How to Make MTG Proxy Cards (and When to Use Them)

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If you want to see how different cards fit into your Magic: The Gathering deck, making proxies allows you to test out new play styles. Proxies are just printed playtest versions of cards that help you try out new deck ideas before you spend money on actual cards. Luckily, proxies are really easy to make at home. Keep reading to learn how to make proxy MTG cards and when you’re able to use them in a game.

Quick Guide to MTG Proxies

Use a card printing service like Printing Proxies, MPC, or MTG Proxy for the most realistic cards. Alternatively, use a service like MTG Print to print your proxy cards on your home printer. Proxy MTG cards are allowed in casual games, but they are illegal in tournament matches.

Section 1 of 4:

Best MTG Proxy Makers

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    Printing Proxies prints their proxy cards on similar cardstock as actual MTG cards, so they feel like the real deal. You can easily import a decklist or upload custom card designs. If you make an account, you can save card proxies for later so you can easily reprint or edit them.
    • Proxy prices depend on the number of cards in your order:
      • 1-9 cards: $2 USD each
      • 10-49 cards: $1.50 USD each
      • 50-199 cards: $1 USD each
      • 200+ cards: $0.75 USD each
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    MTG Proxy uses the same material as real Magic cards, so the proxies they print look and feel really similar. The site allows you to type in card names and choose the set for your proxy, or you can upload custom artwork. When you place your order, it ships within 1-2 business days for a quick turnaround time.
    • The price per proxy card depends on how many you order:
      • 1-9 cards: $2 USD each
      • 10-49 cards: $1.50 USD each
      • 50-199 cards: $1 USD each
      • 200+ cards: $0.75 USD each
    • You may also add holographic foil to cards for an added fee.
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    MTG Print lets you type in a list of any Magic: The Gathering cards you want to make a proxy. When you submit the list, you’re able to choose which variation of the art you want as well. When you click “Print,” the site saves a PDF with all the proxy cards so you can print them off at home.
    • MTG Print is free to use.
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    MPC prints cards on professional cardstock and you can use your own custom art or abilities. Try the MPCfill tool to import the card list of proxies you want to make, select the variants you want, and save the files. Upload the new file to MPC to order your proxy cards.
    • MPC card prices depend on how many cards you have and how many decks you order.
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    MTG Cardbuilder is a free tool where you can edit all the information on your card, like the frame, title, rarity, icons, and images. With a premium subscription, you can save any proxies you make so you can easily edit them.
    • Using the creator tool is free once you sign up for an account. If you want to remove ads and access all the features, a premium subscription costs $5 USD.
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    MTG Cardsmith allows you to easily customize your own proxies by adding your own artwork, new abilities, and even making a unique card. The creator tool has simple buttons and text boxes so change the details on your cards only takes a few clicks. When you’re finished, you’re able to save a file with your proxy card.
    • MTG Cardsmith is free to use once you create an account, but you can unlock premium features for $5 USD a month.
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    MTGNexus has a Card and Set Creator tool so you can create custom proxies with your own art and abilities. The site also has a forum where you can browse custom cards and sets that other users have made so you’re able to try them out too.
    • MTGNexus is free, but requires you to sign up for an account.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Make Proxy Magic Cards at Home

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    Cardstock and glossy photo paper work best for printing proxy cards because they’re more durable than standard paper. Either print the cards yourself, or take the image files from a proxy maker to a print shop for a more professional touch.
    • Some print shops may not reprint copyrighted images or materials, so double-check if you’re able to make proxies there ahead of time.
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    Use a pair of scissors or a paper cutter to trim the cards so they’re 2.5 by 3.5 inches (6.4 cm × 8.9 cm). To make your proxy look even more realistic, use a corner rounder to get rid of the sharp corners. [1]
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    Place your proxies in card sleeves with a backing card. Because most proxies have a different image on the back or are printed on paper, card sleeves help your proxies blend in with the rest of your deck. If you’re using a proxy card printed on regular paper, place another Magic card in the sleeve behind it. That way, it will have the same weight and feel as an actual card.
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Section 3 of 4:

Are MTG proxies tournament legal?

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    Wizards of the Coast does not allow proxy cards in any official tournament. However, some local tournaments may allow proxies for basic lands. Always check the tournament rules and regulations for the specific tournaments you’re entering. [2]
    • You may be allowed to use a proxy card during a tournament if the original card gets damaged while you’re playing.
    • If you’re caught using proxies during a tournament match, you could get disqualified or not be allowed to compete in future tournaments.
Section 4 of 4:

MTG Proxy FAQ

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    Proxy cards usually have a watermark or seal in the bottom corner that are not present on real MTG cards. Proxies also have different images on the card backs so they’re not confused for the real deal.
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    Some Magic proxy services offer holographic foil printing as an upgrade, but they tend to be more expensive. If you want to make your own foil proxies at home, then an old foil card you don’t want anymore will do the trick. [3]
    • Wet a paper towel with acetone and gently rub the card art until all the ink is removed.
    • Create the proxy image using a proxy printing service or a photo editing app.
    • Print the proxy art on transparent sticker paper .
    • Cut out your proxy card.
    • Peel off the sticker backing and attach the proxy to the blank foil card.
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    Yes, many proxy card makers let you upload your own art or edit the text on cards so you can add new abilities. If you have an idea for a new card, create a fully custom proxy that you can use in your deck.
    • Before you play a casual game with a custom card you designed, let other players know that you’re using it in your deck.
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    Wizards of the Coast, the company that makes Magic cards, has stated that they don’t care if people use proxy cards for casual games or playtesting new deck ideas. As long as your proxy cards are only for personal use, then it’s okay to make and play with them. [4]
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    No, proxy Magic cards are considered “counterfeits” and selling them could get you in trouble with law enforcement. Keep proxy cards that you make for yourself and use them just for casual games. [5]
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      Tips

      • If you aren’t able to make your own proxy cards, just write the name and ability of the card you’re proxying on a basic land card. Just let other players know you’ve included a proxy card in your deck.
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      Warnings

      • Proxy cards are not allowed in official Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and using them could get you disqualified or banned from competing.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://draftsim.com/mtg-card-size/
      2. ↑ https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/proxies-policy-and-communication-2016-01-14
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/f8uZnCub_RU?t=14
      4. ↑ https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/proxies-policy-and-communication-2016-01-14
      5. ↑ https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/proxies-policy-and-communication-2016-01-14

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