# Making layered photo frames with the Photo Frame Generator

> three-layer photo frames with decorative text top and bottom

A frame with the family name arched over the photo beats anything from the home store, and this tool does the layered engineering for you. Pick a **Design Type** - three-layer (Frame, Photo Mat, Backplate) or two-layer (Frame with Mat plus Backplate) - then set the **Photo Width** and **Photo Height** to your actual print size. **Frame Overlap** controls how much the frame lip holds the photo, **Border Width** sets the frame's visual weight, and **Corner Radius** rounds the whole stack. Top and bottom text each get full control: size, rotation, and horizontal and vertical position, so a name can arc over the top while a date sits quietly below.

## What you need

- **Laser cutting:** 3 mm [laser-grade plywood](https://yxecreations.com/collections/laser-grade-plywood) for all layers, or mix in a colored [acrylic](https://yxecreations.com/pages/acrylic-sheets) mat layer
- **Assembly:** [3M 467/468 tape](https://yxecreations.com/collections/3m-tape) for clean layer bonding, wood glue as the budget option
- **3D printing:** an FDM printer with a bed at least as large as the frame
- **Extras:** a printed photo, optional thin clear acrylic as glazing

## Step 1 - Size from the photo, not the wall



Measure the actual print (102 x 152 mm for a standard 4x6) and enter it as **Photo Width / Height**. Set **Frame Overlap** to 3-5 mm so the lip grips the photo without hiding faces near the edge. Then pick the design type - three layers gives the photo a recessed, gallery-matted depth.

## Step 2 - Set the text



- **Top Text** takes the headline - a family name, THE SMITHS, a child's name. Use its Size, Rotation, and Position controls to settle it into the frame border.
- **Bottom Text** is for the date, place, or a short phrase, smaller and quieter.
- Pick one font for both or pair a script top with a clean bottom; check that descenders stay inside the **Border Width**.

## Step 3 - Export



Download **SVG** - each layer (Frame, Photo Mat, Backplate, or Frame with Mat) comes as its own path - or **STL/3MF** for a printed frame with raised text.

## Laser Cutting

### Laser cutting



1. Cut all layers; the text can cut through the frame layer for a pierced look or engrave onto it - your choice in the laser software.
2. Dry-stack and check the photo window alignment before any adhesive touches wood.
3. Bond backplate to mat to frame with 3M tape, leaving one edge of the mat unbonded as a photo-loading slot.
4. Slide the photo in; add a thin clear acrylic rectangle in front of it if the frame will live somewhere dusty.
5. Finish with oil or leave raw; pierced text over a contrasting mat color is the signature look.

## 3D Printing

### 3D printing



1. Export the 3MF and print the stack as one body, or print layers separately in different colors and glue.
2. Print face-down on a textured plate for a uniform front finish.
3. Swap color at the text layer height so the name contrasts the frame.
4. Add small printed feet or a wedge stand glued to the backplate for desk display.

## Make it yours

- New-baby frame: name on top, birth date and weight as the bottom text.
- Wedding version with the couple's names arched and the date below, cut in white acrylic.
- Pet memorial frame with the paw years as bottom text.
- Use a glitter acrylic mat layer behind a plywood frame for birthday photos.
- Make a yearly school-photo frame and recut just the bottom text layer each grade.
- Grandparent gift: GRANDKIDS on top, all the names in a row at the bottom.
- Size it for a 6x4 landscape print and rotate the text positions for a wide desk frame.

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Open the Photo Frame Generator: https://www.mylasertools.com/photo-frame
Read online: https://www.mylasertools.com/learn/guides/photo-frame