Creating your own Magic: The Gathering (MTG) proxy cards can be a cost-effective and fun way to playtest decks or replace damaged cards for casual play. Achieving a satisfying result hinges on understanding the nuances of printing. Whether you’re aiming for near-replica quality or simply playable proxies, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to Print Mtg Cards effectively, balancing quality and cost.
Key Considerations for Printing MTG Cards
To maximize the quality of your printed MTG cards, several factors come into play. Let’s delve into each aspect to ensure you get the best possible outcome for your DIY proxies.
Opt for High-Quality Print Settings
When it comes to printing, quality settings are paramount. Always select the highest quality setting on your printer. While it might seem like overkill, the increased ink usage is minimal, especially for card-sized prints. The trade-off is a significantly longer printing time, potentially three to five times longer, but the enhanced detail and color accuracy are well worth the wait for a superior final product.
Leverage Printer DPI and Manage Ink Costs
The DPI (dots per inch) of your printer directly impacts print clarity. Utilize the printer in your home with the highest DPI for sharper images and text on your MTG cards. If budget is a concern, consider printers known for efficient ink usage. Generally, newer printer models offer both higher DPI and improved ink cartridge economy, giving you a better balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. For larger print jobs, consider external options.
Home Printing vs. Print Shops: Cost Analysis
For smaller batches, home printing is convenient. However, for larger quantities, especially exceeding 20 pages, print shops like FedEx/Kinko’s can become economically advantageous. Their per-page print costs can be lower for bulk printing compared to the accumulated ink and paper costs of a home printer. Evaluate your printing volume to decide whether home printing or a print shop offers the better financial solution for your MTG card printing needs.
Paper Type: Avoid Glossy at All Costs
A critical mistake to avoid is using glossy paper. Glossy paper is utterly unsuitable for MTG proxies. It has a tendency to stick to card sleeves or protectors, creating a visually unappealing and impractical card. Furthermore, the reflective surface of glossy paper can detract from the card’s visual clarity, making it harder to read and appreciate the printed details.
Cardstock and Photo Paper: Your Ideal Choices
For optimal print quality and card feel, cardstock paper is an excellent choice. The weight and texture of non-precut business card paper work exceptionally well for creating sturdy and authentic-feeling MTG proxies. If you are willing to invest a bit more for premium results, non-glossy photograph paper, particularly brands like Kodak, elevates the print quality further, offering richer colors and a smoother finish, closely resembling actual MTG cards.
The Importance of Test Prints and Color Calibration
Before committing to a large print run, always perform test prints. Printing a single test card allows you to fine-tune color accuracy. Printers and monitors can display colors differently, so calibrating saturation and brightness settings is crucial to achieve the desired look. While often subtle, these adjustments make a noticeable difference in the final appearance of your printed MTG cards, ensuring they look their best.
Budget-Friendly Proxies: Prioritizing Playability
If your primary focus is gameplay and not aesthetics, the most economical method is printing on standard 8.5″ x 11″ white paper. Simply cut out the cards and insert them into card sleeves along with a real MTG card for rigidity. This method prioritizes functionality, allowing you to create playable proxies quickly and cheaply, perfect for playtesting and casual games where visual perfection is not essential.
Conclusion
Printing your own MTG cards involves a balance of quality and cost. By considering printer settings, paper choice, and print volume, you can create proxies that meet your specific needs. Whether you aim for high-fidelity replicas or budget-friendly stand-ins, these guidelines will help you navigate the process and achieve satisfying results for your MTG proxy projects.
