What Does Unframed Art Print Mean?

Conceptual view of an unframed art print with separate framing materials.

What does unframed art print mean? It means the artwork is sold as a physical paper print without a frame, mat, glass, hanging hardware, or mounting service. Known Elsewhere prints are original unframed art prints on archival matte paper, made to order, and not limited, numbered, or signed.

At a glance

  • An unframed print is the printed artwork only.
  • Known Elsewhere prints are physical paper prints, not printable files.
  • Frames, mats, glass, and hanging hardware are separate decisions.
  • Portrait sizes are 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, and 18×24 inches, with landscape mirrors.
  • Prices are $29, $39, $49, and $59 by size.

What “unframed” means in practice

An unframed art print gives you the artwork on paper and leaves the frame choice to you. That can be useful when you already know your room finish, want a custom mat, or prefer to match frames across several pieces.

Part of the order Included with an unframed Known Elsewhere print? Notes
Printed artwork on paper Yes Original art print on archival matte paper
Frame No Sold unframed; the frame is not included
Mat No Choose separately if you want a border or larger outer frame
Glass or acrylic glazing No Usually part of the frame package you choose elsewhere
Hanging hardware No Depends on the frame or display method
Printable file No A physical paper print, not a printable file

What is included with a Known Elsewhere art print

The core purchase is simple: one made-to-order paper print in the size and orientation shown for that artwork. If price or size matters most, confirm both before choosing a frame.

  • Product type: original unframed art print on archival matte paper.
  • Fulfillment: made to order.
  • Edition status: not limited, numbered, or signed.
  • Portrait sizes: 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 18×24 inches.
  • Landscape sizes: 10×8, 14×11, 20×16, 24×18 inches.
  • Prices when listed by size: $29, $39, $49, $59.

What you should plan separately

Because the print arrives without a frame, the most important follow-up choices are protective framing, border treatment, and how the finished piece will sit on the wall. Plan these before judging final scale.

  • Choose a frame size that matches the print or allows room for a mat.
  • Decide whether you want a visible paper edge, a mat border, or edge-to-edge framing.
  • Check that the frame orientation matches the artwork orientation.
  • Use the finished outer frame size, not only the paper size, when planning wall placement.

Checklist before you order

A short pre-order check prevents most unframed-print surprises. Confirm the paper size, the orientation, the frame plan, and whether the shipping destination is eligible before placing the order.

  • Confirm the selected print size in inches.
  • Check whether the artwork is portrait or landscape.
  • Decide whether you need a mat before buying a frame.
  • Remember that room images may show styling context; the print is sold unframed.
  • Shipping is available to the contiguous United States only.

Useful next references

For the next decision, start with framing and sizing support, then browse related art collections if you are still choosing a visual direction.

Frequently asked questions

Is an unframed art print ready to hang?

Not by itself. It is the paper print only, so you will need a separate frame, mounting method, or display system before hanging it on the wall.

Does the frame come with the print?

No. Known Elsewhere prints are sold unframed; the frame is not included. Any frame shown in a styled room image is visual context only.

Is the print a file I can print myself?

No. It is a physical paper print, not a printable file. The selected print is made to order and shipped as a finished paper object.

Are Known Elsewhere prints numbered or signed?

No. They are made to order and not limited, numbered, or signed.

Method & sources

How we know

This guide uses Known Elsewhere’s current commerce contract for product facts and separates those facts from broader art-world printmaking terminology.

What this is based on

  • Known Elsewhere commerce facts define paper, size, price, fulfillment, shipping, and unframed product state.
  • Known Elsewhere framing guidance confirms that frames are not sold as part of the print order.
  • National Gallery of Art sources provide context for traditional print and edition terminology without applying those production claims to Known Elsewhere products.

Limits

  • This guide does not evaluate third-party frame quality or frame fit.
  • It does not claim first-hand room testing or sample testing.
  • Product availability, pricing display, and shipping policy should be confirmed at checkout if updated after publication.

Sources

  1. Prints, National Gallery of Art.
  2. Gemini G.E.L.: Art and Technology, National Gallery of Art.

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