A frame line is the unused space that separates two adjacent images, or film frames, on the release print of a

motion picture A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

. They can vary in width; a

35mm film 35 mm may refer to: * 135 film, a type of still photography format commonly referred to as 35 mm film * 35 mm movie film, a type of motion picture film stock * 35MM 35 mm may refer to: * 135 film, a type of still photography format ...

with a 1.85:1

hard matte Mattes are used in photography and special effects filmmaking to combine two or more image elements into a single, final image. Usually, mattes are used to combine a foreground image (e.g. actors on a set) with a background image (e.g. a scenic ...

has a frame line approximately high, whereas both a

full frame Full frame may refer to: * 35mm format * Full frame (cinematography) * Full-frame type charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor See also * Full-frame digital SLR * Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera A mirrorless camera ...

negative and the anamorphic format have very narrow frame lines, with the frames very close together. When a film is properly projected, the frame lines should not be visible to the audience and are typically cropped out in

projection Projection, projections or projective may refer to: Physics * Projection (physics), the action/process of light, heat, or sound reflecting from a surface to another in a different direction * The display of images by a projector Optics, graphic ...

with an aperture mask.