The best photo printers, paper and frames for printing a family archive at home.

Best for: 6 x 4 prints straight from a phone

• Dye-sublimation prints are dry, sealed and smudge-resistant immediately
• Prints direct from phone over Wi-Fi
• Paper and ink come as a matched pack, so cost per print is predictable

Worth knowing: Fixed small format; not for A4 or framed enlargements.

Best for: A4 photo prints and everyday documents from one machine

• Six-ink system including photo blue and grey for smoother tones
• Prints borderless up to A4
• Doubles as a document printer and scanner

Worth knowing: Cartridge running costs add up if you print a lot of large photos.

Best for: A3 photo prints for framing, at a low cost per print

• Prints up to A3+ for larger framed work
• Refillable six-colour tanks keep large prints affordable
• Handles heavier fine-art and photo papers

Worth knowing: A significant upfront spend; justified only if you print regularly at A4 and above.

Best for: Bright, vivid prints on Canon inkjets

• Matched to Canon PIXMA colour profiles for predictable results
• Heavy, glossy sheet that feels like a lab print
• Available in 6 x 4, A4 and other standard sizes

Worth knowing: Gloss shows reflections behind frame glass; choose lustre for bright rooms.

Best for: Framed prints in rooms with windows

• Semi-gloss finish reduces glare behind glass
• Hides fingerprints better than high gloss
• Works across most inkjet brands

Worth knowing: Third-party paper may need a test print to check colour against your printer.

Best for: Presenting a 6 x 4 or 7 x 5 print with breathing room

• Mount keeps the print away from the glazing
• Standard A4 back suits common paper sizes
• Usually supplied with hanging fixings

Worth knowing: Check whether glazing is glass or acrylic; acrylic is lighter and safer for children's rooms.

Best for: A gallery wall of family prints from a SELPHY or lab

• Matching frames make a set of small prints read as one display
• Standard size means prints need no trimming
• Sets are cheaper per frame than singles

Worth knowing: Look at the frame depth if you want to stand them on a shelf.

Best for: Keeping the prints that do not go on the wall

• Acid-free board slows yellowing over decades
• Dividers keep years or events separate
• Stackable for a shelf or cupboard

Worth knowing: Keep it out of lofts and garages; humidity does more damage than the box can prevent.