Best Practices for Printing MTG Proxies

You've designed the perfect commander, and now you want to play it. Here is how to print your TCGCustom creations for the best results.

Resolution Matters

Always export at the highest resolution available. We provide exports that are suitable for printing at standard card size (2.5" x 3.5") at 300 DPI or higher to ensure text is crisp.

Paper Choice

If you are printing at home:

• Cardstock: use 100lb to 110lb cardstock for a sturdy feel.
• Photo Paper: Matte photo paper often gives the best color accuracy but can be flimsy. Stick it in front of a real bulk common in a sleeve for the best "feel".

Sizing and Margins

A standard MTG card is 63mm x 88mm.

• When printing, ensure your printer scaling is set to "100%" or "Actual Size". Do not "Fit to Page".
• TCGCustom exports include a small margin (bleed) in some modes. If you are cutting it out yourself, cutting just inside the colored border ensures no white edges show.

The "Sleeve Trick"

The most common way to play with custom cards is the Sleeve Trick:

1. Take a common Magic card you don't need (a land or bulk common).
2. Print your custom card on regular paper or thin glossy paper.
3. Cut it out carefully.
4. Slide the printout in front of the real card inside a card sleeve.

This gives the card the exact stiffness and shuffle-feel of a real card while showing your custom art.

Happy gaming!