Custom Framing Software: 4 Best Providers [Features + Pricing]

Choosing software for your frame shop is one of your biggest decisions — and it’s easy to get it wrong. Too often, shops pick a system based on price alone or assume any retail point of sale (POS) software will handle custom orders. The result? Wasted time, frustrated staff, and designs that never get a proper customer sign-off.

Framers can’t thrive with generic retail tools. They need workflows built for mats and glazing, accurate material cost tracking, clear customer approval processes, and production scheduling that keeps jobs moving. 

Use these tips to choose custom framing software and explore four popular providers to help you find the option that best matches your shop.

Decision Criteria for Framers

When selecting custom framing software, consider your shop’s everyday challenges and how each system addresses them. 

Focus on these areas:

• Evaluate ease of training: Choose a system that part-time staff and volunteers can pick up quickly and feel comfortable using.
• Assess work order handling: Look for tools that record moulding, mats, glass, and labor details in one centralized system.
• Examine visualization tools: Select software that lets customers preview their finished design so they can approve with confidence.
• Review vendor integrations: Find a platform that connects to supplier catalogs to simplify ordering and expand available styles and pricing options.
• Calculate actual cost: Factor in setup time, workflow efficiency, and error reduction alongside the monthly subscription fee.

Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be ready to choose software that fits your shop’s workflow. Let’s see how today’s top providers compare.

1. LifeSaver: Purpose-Built for Framers

LifeSaver is one of the only custom framing software providers designed entirely for framing businesses. It gives shops control over detailed orders, accurate pricing, vendor connections, and project scheduling in one place.

This system lets you:

• Handle work order complexity: Build detailed orders with moulding, mats, glass, and labor in one workflow, tracking each step from design to completion.
• Visualize designs with FrameVue: Show customers a digital preview of their piece before they commit, cutting down on costly revisions.
• Integrate vendor catalogs: Place supplier orders through the system to save time and access up-to-date pricing and styles.
• Schedule production: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress across every frame in the shop.
• Train your team quickly: Use familiar framing terms and workflows so volunteers and new hires adapt without frustration.
• Onboard with ease: Roll out faster with a cloud-based system and rely on training videos and responsive help to keep staff confident.

For shops that want software created for their craft rather than adapted from general retail, LifeSaver offers one of the most complete solutions available.

Pros: Purpose-built, visualization, vendor integration, reliable support

Cons: May have advanced features that feel unnecessary for small shops handling only basic orders

Pricing: Midrange, with features that balance affordability and framing-specific value

2. FrameReady: Customized for Experienced Shops

FrameReady is a U.S.-based custom framing software made specifically for custom framing shops. It’s known for giving owners flexibility to adjust workflows, manage costs closely, and link with suppliers.

This tool enables you to:

• Customize work orders: Enter mouldings, mats, glazing, fillets, fabric, extras, labor, and hardware in one organized order.
• Generate estimates and invoices: Convert quotes to work orders and invoices without reentry.
• Manage inventory and orders: Track materials, adjust stock automatically, and create purchase orders directly.
• Offer design scenarios: Present multiple framing options on one work order so customers can compare before approving.
• Orient staff with structured resources: Onboard staff and volunteers using online guides, manuals, and video libraries.
• Rely on U.S.-based support: Use tickets or email for routine questions, with fast response when urgent problems come up.

FrameReady offers deep functionality and proven reliability for framers who want a system that can be closely adapted to their workflow.

Pros: Detailed work orders, integrated inventory, customer and vendor tools, strong onboarding resources

Cons: Requires more time to learn before staff are fully comfortable

Pricing: Mid to premium, with Lite, Standard, and advanced packages for larger operations

3. Lightspeed POS: Broad Retail Power

Lightspeed is a general POS platform popular among retailers, but some larger frame shops adopt it for its advanced retail functions. While it doesn’t cater specifically to framing tasks, it works well in shops that pair framing services with gallery or boutique sales.

This system allows you to:

• Manage large inventories: Organize thousands of SKUs if you sell art supplies, décor, or other products alongside framing.
• Connect with integrations: Sync with e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and marketing tools.
• Access advanced analytics: Generate detailed sales and customer reports to guide business decisions.
• Prepare staff efficiently: Rely on familiar point of sale workflows so employees adapt quickly.
• Implement smoothly: Benefit from a structured onboarding process and reliable help, though adapting it to framing requires workarounds.
• Scale operations confidently: Expand to multiple locations or add an online storefront without switching platforms.

For shops balancing retail sales and custom framing, Lightspeed delivers the scalability and integrations needed to manage operations beyond the framing counter.

Pros: Advanced integrations, strong reporting, scalable for multilocation retail

Cons: Lacks framing-specific workflows, higher pricing

Pricing: Premium, reflecting its wide range of retail-focused capabilities

4. ezFramer: Straightforward Desktop Ownership

ezFramer is a desktop-first option for framers who prefer a one-time investment over ongoing subscription fees. It keeps operations straightforward, transparent, and firmly under your control.

This custom framing software allows you to:

• Capture orders in one window: Enter work orders quickly and manage several simultaneously with an intuitive multi-window layout.
• Manage vendor data: Keep supplier catalogs and pricing current so your orders stay accurate over time.
• Own your software outright: Avoid recurring charges — ezFramer lets you make a one-time purchase that keeps working for you over time.
• Choose your fit: Select from three upgradeable versions that match your shop’s current needs and scale up when ready.
• Train staff familiar with framing: Accelerate onboarding with logic that matches the workflows your staff is used to.
• Receive included guidance: Get technical help for the first year, then renew to keep vendor data current and the software up to date.

With straightforward use, ezFramer is a strong choice for framers who want software they can own outright, with reliable order management and predictable long-term costs.

Pros: Desktop ownership, intuitive interface, U.S. support

Cons: Lacks cloud features, upgrades require purchase

Pricing: One-time purchase with optional renewals — ideal for shops avoiding ongoing subscription fees

Grow Your Shop With Advanced Custom Framing Software

Your POS should keep up with the pace of your shop. From complex work orders and material costs to vendor catalogs and customer approvals, make sure your custom framing software fits the way your shop works.

LifeSaver was built for framers who expect more. FrameVue lets customers preview their piece before production, vendor catalogs keep pricing accurate, and scheduling tools move every project forward. 

Get your free trial today to see how LifeSaver can help you deliver accuracy, speed, and a professional experience for every customer.