Add Special Effects to Your Frame
A solid-color matte is fine for some photos, but what if you want to get a little fancier? Most photo editing programs have custom frames that add visual flair to the image. In Photoshop Elements 6, for example, start by turning on the Content palette (click Window and then Content).You’ll see two drop-down menus at the top of the pane; click the one on the right and choose Frames.

Next, find a frame that you like–the program has almost 200 of them in a variety of colors, styles, and shapes–and drag it from the Content palette into your photo. The frame will automatically wrap around the image, and, depending on the specific frame, it might also change the size and formatting of the photo at the same time. Use the frame’s sizing handles to fine-tune your arrangement and click the frame’s check mark to keep your changes.

If you don’t like the frame, you can always choose Undo, or drag a new frame into your photo to replace the current one.