How to Mat Photos in Scrapbooking

Matting a photo means gluing it onto a slightly larger piece of paper so it has a clean border around the edge — like a frame within the page. It's one of the simplest scrapbooking techniques and one of the most effective: a mat makes a photo stand out from a busy background, adds a polished frame, and ties the photo to the page's color scheme. This guide explains what matting is, how to do it step by step, and how to use single and double mats.

What is photo matting?

Photo matting is the technique of backing a photo with paper (or cardstock) cut a little larger than the photo itself, leaving an even border on all sides. That border is the "mat." You can mat with plain paper for a clean look or with patterned paper to add color and theme. Matting is a core skill covered in our scrapbooking for beginners guide, and it works on almost every layout.

Why should you mat your photos?

• It makes photos stand out. A border separates the photo from a patterned background so it doesn't get lost.
• It adds a finished, framed look. Even a simple mat makes a page feel more intentional.
• It ties the page together. Matting in a color from your paper connects the photo to the rest of the layout.
• It hides small imperfections. A mat cleans up slightly uneven photo edges.

How to mat a photo step by step

1. Choose your mat paper. Pick a color or pattern that complements the photo and page. Printable digital papers work well because you can print a mat in any color to match your layout.
2. Decide your border width. A common choice is an even border of about 1/4 inch (roughly 0.5 cm) on all sides. Wider borders make a bolder frame.
3. Cut the mat. Cut the paper to your photo's size plus twice the border width (so the border is even on both sides). A paper trimmer gives the cleanest edges.
4. Center the photo. Position the photo on the mat so the border is equal all around before gluing.
5. Glue it down. Use a glue stick or tape runner, then attach the matted photo to your page.

Single vs. double matting

• Single mat — one layer of paper behind the photo. Clean and quick.
• Double mat — two layers, with the second mat slightly larger than the first, creating two visible borders. This adds depth and works well for a focal photo. Try a patterned outer mat with a plain inner mat, or two coordinating colors.

Tips for clean, even mats

• Keep borders even. Measure or eyeball carefully so one side isn't thicker than the others.
• Use a trimmer, not scissors, for straight edges.
• Coordinate, don't match exactly. A mat color pulled from the photo or paper looks more designed than an exact match.
• Mat only your focal photos if you're short on time — the main photo benefits most.
• Print mats to match. With printable papers you can print a mat in the exact color your page needs instead of hunting for cardstock.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to mat a photo in scrapbooking? It means gluing the photo onto a slightly larger piece of paper so it has an even border, framing the photo on the page.

How big should a photo mat be? A common border is about 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) on all sides, but you can make it wider for a bolder frame.

What's the difference between single and double matting? A single mat is one layer of paper behind the photo; a double mat adds a second, slightly larger layer for two visible borders and more depth.

What paper should I use for matting? Cardstock or patterned paper both work. Printable digital papers are handy because you can print a mat in any color to match your layout.

Do I have to mat every photo? No. Matting your focal photo is enough to add polish; matting every photo is optional.