A balanced stencil foil tensioning frame with a foil alignment fixture removes the need for the complex air/bladder arrangement of conventional systems by pivoting side members to engage foil. With less components, the tensioning frame system is reliable and light weight with few moving parts. In one embodiment, a base member can receive a stencil foil and a frame top can lock into the base member, depressing the edges of the stencil foil. The amount of provided depression can adjust the tension of the foil. In another embodiment, a plurality of tension segments can move in a linear direction to create a uniform foil tension. The alignment fixture can be wall mounted to hold foil in a vertical position. This allows for consistent alignment and attachment of foil to the tensioning frame.