A snap frame is a poster frame with four hinged aluminium edges that snap open and shut from the front. You lift the edges, swap the poster, and press them closed again. The frame stays on the wall the whole time and you do not need any tools.
That quick change is why snap frames are used wherever printed information changes often: shop promotions, menus, timetables, school notices and safety information. You may also see them called snap poster frames, clip frames or simply poster frames.
At Snap-Frames.com we have been supplying display equipment since 1989. This guide explains the parts of a snap frame, how the mechanism works and how to choose the right one.
What are the parts of a snap frame?
A standard snap frame is made up of a few simple parts:
- Four aluminium profiles. These are the edges you see. Each one is hinged along its length and held shut by springs.
- A backing panel. The poster rests against this. On our locking and vandal-resistant frames it is a 1.5mm plastic panel.
- An anti-glare cover sheet. A clear, flexible sheet that sits over the poster to protect it and cut down reflections.
- Wall fixings. Our frames are supplied with wall fixings, and the cover sheet is included.
How does a snap frame work?
Each edge of the frame is sprung. Push a thumb or finger under the lip and the edge flips up and stays open. Do the same on all four sides and the cover sheet and poster are free to lift out.
To load a new poster:
- Snap open all four edges.
- Lift out the cover sheet and remove the old poster.
- Place the new poster against the backing panel and lay the cover sheet over it.
- Press each edge down until it snaps shut.
The closed edges clamp the cover sheet and poster around the border, which keeps the print flat. A poster change takes seconds.
How much of the poster is hidden?
Because the edges grip the poster, a narrow border is covered when the frame is closed. On our 25mm profile, around 10mm of the poster is hidden on all four sides. On wider profiles it is 12mm.
For an A4 poster (210 x 297mm) in a 25mm frame, that gives a viewable area of 190 x 277mm and an overall frame size of 240 x 327mm. Keep important text and logos away from the edge of your artwork. Our size comparison chart lists poster sizes with their viewable and overall frame dimensions.
Which profile width: 15mm, 25mm or 32mm?
The profile is the width of the visible frame edge.
- 15mm is our narrowest frame. It sits neatly against the wall and suits small posters. See our 15mm slim snap frames in A5, A4 and A3.
- 25mm is the everyday choice for most poster sizes. Our A4 snap frames use this profile.
- 32mm is a heavier profile for large posters. Our 32mm heavy duty snap frames have mitred corners and come in A1, A0 and larger poster sizes.
What types of snap frame are there?
Once you know how the basic frame works, the variations are easy to follow.
- Standard and coloured frames. Silver anodised is the classic finish. Coloured snap frames come in red, blue, green, white and black, and there are polished chrome and brass and wood effect versions too.
- Round corner frames. Round corner snap frames have a softer look than square mitred corners.
- Vandal-resistant frames. These have no finger lip and firmer springs, so they are very hard to open without the lever tool supplied. See vandal-resistant snap frames.
- Locking frames. Locking snap frames have a built-in allen key lock to stop anyone opening the frame without the key.
- Water-resistant frames. Water-resistant snap frames are designed for damp or outdoor locations where a standard frame would deteriorate.
- Table-standing frames. Table-standing snap frames have a built-in lean-back stand for counters, receptions and desks.
For windy outdoor spots we recommend a hinged locking poster case instead, because a cover sheet can blow out of a snap frame in strong wind.
Where are snap frames used?
Snap frames suit any wall where the message changes: shops, offices, schools, hotels, restaurants and public buildings. Because the frame stays fixed, one person can update a whole corridor of notices in a few minutes.
If the cover sheet gets scratched or lost, you do not need a new frame. Replacement anti-glare cover sheets are sold separately.
Ordering
Browse the full snap frames collection to compare sizes and finishes. Order before 2pm on a working day for same-day dispatch, and delivery is free on orders over £100. Prices exclude VAT. For bulk orders or advice, call 01462 673831.
Frequently asked questions
What is a snap frame?
A snap frame is an aluminium poster frame with four sprung edges that open from the front, so you can change the poster without taking the frame off the wall.
Do I need tools to change the poster?
No. Standard snap frames open by hand. Vandal-resistant frames need the lever tool supplied, and locking frames need the allen key supplied.
How much of my poster will be covered by the frame?
Around 10mm on each side with a 25mm profile, and 12mm with wider profiles. Keep text and logos inside that border.
Can snap frames be used outdoors?
Water-resistant snap frames are made for damp and outdoor locations. For exposed, windy sites we recommend a hinged locking poster case.
Can I replace the clear cover sheet?
Yes. Replacement anti-glare PVC cover sheets are available in sizes from A5 to A0.