Cameras & Photography

The Best Photo Mat Boards & Mat Cutters

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Preserving and displaying your cherished photographs requires careful consideration of mounting materials. The right photo mat board and cutter ensure your artwork is protected from damage and presented professionally. Investing in quality tools can elevate your prints from simple snapshots to gallery-worthy pieces.

SaleNo. 1
Merry Loop 32in Mat Cutter for Framing with Precision Bevel & Straight Cutting Heads, Easy-to-Use Mat Board...
  • DUAL CUTTING HEADS - Achieve clean, gallery-grade cuts at home. Built for DIY framers, this cutter has independent 45° bevel and 90° straight blades to create tidy openings and smooth edges for photo mats
  • ADJUSTABLE CUTTING SETTINGS - Customize cutting depth and angle to fit various mat thicknesses. It handles simple rectangles and multi-layer shadow box layouts with flawless straight and bevel lines
  • COMPACT 32-INCH SIZE - The space-saving design fits neatly on desks. Compact yet functional, it easily finishes standard 32-inch framing work for home hobbyists
  • ANTI-SLIP & EASY OPERATION - The aluminum guide rail locks mats firmly to avoid shifting and waste. Clear marks ensure fast, accurate cutting for users of all skill levels
  • DURABLE ALL-IN-ONE KIT - Adopting anti-deformation base and sturdy aluminum rail. It comes with replaceable cutter heads, a guide and 5 spare blades, perfect for photographers and art lovers
No. 2
Logan 350-1 Compact Elite Mat Cutter
  • This large-capacity precision cutting system creates professional looking beveled mats for all your framing projects
  • Features include a 32-inch cutting capacity board
  • Works with standard thickness mat board only
  • Includes 1 cutting board, mat guide stop, guiderail stop, straight cutting measuring bar and stop
  • Also includes bevel cutter, heavy duty straight cutter, and five blades.
No. 3
40" Capacity Board Mounted Mat Cutter for Framing – Simplex Elite Mat Cutter with 45° Bevel & Straight...
  • Professional 40" Cutting Capacity - With a heavy-duty board mounted mat cutter, you can easily handle mats up to 40" (101 cm), making it perfect for professional framing, photography, and DIY art projects.
  • Push-Style Bevel & Straight Cutters - The mat cutter for framing includes a push-style bevel cutter for smooth 45° openings and a straight head for precise trimming of mats and foam boards, with five extra blades for durability.
  • Adjustable Depth & Border Widths - A versatile mat board cutter with an adjustable screw knob lets you set blade depth for different mat thicknesses, while the parallel guide supports borders from 3/4" to 5-1/2" (1.9–14 cm).
  • Durable MDF Base with Precision Guide - Built on a solid 3/4" MDF base, this mat board cutter offers stability for smooth, accurate cuts, aided by a hinged track, scaled stops, and a 90°squaring bar.
  • Complete 40" Professional Mat Cutter Kit - The 40" Professional Mat Cutter Kit includes a parallel mat guide in aluminum channels, a hinged guide rail with stops, a 90° squaring bar, a 20" removable measuring bar, a pull-style bevel cutter, an improved...
  • Cutting Tips - Placing a slip sheet under the mat helps the mat cutter deliver cleaner edges, protecting both blades and boards for smoother, longer-lasting performance.
No. 4
GONYTIA 35 Inch Compact Elite Mat Cutter, High Precision Mat Board Cutter for Picture Framing and Art Projects...
  • Large Cutting Capacity: The 35-inch cutting board capacity meets most of your matting projects and allows you to create professional-quality beveled mats
  • Complete Cutting System: Equipped with a 45 Bevel Cutter, a 90 Straight Cutter, and 5 replacement blades, GONYTIA Mat Cutter offers adjustable cutting depth to fit most mat boards, helping you trim mats with ease and ensuring every cut is highly precise
  • Precision Cutting Features: Designed for standard-thickness mat boards only, it works together with the parallel mat guide, measuring scale, hinged guide rail, and positioning stops to achieve accurate cutting
  • User-Friendly Design: Easy to operate and beginner-friendly, this tool allows both novices and experienced framers to cut mats into the desired size and shape by simply following the instructions
  • Blade Protection Tip: For best results, place a sheet of scrap paper under the mat when cutting-this not only protects the blade but also keeps your cutting board in good condition
  • Versatile Application: Suitable for picture framing, art projects, and various matting needs for at-home framers who require professional-quality results
  • Durable Construction: Features a sturdy white finish design that provides stability and longevity for repeated use in your framing and crafting projects
No. 5
Authentic Logan Brand 350-1 Compact Elite 32" Board Mounted Mat Cutter Used to Cut Matboard for Picture...
  • [Made in USA]
