Proxies have become an integral part of the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) community, especially with the surging popularity of Commander. This casual format thrives on creativity and accessibility, often leading players to explore budget-friendly alternatives to expensive cards. While proxies were once primarily used for playtesting before competitive events, they are now a staple in casual games, allowing players to enjoy a wider range of strategies and decks without breaking the bank.
Affordable MTG proxies significantly boost the game’s accessibility, empowering players to engage with Magic in a way that suits their financial comfort. For formats like cEDH (competitive Commander), proxies are almost essential for most players to participate. Even in Legacy and Vintage, proxies are widely accepted in non-sanctioned events, fostering a more inclusive environment. If you’re looking to create your own MTG proxy cards, the crucial question is: which printing service should you choose?
As a dedicated proxy user, I’ve explored various options and compiled a list of the best Mtg Print Proxy services available, along with key factors to consider.
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What to Look for in MTG Proxy Printing Services
Body Double | Illustration by Winona Nelson
MTG proxy printing services provide a convenient way to obtain physical proxies delivered right to your door. This list focuses exclusively on services that ship physical cards, setting them apart from those that only generate printable PDFs for home use.
These services generally fall into two categories:
- Decklist Upload Services: These allow you to upload entire decklists, streamlining the process for complete proxy decks.
- Individual Card Storefronts: These function more like online stores where you can select and purchase individual proxy cards as needed.
While both types are included in this ranking, services that handle entire decklists are generally more efficient for building Commander or other format-ready proxy collections.
#5: Etsy – The Wild Card for Unique MTG Proxies
Etsy Magic: The Gathering Proxy products
Etsy Marketplace for MTG Proxy Products
Etsy stands out as the most unpredictable marketplace for MTG proxies. Think of it as the Outlaws of Thunder Junction of proxy services – you’re never quite sure what treasures you might uncover. From full proxy decks themed around pop culture like One Piece to breathtaking alternate art versions of cats, mana rocks, and lands, Etsy offers unparalleled variety.
This vast selection is both its strength and its weakness. While you can find incredibly unique and artistic proxies, Etsy tends to be pricier than dedicated proxy printing services. However, if you’re seeking distinctive or even slightly edgy proxies, Etsy is worth exploring.
#4: Proxy King – High-Quality Proxies for Key MTG Cards
Proxy King specializes in producing high-fidelity proxies that closely mimic authentic Magic cards. The subtle differences include a slightly smoother finish and a lighter shade on the card back. Their primary focus is on proxying high-value, sought-after cards.
While not ideal for proxying entire decks due to potentially higher costs, Proxy King excels when you need proxies of a few specific, expensive cards. This makes them a strong choice for acquiring proxies of fetch lands, original dual lands, Power Nine, Reserved List staples, or format all-stars like Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx, The Great Henge, or Anointed Procession.
#3: MTG Proxy – Straightforward and Deck-Focused
MTG Proxy homepage
MTG Proxy Website Homepage
MTG Proxy is built for printing entire MTG decks efficiently. Their pricing structure is volume-based – the more cards you order, the lower the per-card price becomes. Shipping is also known for its speed.
The service excels in its clarity and focus. Named simply “MTG Proxy,” it delivers precisely that. They even offer Proxy Boosters, packs containing 16 high-power and rare proxy cards for a surprise element. With a user-friendly interface and the option to upload custom images for personalized art, MTG Proxy is a no-nonsense choice for getting your proxy decks printed.
#2: Printing Proxies – A Versatile Card Game Proxy Solution
Printing Proxies provides excellent service with a broader scope. Besides fast shipping and high-quality MTG proxies, they extend their services to proxies for other popular card games like Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon.
This makes Printing Proxies a fantastic option for players interested in exploring various trading card games alongside MTG formats like Legacy, Commander, and more. Its versatility positions it as a one-stop shop for proxy needs across multiple card game universes.
#1: Make Playing Cards (MPC) – The Budget-Conscious Choice
Make Playing Cards proxy service
Make Playing Cards Website
Make Playing Cards (MPC) is my top recommendation for MTG print proxies, particularly for budget-minded players. However, be aware that their website is feature-rich and can seem complex initially, with strict copyright policies to navigate.
The most effective way to use MPC is with MPCFill, a community-developed application. MPCFill simplifies the process by allowing you to select card art and automatically handles order creation on the MPC platform.
While the added step of using MPCFill and the slightly steeper learning curve might seem less convenient than other services, the payoff is significant: MPC offers the most affordable proxies. Since budget is a primary concern for many proxy users, the extra effort for MPC is often worthwhile. If convenience is your priority, Printing Proxies might be a better fit.
Buyer’s Guide: Key Considerations for MTG Print Proxies
Armasaur Guide – Art by Loic Canavaggia
When choosing an MTG print proxy service, keep these crucial factors in mind:
Price: Cost-Effectiveness Matters
Price is a major deciding factor. For bulk orders, especially when proxying entire decks, aim for a per-card cost of around $1 or less once you exceed 50 cards. If you’re building a budget deck with many common and inexpensive cards, it might even be more economical to purchase the actual cards themselves.
Custom proxies and alters, featuring unique artwork, will naturally cost more, potentially approaching the price of real MTG cards. Whether the unique art is worth the premium is a personal decision.
Dimensions: Ensuring Compatibility
Card dimensions are paramount, especially if you intend to mix proxies with genuine MTG cards in sleeves. If proxies have different dimensions, even by a few millimeters in thickness, they can be easily distinguished from real cards, leading to marked cards in play. Verify the dimensions offered by the proxy service to ensure they match standard MTG card sizes.
Legibility: Clarity is Key for Gameplay
Legibility is crucial for practical gameplay. While using official card art ensures instant recognition, custom art is acceptable as long as the card’s function remains clear to all players. Ideally, all players should be able to easily understand what each proxy card does to maintain smooth and fair games. This is a point even Wizards of the Coast sometimes struggles with in their Secret Lair products, highlighting the importance of clear card design.
The Legality of Printing MTG Proxies
Printing MTG proxies is legal for personal use and falls under Wizards of the Coast’s fan content policy. However, proxies are strictly prohibited in sanctioned events and using them will result in disqualification.
It’s essential to distinguish between proxies and counterfeit cards. The key difference lies in intent: proxies are intended as stand-ins for personal play, while counterfeits are designed to deceive and be passed off as genuine cards. To avoid any confusion, and often as a requirement from proxy services, consider using alternate art or distinct card backs to clearly differentiate your proxies from authentic MTG cards.
Final Thoughts on MTG Print Proxies
Holographic Double | Illustration by Tyler Walpole
MTG proxies are invaluable tools that unlock access to formats that might otherwise be financially prohibitive, especially formats like Legacy and Vintage with expensive Reserved List cards. MTG print proxy services simplify the process of obtaining these proxies, enabling players to explore a wider spectrum of Magic formats and deck archetypes. By making the game more accessible, proxies contribute to a stronger and more inclusive MTG community.
Do you use proxies in your Commander decks or for other formats? What is your preferred MTG proxy printing service? Share your experiences in the comments below or join the discussion on the Draftsim Discord!
Thank you for reading, and play safe!
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