diff --git a/docs/changelog.txt b/docs/changelog.txt
index c9f9fca89..832a81c56 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.txt
+++ b/docs/changelog.txt
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ changelog.txt uses a syntax similar to RST, with a few special sequences:
 
 ## Lua
 - ``overlay.reload()``: has been renamed to ``overlay.rescan()`` so as not to conflict with the global ``reload()`` function. If you are developing an overlay, please take note of the new function name for reloading your overlay during development.
+- ``gui``: changed frame naming scheme to ``FRAME_X`` rather than ``X_FRAME``, and added aliases for backwards compatibility. (for example ``BOLD_FRAME`` is now called ``FRAME_BOLD``)
 
 ## Removed
 - `orders`: ``library/military_include_artifact_materials`` library file removed since recent research indicates that platinum blunt weapons and silver crossbows are not more effective than standard steel. the alternate military orders file was also causing unneeded confusion.
diff --git a/docs/dev/Lua API.rst b/docs/dev/Lua API.rst
index 1d70647f7..52ca4d935 100644
--- a/docs/dev/Lua API.rst	
+++ b/docs/dev/Lua API.rst	
@@ -4347,32 +4347,32 @@ A framed screen has the following attributes:
 
 There are the following predefined frame style tables:
 
-* ``WINDOW_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_WINDOW``
 
   A frame suitable for a draggable, optionally resizable window.
 
-* ``PANEL_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_PANEL``
 
   A frame suitable for a static (non-draggable, non-resizable) panel.
 
-* ``MEDIUM_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_MEDIUM``
 
   A frame suitable for overlay widget panels.
 
-* ``BOLD_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_BOLD``
 
   A frame suitable for a non-draggable panel meant to capture the user's focus,
   like an important notification, confirmation dialog or error message.
 
-* ``INTERIOR_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_INTERIOR``
 
   A frame suitable for light interior accent elements. This frame does *not*
   have a visible ``DFHack`` signature on it, so it must not be used as the most
   external frame for a DFHack-owned UI.
 
-* ``INTERIOR_MEDIUM_FRAME``
+* ``FRAME_INTERIOR_MEDIUM``
 
-  A copy of ``MEDIUM_FRAME`` that lacks the ``DFHack`` signature. Suitable for
+  A copy of ``FRAME_MEDIUM`` that lacks the ``DFHack`` signature. Suitable for
   panels that are part of a larger widget cluster. Must *not* be used as the
   most external frame for a DFHack-owned UI.
 
diff --git a/library/lua/gui.lua b/library/lua/gui.lua
index 7e991e1df..d511cd51f 100644
--- a/library/lua/gui.lua
+++ b/library/lua/gui.lua
@@ -923,17 +923,26 @@ local function make_frame(name, double_line)
     return frame
 end
 
-WINDOW_FRAME = make_frame('Window', true)
-PANEL_FRAME = make_frame('Panel', false)
-MEDIUM_FRAME = make_frame('Medium', false)
-BOLD_FRAME = make_frame('Bold', true)
-INTERIOR_FRAME = make_frame('Thin', false)
-INTERIOR_FRAME.signature_pen = false
-INTERIOR_MEDIUM_FRAME = copyall(MEDIUM_FRAME)
-INTERIOR_MEDIUM_FRAME.signature_pen = false
+FRAME_WINDOW = make_frame('Window', true)
+FRAME_PANEL = make_frame('Panel', false)
+FRAME_MEDIUM = make_frame('Medium', false)
+FRAME_BOLD = make_frame('Bold', true)
+FRAME_INTERIOR = make_frame('Thin', false)
+FRAME_INTERIOR.signature_pen = false
+FRAME_INTERIOR_MEDIUM = copyall(FRAME_MEDIUM)
+FRAME_INTERIOR_MEDIUM.signature_pen = false
 
 -- for compatibility with pre-steam code
-GREY_LINE_FRAME = WINDOW_FRAME
+GREY_LINE_FRAME = FRAME_PANEL
+
+-- for compatibility with deprecated frame naming scheme
+WINDOW_FRAME = FRAME_WINDOW
+PANEL_FRAME = FRAME_PANEL
+MEDIUM_FRAME = FRAME_MEDIUM
+BOLD_FRAME = FRAME_BOLD
+INTERIOR_FRAME = FRAME_INTERIOR
+INTERIOR_MEDIUM_FRAME = FRAME_INTERIOR_MEDIUM
+
 
 function paint_frame(dc,rect,style,title,inactive,pause_forced,resizable)
     local pen = style.frame_pen
@@ -942,8 +951,8 @@ function paint_frame(dc,rect,style,title,inactive,pause_forced,resizable)
     dscreen.paintTile(style.rt_frame_pen or pen, x2, y1)
     dscreen.paintTile(style.lb_frame_pen or pen, x1, y2)
     local rb_frame_pen = style.rb_frame_pen
-    if rb_frame_pen == WINDOW_FRAME.rb_frame_pen and not resizable then
-        rb_frame_pen = PANEL_FRAME.rb_frame_pen
+    if rb_frame_pen == FRAME_WINDOW.rb_frame_pen and not resizable then
+        rb_frame_pen = FRAME_PANEL.rb_frame_pen
     end
     dscreen.paintTile(rb_frame_pen or pen, x2, y2)
     dscreen.fillRect(style.t_frame_pen or style.h_frame_pen or pen,x1+1,y1,x2-1,y1)