, enclose both in the rectangle or run separate checks. Irregular and multi-opening layouts are outside this model. See signatures and white borders for a worked example.

What the tools do not decide.

They do not choose a suitable coverage amount, mounting method, material, minimum cuttable border, bevel definition, practical clearance or stack depth. Confirm those with the supplier for the actual object. A zero-coverage example is not a securing method. For valuable or sensitive originals, seek appropriate professional advice.

Measurements stay in this browser’s page memory. There is no upload, account, saved project or analytics script. Download a note before leaving if you need a record. Links between tools carry measurements in a URL fragment; no cloud project is created.

Sources & scope

Checked November 6, 2026. Supplier policies are examples of that supplier’s wording, not universal specifications. Geometry and worked examples are our own derivations; see method and limits.

  1. Frame It Easy — measuring artwork
  2. Frame Destination — standard and custom mat openings