MTG Card Printing Guide: Professional Results Every Time

Printing Magic: The Gathering cards requires attention to detail, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide covers everything from printer settings to finishing techniques.

Pre-Printing Preparation

Image Quality Checklist

Before printing, verify:

• Resolution: 300 DPI minimum
• Dimensions: 2.5" × 3.5" (63.5mm × 88.9mm)
• Format: PNG for best quality
• Color accuracy: Colors match your design
• Text clarity: All text is readable

File Organization

• Organize cards by set or deck
• Name files clearly
• Keep originals backed up
• Create print-ready versions

Printer Selection

Inkjet Printers

Best for: Home printing, color accuracy

Pros:

• Excellent color reproduction
• Affordable
• Good for photo paper

Cons:

• Slower printing
• Higher ink costs
• May smudge if not dried

Laser Printers

Best for: Text-heavy cards, bulk printing

Pros:

• Fast printing
• Lower cost per page
• No smudging

Cons:

• Less color accuracy
• More expensive upfront
• Limited paper options

Professional Print Services

Best for: Highest quality, large quantities

Pros:

• Professional quality
• Various paper options
• Perfect cutting

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Requires file preparation
• Shipping time

Printer Settings

Essential Settings

Print Quality:

• Set to "Best" or "High"
• Never use "Draft" mode
• Higher quality = better results

Paper Size:

• Use Letter (8.5" × 11") or A4
• Ensure correct paper size selected
• Check printer tray settings

Scaling:

• Critical: Set to "Actual Size" or 100%
• Never use "Fit to Page"
• Verify scaling before printing

Color Mode:

• Use "Color" even for black cards
• Ensures proper grays and contrast
• Check color settings match paper type

Paper Type:

• Select matching paper type
• "Photo Paper" for photo paper
• "Cardstock" for heavy paper
• "Plain Paper" for regular paper

Paper Selection

Cardstock (100-110lb)

Best for: Standalone cards, display pieces

Settings:

• Paper type: "Cardstock" or "Heavy Paper"
• Print quality: Best
• Allow extra drying time

Photo Paper (Matte)

Best for: Sleeved play, color accuracy

Settings:

• Paper type: "Photo Paper" or "Matte Photo"
• Print quality: Best
• Handle carefully to avoid fingerprints

Regular Paper

Best for: Testing, budget printing

Settings:

• Paper type: "Plain Paper"
• Print quality: Best
• Use with sleeve trick

See our detailed paper guide for more information.

Printing Process

Step 1: Test Print

Always print one test card first:

1. Print a single card
2. Measure dimensions (should be 2.5" × 3.5")
3. Check color accuracy
4. Verify text readability
5. Test in a sleeve if using sleeves

Step 2: Batch Printing

Once test is successful:

1. Arrange multiple cards on page
2. Use proper spacing (0.25" minimum)
3. Print in batches to avoid jams
4. Allow ink to dry between batches

Step 3: Drying

Critical for inkjet printers:

• Wait 5-10 minutes before handling
• Avoid touching printed surface
• Store flat while drying
• Don't stack until fully dry

Cutting Techniques

Tools Needed

• Paper cutter (guillotine) - Best for straight cuts
• Craft knife and ruler - Alternative method
• Cutting mat - Protects surface
• Corner rounder (optional) - For rounded corners

Cutting Process

Method 1: Paper Cutter

1. Align card edge with cutter guide
2. Check alignment twice
3. Cut firmly in one motion
4. Repeat for all edges

Method 2: Craft Knife

1. Place ruler along cut line
2. Hold ruler firmly
3. Make multiple light passes
4. Don't try to cut through in one pass

Cutting Tips

• Cut inside the border to avoid white edges
• Use a sharp blade for clean cuts
• Measure twice, cut once
• Cut all cards consistently

Corner Rounding

Optional but adds authenticity:

1. Use corner rounder tool
2. Match Magic card corner radius
3. Round all four corners
4. Be consistent across cards

The Sleeve Trick

What is the Sleeve Trick?

