Frame TV Christmas art: how to upload and display it
A Samsung The Frame TV can show artwork when you're not watching anything, which makes it an easy way to decorate for the holidays. Swap in a few Christmas images in December and your TV becomes part of the decor instead of a big black rectangle.
Menus and app names change between TV models and software updates, so treat the steps below as a general guide and check your TV's own menus or Samsung's help pages if something looks different.
Step 1: Get the right image size
Frame TVs have a 16:9 screen. Artwork made for that shape fills the screen with no black bars or awkward cropping.
- Best size: 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K) for newer Frame models.
- Also fine: 1920 × 1080 for older or smaller models, though 4K files generally look sharper.
- File type: JPG is the most widely supported. PNG usually works too.
- Orientation: Landscape (wider than tall), unless you have a rotating mount set up for portrait.
If your image is a different shape, the TV will crop it or add borders. Choosing art made for 16:9 saves you the trouble.
Step 2: Get the files onto your phone or a USB drive
If you downloaded art as a ZIP file, unzip it first. On a computer, right-click and choose "Extract all" (Windows) or double-click (Mac). On a phone, use your file manager app. Then save the images to your phone's photo gallery, or copy them to a USB flash drive.
Step 3: Upload the art
Option A: From your phone with the SmartThings app
- Install Samsung's SmartThings app and connect it to your TV (your phone and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network).
- Open your TV in the app and look for the Art Mode or Art section.
- Choose the option to add your own photos (often labeled something like "Add your photos" or "My Photos").
- Select the Christmas images from your phone and send them to the TV.
Option B: From a USB drive
- Copy the images to a USB flash drive (a regular FAT32 or exFAT formatted drive works for most TVs).
- Plug the drive into the TV's USB port or the One Connect box.
- Go to Art Mode on the TV, open the section for your own photos, and choose to add images from the USB device.
- Select the images and save them to the TV.
Uploading to the TV's memory means you can unplug the USB drive afterward.
Step 4: Adjust how it looks
- Mat (matte): Frame TVs can add a digital mat around the art. For full-screen Christmas scenes, choose "No mat" so the art fills the screen. For a gallery look, try a white or cream mat.
- Brightness and color tone: In Art Mode settings, you can usually adjust brightness and warmth. Lower brightness in the evening makes art look more like a print and less like a screen.
- Motion sensor and sleep: Many models can turn off Art Mode when nobody is in the room, saving energy. Check the Art Mode options for a sleep timer or motion detection setting.
Step 5: Make a December slideshow
If you uploaded several images, you can usually set them to rotate. In Art Mode, select your images and look for a slideshow or shuffle option. Choose how often to change, such as every hour or once a day. A rotation of 8 to 12 pieces keeps the screen fresh all month without feeling busy.
Styling tips for a festive look
- Match your decor. If your tree has red and gold ornaments, pick art with warm reds and golds. Folk-art or vintage styles look cozy next to wood and greenery.
- Change it with the season. Use wintry scenes in early December, more Christmas-specific art closer to the 25th, and snowy landscapes into January.
- Add a garland. A light garland above the TV or a few candles (battery ones are safest near electronics) frames the art like a mantel.
- Party mode. For a holiday party, set a faster rotation so guests see several pieces.
Troubleshooting
- The image has black bars: It isn't 16:9. Use a 16:9 version or crop it on your phone before uploading.
- It looks blurry: The file may be low resolution. Use a larger file, ideally 3840 × 2160.
- The TV doesn't see the USB drive: Check that the files are images (not still zipped), and that the drive is formatted in a format the TV reads.
- The app can't find the TV: Make sure both are on the same Wi-Fi network and the TV is on.
Does this work on other TVs?
Many smart TVs and streaming devices have a screensaver or ambient mode that can show your own photos. The exact steps vary, but the same 16:9, high-resolution art usually works. You can also show the images on a digital photo frame or a computer monitor.
Common questions
What size should Frame TV art be?
16:9 landscape, ideally 3840 × 2160 pixels for 4K models. 1920 × 1080 also works but may look less sharp on large screens.
Do I need a Samsung Art Store subscription to show my own art?
Generally no. You can upload your own images through the SmartThings app or a USB drive without a subscription.
Can I rotate several Christmas images automatically?
Yes, most Frame models offer a slideshow or shuffle option in Art Mode for your own photos.
Want it ready to print?
The Keepsake Depot Christmas Frame TV art set has 12 4K images sized for the 16:9 Frame screen, ready to upload with the steps above. It's an instant download, so nothing is shipped.
See the Christmas Frame TV art set of 12 on Etsy
Holiday sale: 20% off in the Etsy shop through Dec 4.
More ideas: all Keepsake Depot guides.