How to Get a Photo for a Locket: Sizing, Printing & Cutting Oval/Heart Shapes
To get a photo for a jewelry locket, you need to shrink your digital picture down to miniature dimensions (typically 10mm to 20mm / 0.5 to 0.75 inches). The easiest method is using free specialized online tools like OddPrints or Locket Studio (by With You Lockets), which allow you to upload any smartphone photo, select your locket shape (Heart, Oval, Circle, Rectangle), enter the exact inner millimeter measurements, and order a 4x6 print sheet containing multiple scaled sizes for under $5 to $10 at your local Walgreens, CVS, or home printer.
Standard Locket Shapes & Millimeter Dimension Chart
Locket jewelry compartments are measured internally in millimeters. Because human faces must fit inside tiny recessed recesses without getting cropped by framing bezels, getting the exact scale is essential.
Comparing common locket shapes, inner dimensions, and photo scaling measurements:
| Locket Style / Shape | Average Interior Dimensions | Dimensions in Inches | Photo Scaling Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Petite Heart Locket | 10 mm x 10 mm to 12 mm x 12 mm | 0.39" x 0.39" | Close-up cropped single face (Head should be 6-8mm tall) |
| Medium Classic Heart Locket (MOST POPULAR) | 15 mm x 15 mm to 18 mm x 18 mm | 0.59" x 0.59" | Single face or close two-person couple headshot |
| Vintage Oval Locket (STANDARD) | 18 mm high x 13 mm wide (or 25x18 mm) | 0.70" x 0.51" (to 1.0" x 0.75") | Vertical portrait orientation; ideal for family portraits |
| Round / Circular Locket | 16 mm to 20 mm Diameter | 0.62" to 0.78" Diameter | Circular centered portrait |
| Large Statement / Memorial Book Locket | 25 mm x 20 mm to 30 mm x 22 mm | 1.0" x 0.8" | Multi-person group photo or pet portrait |
Top Online Tools to Size Locket Photos Automatically
Rather than guessing sizes in Word or Photoshop, modern online services format photos to sub-millimeter precision:
| Locket Sizing Tool | How It Works | Cost | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| OddPrints (oddprints.com) (BEST OVERALL) | Select locket shape, input exact mm or inches, download 4x6 grid | Free download / $4.99 mail delivery | Prints grid with multiple slightly larger/smaller sizes (+/- 5%) |
| Locket Studio (With You Lockets) | Visual template overlay for heart, oval, and round lockets | Free PDF download | Calibrated for standard home printer 8.5x11 sheets |
| Microsoft Word / Google Docs (Manual DIY) | Insert image -> Format Picture -> Set Height to exact inches | Free | Instant home printing on glossy photo paper |
How to Create a Paper Tracing Template
The secret to cutting an oval or heart picture that snaps into the metal bezel without falling out: place a small piece of thin tracing paper or parchment paper over the empty locket cavity, rub a soft pencil over the inner metal rim to create a visible graphite indentation ring, cut along the pencil line to make a master paper template, and tape it over your miniature photo as a precise cutting guide.
How to Fit a Picture into a Locket in 4 Steps
Step-by-step sizing, printing, and insertion guide.
Step 1: Measure the Inside Locket Cavity with a Millimeter Ruler
Measure height and width of the inner recessed lip where the photo rests.
Step 2: Upload Digital Photo to OddPrints or Locket Studio
Zoom and crop so the face is centered, leaving background margin around borders.
Step 3: Print on High-Gloss Photo Paper at Local Pharmacy or Home
Print at '100% Actual Size' without selecting 'Scale to Fit Page'.
Step 4: Cut with Precision Curved Manicure Scissors and Snap in Place
Cut slightly outside the line and gently press under the inner metal retaining bezel.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How do I make a picture small enough for a locket?
Use free websites like OddPrints.com or Locket Studio; enter your locket's interior millimeter measurements, and the tool will automatically scale and generate a printable 4x6 sheet containing perfectly sized photos.
Q2: What paper should locket photos be printed on?
Print on lightweight glossy photo paper (180 to 200 gsm); regular copy paper looks washed out, while heavy thick cardstock will not tuck under the metal retaining bezel.
Q3: How do you secure a photo inside a locket without glue?
Cutting the photo about 0.5mm larger than the cavity allows the stiff photo paper edges to tuck securely under the inner metal rim bezel without needing messy glue.
Q4: Can Walgreens or CVS print locket photos?
Yes; upload your sized OddPrints 4x6 JPEG to Walgreens or CVS 1-hour photo ($0.35 to $0.45 per print) to pick up high-resolution glossy miniature prints immediately.
Q5: How do you protect a locket photo from moisture?
Cut a piece of clear plastic blister packaging or clear plastic sheet to place over the photo, or apply a thin coat of clear Mod Podge glaze over the picture surface.
Q6: How do you cut a perfect heart shape for a locket?
Press a piece of tissue paper into the heart recess and rub with a pencil to create a master template, cut out the paper heart, and tape it over your photo with removable tape as a cutting guide.
Q7: What scissors are best for cutting locket photos?
Small, ultra-sharp curved manicure cuticle scissors or precision fine-tip craft scissors give you complete control over tight curves and heart points.
Q8: Can you put two photos in a locket?
Yes, most traditional lockets open like a book with two recessed sides, allowing you to place one photo on the left interior and one on the right interior.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how to get a photo for a locket: sizing, printing & cutting oval/heart shapes provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.