  • [Versatile] 350-1 includes a hinged guide railfor accurate cutting, a mat guide for measuring boards, a straight cutter for downsizing, and a bevel cutter for cutting openings.
  • [32" Capacity] The design can accommodate mat board up to 32 inches between the hinges for matting purposes
  • {Guiderail] The hinged guide rail features a rubberized base to securely hold the mat board in place while cutting.
  • [Mat Cuide] Used to set border widths for 3/4" to 4 1/4" and hold the matboard in the correct position for cutting openings.
  • [Bevel Cutter and Straight Cutter] The Push Style cutting head includes a start/stop indicator for precise cutting of openings. The pull-style straight cutter is designed to cut standard thickness (4-ply) matboard and 3/16" foam board to size. It features...
  • [Square Bar and Measuring arm ] The 350-1 features a square bar for cutting and creating a 90° edge, while resizing matboard and foam board from 1 inch to 20 inches using the measuring arm.
  • Guiderail Stops] Stops that can be used for producing multiple mats of the same size.
  • [Blade] Includes five 270 Blades. Reorder 270-10,270-50,or 270-100 replacement blades.
No. 6
45° Bevel Retractable Mat Cutter - Push Style Mat Board Cutting Cutter Tool for Framing, Artwork, Custom Mat...
  • Retractable Safety Blade: Our mat cutter features an auto-retracting blade mechanism that retracts after cutting to prevent accidental injuries. Its magnetic blade holder allows swift, tool-free replacements, while the depth-adjustment knob ensures...
  • Professional Framing Precision: Engineered with a 45° beveled blade with non-slip aluminum guides for a perfect, this cutter delivers flawless, burr-free edges. Adjust blade pressure for materials ranging from soft cardboard to hardwood—achieving...
  • Palm-Sized Portability: Compact and lightweight (fits in most tool pouches), its space-saving design includes built-in storage for blades and rulers. Take it to craft fairs, workshops, or home studios—no bulk, no hassle. Perfect for creators needing a...
  • Multi-project Mastery: From custom photo mats and canvas framing to scrapbooking and home décor, the mat board cutter tool handles diverse materials like foam core, acid-free boards, and vinyl. A must-have for framers, hobbyists, and designers seeking...
  • Beginner-Friendly Design: Ergonomic non-slip grip and intuitive measurement guides let novices master mat cutting in minutes. Testers report "perfect cuts within 3 tries"—no steep learning curve. Beginners can easily create polished picture frames...
SaleNo. 7
Falling in Art Acid Free 8x10 Pre-Cut Picture Mat Board Kit for 5x7 Photo, Includes 25 White Core Bevel Cut...
  • Complete Presentation Kit: Falling in Art picture frame sets included 25pcs 8''x10'' picture frame mats, 25pcs backer board, and 25pcs 8-1/2''x10-5/8'' re-sealable adhesive clear bag.
  • Window Size: The opening size is 4.5''x6.5'' for a 5x7 picture and 4-ply thick (about 1.4 mm or 1/16 inch). The Backing Board Color is White on both sides.
  • Acid-free to Last Long: Falling in Art photo mats, backing boards, and clear bags are neutral PH (ACID-FREE) above industry standards to well protect your memories and not fade for a long period.
  • Core Bevel Precut Mat: Falling in Art art show mattes are 45° core bevel cut, add additional decoration for your pictures, photos, or prints, personalize your artwork, and decorate your home.
  • From Us: Falling in Art aims to provide tons of premium painting art supplies, brushes, easels and easel sets, canvas panels, and more to satisfy your needs to be an artist. Once you meet issues when using our products, please feel free to contact us.
SaleNo. 8
32in Mat Cutter for Framing with Precision Bevel & Straight Cutting Heads,Easy-to-Use Mat Board Cutter for...
  • PRECISION DUAL-HEAD BOARD CUTTING SYSTEM - Achieve gallery-quality cuts at home. This all-in-1 mat cutter, engineered for DIY framers and hobbyists who refuse to compromise on accuracy. The board mounted mat cutter includes a 32-inch cutting base with...
  • FULLY ADJUSTABLE DEPTH & ANGLE - Enjoy precise control with variable adjustments for cutting depth and angle, allowing you to work with a wide range of mat board thicknesses and creative designs.Whether you're crafting simple rectangular openings or...
  • COMPACT 32-INCH DESIGN-This 32-inch mat board cutter’s space-saving footprint fits easily on a desk or craft table, yet it’s large enough to handle standard framing projects up to 32 inches.It’s the ideal mat cutter for framers and hobbyists who...
  • INTUITIVE & WASTE-REDUCING OPERATION - Our mat cutter tool is designed for ease of use. The smooth-glide aluminum guide rail locks materials in place to prevent shifting, solving the common frustration of wasted board due to ruler slip.Clear alignment...
  • DURABLE ALL-IN-ONE PHOTO MAT CUTTER KIT-Heavy-duty anodized aluminum rail and warp-resistant base for lasting stability. Includes 45°& 90°cutter heads, removable straight edge guide, and 5 replacement blades-ready to use right out of the box.It’s the...

