June 4, 2026
Description
This is a parametric 3D-printable passe-partout, also called a photo mat: a flat frame with one or more openings for photos, prints, postcards, instant photos, or small artwork.
For normal use, you only need to pick a frame size, choose the photo or print size, choose a layout by name, and generate the model in MakerWorld's Parametric Model Maker. You can make a simple single cutout, a double layout, a clean stack, a grid, or a full collage without learning OpenSCAD.
For advanced users, there is also a small custom layout language made for this project. It can make more unusual layouts, but it is optional. Most people can ignore it and use the named layout options.
Use this through MakerWorld's Parametric Model Maker:
If a common outside frame size is missing, add it as another preset/profile for this parametric model. Please do not upload each size as a separate new model; the point of this project is that one parametric generator can cover many sizes.
Recommended starting settings:
The model is designed to print as a simple flat part. Large frames are more likely to warp, especially with sharp corners and large uninterrupted flat areas, so use a clean bed, good first-layer adhesion, and a brim when needed.
The outside frame size is the full printed object size. Your printer bed must fit that size.
Included common sizes:
| Preset | Outside size |
|---|---|
| passepartout_10x15 | 100 x 150 mm |
| passepartout_13x18 | 130 x 180 mm |
| passepartout_18x24 | 180 x 240 mm |
| passepartout_A4_21x30 | 210 x 297 mm |
| passepartout_24x30 | 240 x 300 mm |
| passepartout_30x30 | 300 x 300 mm |
| custom | User-defined size |
The custom/unlimited-size option is not a frame-size preset. In that version, you set the outside frame width and height yourself. Its default build limit is 320 x 320 mm, matching the large H-series style bed size, but you can override the build limit in the advanced settings if your printer can handle larger parts.
These are the settings most users will touch.
Sets the outside frame orientation for rectangular presets.
Square presets do not need orientation.
Chooses the arrangement of openings. Use the named options in the dropdown.
Common layout names include:
Different frame-size presets show different layout choices. Small frames only show layouts that are likely to fit. Larger frames include more collage options.
The slots are reusable photo-size choices. A layout tells the model which slot to use for each opening.
Slot 1 is usually the main photo size. Slot 2 and slot 3 are useful for doubles and mixed collages.
In preview mode, each opening is labeled with a compact code such as P1 or L2. The letter shows portrait or landscape, and the number shows the slot. So if an opening says L2, change Size Slot 2 if that opening needs a different photo size.
Available sizes depend on the selected frame preset, but the project supports common sizes such as:
For Instax and Polaroid presets, the size is the exposed/printed image area, not the full instant-film sheet including the white border.
Important: custom width and height values only apply after you select Custom in that slot's size dropdown. If the slot is still set to a preset like 10 x 15 cm or Instax Mini, the custom numbers are ignored.
The passe-partout overlaps the photo by this many millimeters on each side. This helps hold the photo behind the opening.
The default is 3 mm. Set it lower for more visible photo area, or higher for more grip. Setting it to 0 makes the opening match the photo more closely, but the photo may fall out more easily.
These set the border around the openings. Larger margins give a more traditional gallery-mat look. Smaller margins fit larger photos into the same outside frame.
If a layout does not fit, margins are one of the easiest things to reduce.
These control how extra empty space is distributed between openings.
These settings matter most for collages with multiple openings, especially layouts with even and odd rows mixed together. For simple layouts, single cutouts, and many basic doubles, changing the spacing mode may make little or no visible difference because there is not much extra spacing to redistribute.
If you are unsure, use Even.
The custom layout language is optional. Use it only when the named dropdown layouts do not describe what you want.
Important: the text in the custom layout box only applies after you select Custom in the layout dropdown. If the layout dropdown is still set to Single portrait, Two portrait row, 2x2 grid, or another named option, the custom layout text is ignored.
Each opening is written as two characters:
Rows are separated with a slash /. Commas are still accepted for older saved settings, but slashes are safer in MakerWorld dropdown values.
Examples:
P1 L1 P1P1 P1/P1 L1/L1 P1/L2 P1P2/L3 P1P1/P1P1 L1P1L1/P1L1P1/L1P1L1
So P1/L2 means: portrait slot 1 on the top row, landscape slot 2 on the second row.
L1P1L1/P1L1P1/L1P1L1 means a 3 x 3 alternating collage.
This makes simple single cutouts, doubles, stacked layouts, grids, mixed collages, and completely over-the-top passe-partouts possible without redrawing the model.
These are the outside dimensions of the printed passe-partout in millimeters. In the normal frame-size presets they are usually controlled by the chosen orientation. In the custom/unlimited-size version, you can set them directly.
The thickness of the printed mat in millimeters.
Thicker mats are stiffer and easier to handle. Thinner mats print faster and feel more like a paper passe-partout.
Used when a slot size dropdown is set to Custom. Enter the real photo or print size in millimeters.
Again, these values only apply when that slot is set to Custom.
These are safety limits for the printer bed size. The model checks whether the selected frame fits inside them. The default is 320 x 320 mm.
If you are using a larger printer, you can increase these advanced values. Only do this when your printer can actually fit the selected outside frame size.
In preview mode, the model checks whether the selected layout is printable. If something is wrong, it displays a warning.
This only applies to the custom layout box.
Check that the layout dropdown is set to Custom, then check the custom layout text. Each opening must use P or L followed by 1, 2, or 3. Separate rows with slashes. Do not add spaces.
Example valid custom layouts:
P1 P1/P1 P1L2/P2P3
The outside frame is bigger than the configured build limit.
This is about printer bed size, not photo size. Choose a smaller frame preset, switch orientation if that helps your printer bed, or use a printer with a larger bed. If your printer can fit the frame but the model still warns, increase Build Limit Width and Build Limit Height in the advanced settings.
One of the selected openings cannot be made from the chosen size and overlap settings.
Check the slot shown in the preview label, then check that slot's photo preset or custom width and height. Also check Photo Overlap: if the overlap is too large for a very small photo, reduce it.
The openings do not fit horizontally inside the frame.
Try these fixes:
The openings do not fit vertically inside the frame.
Try these fixes:
License:
Standard Digital File License
GanymedeOcean