Placing a printed proxy in front of a real card inside a sleeve.

Steps

1. Print proxy on thin paper
2. Cut to exact size
3. Take a bulk common card
4. Place proxy in front of real card
5. Insert both into sleeve

Benefits

• Perfect card thickness
• Authentic shuffle feel
• Protects printout
• Easy to replace

Finishing Techniques

Lamination (Optional)

Pros:

• Extra durability
• Water resistance
• Professional appearance

Cons:

• Adds thickness
• May not fit in sleeves
• Permanent modification

Edge Smoothing

• Lightly sand edges if rough
• Use fine-grit sandpaper
• Smooth all edges evenly
• Remove dust before sleeving

Surface Protection

• Use matte finish to reduce glare
• Avoid glossy finishes (too slippery)
• Consider spray fixative (test first)

Troubleshooting

Problem: Cards Print Too Small

Causes:

• Printer scaling set incorrectly
• Image resolution too low
• "Fit to Page" enabled

Solutions:

• Set scaling to 100% or "Actual Size"
• Disable "Fit to Page"
• Verify image dimensions

Problem: Cards Print Too Large

Causes:

• Scaling set above 100%
• Wrong paper size selected
• Image dimensions incorrect

Solutions:

• Set scaling to exactly 100%
• Verify paper size settings
• Check image dimensions

Problem: Colors Look Washed Out

Causes:

• Wrong paper type selected
• Low print quality setting
• Printer needs calibration

Solutions:

• Select correct paper type
• Increase print quality
• Calibrate printer colors
• Use photo paper for better colors

Problem: Text is Blurry

Causes:

• Resolution too low
• Print quality too low
• Image upscaled poorly

Solutions:

• Use 300+ DPI images
• Set print quality to "Best"
• Start with high-resolution source

Problem: Ink Smudges

Causes:

• Not enough drying time
• Wrong paper type
• Handling too soon

Solutions:

• Wait 10+ minutes before handling
• Use appropriate paper
• Handle by edges only

Problem: Cards Don't Fit in Sleeves

Causes:

• Wrong dimensions
• Scaling issues
• Too thick (if laminated)

Solutions:

• Verify 2.5" × 3.5" dimensions
• Check printer scaling
• Use thinner paper if laminated

Professional Printing Services

When to Use

• Large quantities (50+ cards)
• Highest quality needed
• Special paper requirements
• Perfect cutting needed

What to Provide

• High-resolution files (300+ DPI)
• Exact dimensions specified
• Color profile information
• Quantity and paper preferences

Service Options

• Local print shops
• Online card printing services
• Specialty game card printers
• Print-on-demand services

Cost Considerations

Home Printing Costs

• Paper: $0.05-0.50 per card
• Ink: $0.10-0.30 per card
• Time: 5-10 minutes per card
• Total: ~$0.15-0.80 per card

Professional Printing Costs

• Setup fee: $10-50
• Per card: $0.25-1.00
• Minimum order: Usually 25-50 cards
• Total: Higher upfront, lower per-card

Best Practices Summary

1. Always test print first
2. Use 300+ DPI images
3. Set printer to "Actual Size"
4. Choose appropriate paper
5. Allow proper drying time
6. Cut carefully and consistently
7. Use sleeve trick for thin paper
8. Store cards properly

Advanced Techniques

Double-Sided Printing

• Print front and back separately
• Align carefully when cutting
• Use registration marks if possible

Full-Art Cards

• Extend art to edges
• Include bleed margins
• Cut precisely to avoid white edges

Foil Effects

• Use glossy photo paper
• Consider foil printing services
• Test before printing many

Conclusion

Printing Magic: The Gathering cards professionally requires attention to detail, but following this guide will help you achieve excellent results. Start with high-quality images from TCGCustom, use proper printer settings, choose the right paper, and cut carefully.

Remember: Always test print one card first, and don't rush the process. With practice and the right techniques, your printed cards will look professional and be ready for play.