Last update on 2026-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Photo Mat Boards & Mat Cutters

Choosing the Right Mat Board

  • Material Quality: Opt for acid-free and lignin-free mat boards to prevent yellowing and degradation of your photographs over time. Buffered mats offer additional protection against airborne acids.
  • Color and Texture: Consider the aesthetic of your photograph and its intended display location. White and off-white mats are classic choices, while darker or textured options can create a bolder statement.
  • Thickness: Mat boards come in various thicknesses, often measured in points or millimeters. Thicker mats provide a more substantial and professional look, especially for larger prints.

Selecting a Mat Cutter

  • Type of Cutter: Mat cutters range from simple handheld tools to sophisticated desktop models. For occasional use, a basic handheld cutter may suffice, while frequent users or those requiring high precision might prefer a rotary cutter or a desktop mat cutter.
  • Blade Quality and Adjustability: Look for cutters with sharp, durable blades, preferably made of steel. Adjustable blade depth is crucial for avoiding damage to the backing material and ensuring clean cuts.
  • Cutting Mat and Scale: A built-in cutting mat protects your work surface, while an integrated scale or ruler aids in accurate measurements and consistent mat openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between regular and archival mat board?
Regular mat board may contain acids that can yellow and damage photos over time. Archival mat board is acid-free and lignin-free, ensuring long-term preservation and protection for your valuable prints.
How thick should a mat board be?
Mat board thickness varies, typically from 4-ply (about 1/16 inch) to 8-ply (about 1/8 inch) or more. Thicker mats offer a more premium feel and are often preferred for larger prints or a more substantial presentation.
What is the best type of mat cutter for beginners?
For beginners, a handheld mat cutter with a safety latch and a comfortable grip is often recommended. These are generally affordable and easy to learn how to use for basic matting needs.
Can I cut my own mats with a standard craft knife?
While technically possible, using a standard craft knife for mat cutting is challenging and rarely produces clean, professional results. Dedicated mat cutters are designed for precise, straight cuts and bevels, which are essential for a finished look.