Acrylic Photo Block Guide: Sizes, Photos, and Care
By Giftenova Team – Last updated July 31, 2026
A custom acrylic photo block is a personalized photo gift made from cast acrylic (PMMA) with your photo UV-printed onto the front face. The block is roughly 0.8 inches thick, polished on all six sides, and sits flat on any of its six edges as freestanding photo decor. Standard sizes range from a 2-by-2-inch desk keepsake up to a 6-by-6-inch statement square. Acrylic photo blocks differ from acrylic plaques because the block is a six-sided three-dimensional object, while a plaque is a flat two-dimensional display piece on a stand. The acrylic photo block sits inside our broader personalized photo gifts category, alongside acrylic plaques, 3D crystal blocks, and other small-format keepsakes.
What is a Custom Acrylic Photo Block?
A custom acrylic photo block is a personalized display object made from cast PMMA (acrylic). Each block is a clear three-dimensional rectangular cube with your photo UV-printed onto one of its six faces. The other five faces remain optically clear, which produces a subtle 3D depth effect because light refracts through the acrylic body and behind the printed image.
At Giftenova, the acrylic photo block ships in four standard sizes. The 2 by 2 inch mini suits keepsake gifts; the 4 by 4 inch standard square is a popular size; the 4 by 6 inch portrait orientation suits single-subject photos; and the 6 by 6 inch statement square is for substantial display presence. Each block ships in a custom gift box with the same photo printed on the lid.
The block format differs from an acrylic plaque, a framed photo, or a glass photo print in display mechanic. A photo block sits flat on any of its six edges (no stand needed).
A plaque rests on a wooden stand or wall mount. A framed photo needs a frame. A glass print mounts to a wall. Each format suits a different room and recipient; the block is unique because it requires zero accessories to display.
How an Acrylic Photo Block Gets Made
Production moves through five stages from photo upload to gift-ready box. The cast PMMA stock starts as a precision-cut blank and ends as a polished, photo-printed block.
- Upload your photo. The personalization form on the product page accepts JPG and PNG files at full resolution. Any device works.
- Image preparation. The image is automatically sized and cropped to match the chosen block face dimensions. Picking a high-resolution source photo at checkout avoids resolution issues before they happen.
- UV printing. The image is UV-printed directly onto one face of the acrylic block using pigment inks. The colors set under the UV lamp and bond to the acrylic surface for indoor display use.
- Six-sided polishing. All six edges of the block are diamond-polished to a clear, glossy bevel-free finish. The polish is what produces the gallery-quality look and the subtle 3D depth effect when light passes through the clear acrylic.
- Gift box assembly. The finished block ships in a custom gift box with your photo printed on the lid, with protective packaging.
Each acrylic photo block is made-to-order from your photo. There is no inventory; the block does not exist until your order is placed.
When an Acrylic Photo Block Fits Best
An acrylic photo block fits when you want a personalized photo displayed frame-free and freestanding. Most photo gifts (a print, a framed photo, a canvas) sit static on a wall or shelf. A photo block has no orientation requirement, fits any flat surface, and reflects light through its clear edges as the day passes. Compare it with other wall-mounted and freestanding home decor when the display location is your first decision. For a work surface, the guide to arranging personalized desk decor explains how to protect the active zone and measure the complete display footprint. For a move or new home, use the personalized housewarming gift guide to decide whether a compact, freestanding format fits the recipient information and placement facts you actually know.
Three patterns explain when a block fits better than the alternatives:
- No stand, no frame, no wall mount. The block sits flat on any of its six edges. Place it on a desk, nightstand, mantel, or kitchen counter without coordinating with the rest of the room's decor.
- 3D depth effect from refraction. Light passing through the polished acrylic body produces a subtle dimensionality behind the printed image. The block reads as three-dimensional photo art, not as a flat printed surface.
- Compact desk presence. The 2 by 2 and 4 by 4 inch sizes fit a cubicle shelf, a card-and-gift presentation, or a tight desk corner without crowding the space. Larger gifts in those rooms (a framed photo, a canvas) often dominate; the block holds its place quietly.
The right photo and the right size are what unlock these patterns. Photo requirements scale with block size.
Photo Block Sizes and Photo Requirements
Photo resolution requirements scale with block size because larger blocks print the photo at larger physical dimensions, which exposes lower-resolution source files more clearly. Use the table below to match photo to size.
| Block size | Min resolution | Recommended | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 2 in (mini) | 2 MP | 2 MP+ | Cubicle shelves, nightstand keepsakes, gift-card upgrades |
| 4 x 4 in (standard square) | 2 MP | 4 MP+ | Bookshelves, console tables, popular size |
| 4 x 6 in (portrait) | 4 MP | 4 MP+ | Single-subject portraits, portrait-orientation photos |
| 6 x 6 in (statement) | 4 MP | 8 MP+ | Substantial display presence, statement gifts |
Modern smartphones capture at 12 megapixels by default, which clears every block size comfortably. The risk is downsampling. Photos saved from social media, screenshots, or messaging apps lose resolution silently; pull from your camera roll, not from a social-media download or a re-shared message.
Best Photo Choices for an Acrylic Photo Block
The right photo for an acrylic photo block depends on the recipient and the size. Single-subject portraits print sharpest at all sizes. Group photos work better at the 4 by 6 and 6 by 6 sizes. Landscape and outdoor shots benefit from the block's 3D depth effect.
Single-Subject Portraits
Single-subject portraits with a clearly visible face print sharpest at the 2 by 2 and 4 by 4 sizes. The smaller surface area means the focal subject takes more of the visible canvas, which reads as a focused keepsake rather than a busy composition. Pair with sentimental gift moments: a partner's photo, a child's first-day-of-school photo, a beloved pet portrait.
