Quick answer: a collage frame has a mat with several openings, and you put a separate photo behind each one. A collage print puts all your photos on one sheet, laid out for you, and goes in a single frame. Choose a collage print if you have more than a handful of photos or want them evenly spaced with no cutting; choose a multi-opening frame if you want to swap photos in and out.
Two ways to frame a photo collage
| Multi-opening collage frame | Printed photo collage in one frame | |
| Number of photos | Fixed by the mat, usually 3 to 12 | Anything from 2 to 50 |
| Layout | Fixed by the mat | Any grid you choose, or a large hero photo with smaller ones around it |
| Photo sizes | Each print must match its opening | Photos are cropped to fit the layout for you |
| Lining up | You cut, trim and position every photo | Already aligned and evenly spaced |
| Changing photos later | Easy — open the back and swap one | Reorder a new print |
| What you need | A print of every photo, at the right size | Your digital photos |
When a multi-opening frame is better
If you like to change the photos every few months — the latest school pictures, say — a mat with separate openings lets you swap one without reprinting anything. It also suits photos you already own as prints and don't want to scan.
When a collage print is better
For most framed collages, especially gifts, one print is easier and looks neater. Every photo is the same distance from its neighbors, nothing slips out of line inside the frame, and you are not limited to the number of holes in a mat. Our photo collage prints take anything from 2 to 50 photos on a single sheet of archival photo paper, printed and framed for you in a handmade wood or metal frame and delivered ready to hang.
How many photos for each size
Keep each photo at least about 3 inches across so faces still read from a few steps away:
| Photos | Smallest size we'd suggest |
| 2 to 4 | 8x10 |
| 5 to 9 | 12x16 |
| 10 to 16 | 16x20 |
| 17 to 30 | 24x24 |
| 31 to 50 | 24x32 |
Start from the number of photos you have: 2-photo, 3-photo, 4-photo, 6-photo, 9-photo, 12-photo, 16-photo, 20-photo and 30-photo collages each open with that layout ready to fill.
Mat or no mat?
A mat around a collage print gives it the same gallery look as a multi-opening frame, with one clean border instead of many. It also stops the print touching the glass. Without a mat, the photos run closer to the frame for a more modern look.
Collage ideas
- A family photo collage of the year, or of every grandchild
- A birthday collage with a photo from every year
- A wedding photo collage of the day, start to finish
- A heart-shaped collage for an anniversary or Valentine's Day
For step-by-step help choosing a layout and getting the best print quality from phone photos, see how to print a photo collage. See every layout and style on our photo collage frames page. Giving one for Christmas? Check our Christmas last order dates.
