Note: I am not a professional and do not claim to be an expert. Please be sure to always read instructions for all tools and products. Safety is very important and should be your top priority. Wear necessary protection when using tools (eye wear, hearing protection, gloves, etc.) and dust masks when sanding or cutting. Sarah Flips It is not responsible for any injury or damage. All of my designs are not professionally designed and are for private use only.

Learn how to make a DIY photo mat using poster board and a box cutter—no fancy tools required! Save money, customize your frames, and give your artwork a polished, professional look at home.

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I was staring at a stack of thrifted frames I’d been collecting, wondering why they still weren’t on the wall. The answer? Custom mats are expensive—and most of my prints were odd sizes that didn’t quite fit. So, I decided to try something new: making my own photo mats.

All I needed was a sheet of poster board, a box cutter, and a little patience. That’s it. No fancy tools, no pricey supplies—just a few dollars and some DIY spirit. And you know what? It worked. The results looked surprisingly polished, and now I can finally hang everything from my favorite art prints to my kids’ latest masterpieces.

If you’ve got a gallery wall you’re itching to finish or a frame waiting for the perfect mat, this easy DIY might be exactly what you need.

Supplies TO DIY A Photo Mat

Supplies:

  • White or colored poster board (found at craft or office supply stores)
  • A sharp box cutter or craft knife
  • Cutting mat or thick cardboard (to protect your surface)
  • Metal ruler or straight edge
  • Pencil
  • The photo or artwork you’re framing
  • The frame you’ll be using

How to Create a DIY Photo Mat

1.  Measure Your Frame: 

Start by measuring the inside dimensions of your frame. This will be the outer size of your photo mat. For example, if your frame opening is 11×14 inches, that’s how big your mat will be.

Using a pencil and ruler, mark those dimensions on the back of your poster board. Double-check your measurements before cutting.

2. Cut the Outer Edges

Place your poster board on a cutting mat or a piece of thick cardboard. Use a metal ruler to guide your box cutter or craft knife and make clean, straight cuts along your marks. This will give you the base of your mat.

3. Mark the Opening for Your Photo:

Lay your photo or artwork centered on the back of the mat you just cut. Decide how much of a border you’d like around the image—usually 1.5–3 inches looks nice. Mark the size and placement of your image window with a pencil.

For a more polished look, make the window slightly smaller than your photo, so the edges of the image are held in place behind the mat.

4. Cut Out the Window:

This part takes a little care and patience. Use your box cutter and metal ruler to cut along the inside window lines you marked. Apply steady, even pressure and use multiple light passes rather than one deep cut—it’ll give you cleaner edges.

Pro tip: Always cut from the back of the poster board so the front-facing side stays clean and smooth.

5. Assemble Your Frame:

Place your artwork behind the mat and tape it lightly in place if needed. Then slide the whole piece into your frame. That’s it—you’ve got a clean, custom-matted piece ready to hang!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Light Pencil Marks
  • Cut from the Back Side
  • Keep a Sharp Blade

Can I make a photo mat without a cutting mat?

Yes! Just make sure to use something thick like a piece of cardboard or a self-healing mat to protect your surface. Avoid cutting directly on your table.

What’s the best poster board to use?

Look for heavyweight poster board for a sturdier mat. You can also use colored or textured poster board to match your decor.

Can I use scissors instead of a box cutter?

A box cutter or craft knife will give you much cleaner lines, especially for the window opening. Scissors tend to bend and warp the poster board.

How do I get super clean corners on the window cutout?

Make each corner cut individually with your ruler. Don’t try to pivot the blade around the corner—it’ll likely tear the board.

Is there a way to add extra style to a DIY photo mat?

Yes! You can paint the edges, use scrapbook paper as the backing, or layer two poster board mats (a larger and smaller one) for a double-matted look.

Creating your own photo mat using poster board and a box cutter is an easy, cost-effective DIY that delivers a big visual impact. Whether you’re upgrading your frame wall or giving new life to old art, this quick project makes it easy to personalize your space without spending a fortune.

Once you get the hang of it, you might never go back to buying store-bought mats again!