Couple and Family Group Photos
Couple and small-group family photos work best at the 4 by 6 and 6 by 6 sizes. Each face needs enough surface area to print clearly, and the larger block face accommodates groups of 2 to 6 people. Anniversary blocks, multi-generational keepsakes, and engagement-photo gifts often pick the 4 by 6 portrait orientation.
Landscape and Travel Photos
Landscape and travel photos benefit from the block's 3D depth effect more than other photo types. Light refracting through the clear acrylic body adds a subtle dimensional feel to landscape vistas, sunset silhouettes, and architectural shots. The 6 by 6 inch statement square is the popular pick for travel keepsakes.
Pet Photos
Pet photos with a clear face print well at all sizes. Single-pet portraits suit the 2 by 2 keepsake; multi-pet or pet-with-owner photos suit the 4 by 6 or 6 by 6 sizes. For pet memorial gifts specifically, the dedicated pet memorial acrylic plaque may suit the purpose, since plaques accept added text fields for the pet's name and dates.
Acrylic Photo Block vs Other Photo Display Options
Compared to other photo display formats (acrylic plaque, framed photo, canvas, glass photo print), the acrylic photo block is the only freestanding-no-stand option. The block sits on any of its six edges with zero accessories, which makes it the most placement-flexible photo gift in the catalog. If you are weighing the two flat-versus-block options directly, our acrylic photo block vs acrylic plaque comparison breaks down the choice.
| Format | Display | Frame or stand needed | Polish level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic photo block | Sits flat any side | No (none needed) | Crystal-clear depth | Desk keepsakes, six-sided display |
| Acrylic plaque | Stand or wall | No (stand included) | Gallery-quality polish | Versatile gifts, any room |
| Framed photo | Wall or shelf | Yes (separate frame) | Frame-dependent | Traditional decor |
| Canvas wall art | Wall | No (stretcher) | Matte fabric texture | Statement walls |
| Glass photo print | Wall | No (mount) | Glossy reflective | Modern decor |
Pick the acrylic photo block when the gift's display location is uncertain or when the desk-keepsake form factor fits the gift moment. The block also works for recipients who don't have wall space ready, since no mounting is required.
For the dedicated head-to-head between the acrylic photo block and the 3D crystal photo block (plastic vs glass, color print vs laser engraving, sizes and occasion fit), see our acrylic block vs 3D crystal buyer guide.
For a flat plaque on a wooden stand, see our acrylic plaque guide. For a wall-mounted glass alternative, see our tempered glass photo wall art guide. For the deeper acrylic-vs-glass decision, see our acrylic vs glass comparison. For an existing guide on photo blocks, see our complete photo block guide. For photo selection (resolution by gift size, acrylic depth effect, subject types), see our how to choose the right photo for your photo gift guide. For a 3D laser-engraved alternative inside K9 crystal, see our 3D Crystal Photo Block guide. For an acrylic block that displays a personal voice recording instead of a photo, see our custom sound wave acrylic block guide.
How Ordering an Acrylic Photo Block Works
Once your photo is prepared, the ordering flow on the product page is short. Pick the size first, then upload and check out.
- Pick the size. 2 by 2 inch for desk keepsakes; 4 by 4 inch for a popular size; 4 by 6 inch for portrait-orientation photos; 6 by 6 inch for statement squares.
- Open the product page. Visit the Custom Acrylic Photo Block page on giftenova.com.
- Upload your photo. Use the personalization form to upload a JPG or PNG. Pull originals from your camera roll, not social-media downloads or screenshots.
- Add a custom message (optional). Enter a name, date, or short dedication for the gift box lid. The message prints alongside the photo on the box, not on the block itself.
- Check out and confirm shipping. The cart surfaces the live delivery window for your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an acrylic photo block and an acrylic plaque?
An acrylic photo block is a six-sided three-dimensional cube that sits flat on any of its six edges with no stand needed. An acrylic plaque is a flat two-dimensional display piece that rests on a wooden stand or wall-mounts with hardware. Blocks are desk-keepsake form factor; plaques are wall-or-stand display. See our acrylic plaque guide for the plaque format.
What photo resolution do I need for an acrylic photo block?
2 megapixels minimum for the 2 by 2 and 4 by 4 inch sizes. 4 megapixels minimum for the 4 by 6 and 6 by 6 inch sizes. Modern smartphones capture at 12 megapixels by default, which clears every size. Pull originals from your camera roll, not social-media downloads.
Will the photo fade on an acrylic photo block?
No. The UV-cured pigment ink bonds to the acrylic surface and does not fade under normal indoor lighting. Avoid persistent direct sunlight (a south-facing windowsill all day) which can affect any printed material over years. Wipe gently with a dry microfiber cloth; no harsh cleaners on the polished acrylic surface.
Does the photo block come with a stand?
No, and none is needed. The acrylic photo block sits flat on any of its six edges with no accessory required. The block's polished bevel-free edges act as the display surface from any orientation, which is the format's main advantage over the acrylic plaque (which requires a stand or wall mount).
Can I include text on an acrylic photo block?
Not on the block itself. The block prints one photo across the front face with no added text fields. For text-with-photo gifts, the standard acrylic plaque accepts a custom name, date, or dedication printed alongside the photo. Most specialty plaques (anniversary, song, movie poster) also include their own text fields per design.
How long does production and shipping take?
Manufacturing takes 3 to 5 business days after checkout. Standard shipping is 2 to 6 business days. Express shipping is available at checkout for faster delivery. The cart surfaces the live delivery window for your address at checkout.
Can I return a custom acrylic photo block?
No - because each block is printed from your personal photo, we cannot accept change-of-mind returns. If a block arrives damaged or has a printing fault, message us at support@giftenova.com within 7 days of delivery and we will remake or refund.