Spark Double – Illustration by Eric Deschamps
In the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), proxies have emerged as a significant tool for players, particularly with the surging popularity of Commander. Moving away from the hyper-competitive tournament scene and embracing a more relaxed playstyle, Commander and other casual formats often see players utilizing proxies extensively. Where once proxies were primarily used for rigorous playtesting before major events, today, it’s commonplace to encounter players at a Commander table wielding decks filled with carefully crafted stand-in cards.
The rise of affordable proxies has been a boon for accessibility within MTG, empowering players to engage with the game on their own terms. For many Competitive EDH (cEDH) enthusiasts, proxies aren’t just convenient—they’re essential for participating in the format. Similarly, many Legacy and Vintage players gladly accept proxies in non-sanctioned games, understanding the financial barriers to entry in these formats. If you’re looking to explore the world of proxy MTG cards, the crucial question becomes: which Mtg Proxy Printer service should you choose?
As someone deeply familiar with the proxy scene, I’ve compiled a list of top-tier alternatives to guide your decision.
Understanding MTG Proxy Printing Services
MTG proxy printing services are businesses that specialize in creating and shipping physical proxy cards directly to you. This guide focuses exclusively on services that deliver tangible proxies, setting them apart from websites that merely generate printable PDF files for DIY home printing.
These services generally fall into two categories: those that allow you to upload complete decklists for a streamlined, custom printing experience, and those that function more like online stores, where you select individual proxies from a pre-existing catalog. While this list includes both types, services that offer full decklist printing are generally favored for their convenience and efficiency.
#5. Etsy: The Wild Card of MTG Proxies
Etsy Magic: The Gathering Proxy products
Etsy stands out as the most unpredictable marketplace for MTG proxies. It’s a realm where you can stumble upon anything from entire proxied decks themed around popular anime series to breathtaking alternate art versions of basic lands, mana rocks, and even cats. This vast diversity is both Etsy’s greatest strength and its primary weakness. While it can be pricier than dedicated proxy printing services, Etsy offers unparalleled uniqueness and artistic variety. For those seeking proxies with a distinct flair, or even more adult-themed proxies, Etsy is a compelling option.
#4. Proxy King: High-Fidelity Proxies for Key Cards
Proxy King is renowned for producing high-quality proxies that closely mimic authentic Magic cards. Their proxies are distinguished by subtle differences, such as a slightly smoother finish and a lighter shade on the card back. Proxy King concentrates on replicating high-value cards, making it less ideal for proxying entire Commander decks. However, it excels when you need proxies for a few specific, expensive staples. If you’re after convincing proxies of fetch lands, original dual lands, Power Nine cards, Reserved List gems, or format all-stars like Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx or The Great Henge, Proxy King is a solid choice.
#3. MTG Proxy: Straightforward Deck Proxying
MTG Proxy homepage
MTG Proxy is specifically designed for printing entire MTG decks with ease. Their pricing structure is volume-based, meaning the more cards you order, the lower the per-card price becomes. They are also known for their relatively quick shipping times. The site’s clarity is a major advantage—it’s named MTG Proxy, and it delivers precisely that: MTG proxies. They even offer Proxy Boosters, packs containing 16 powerful and rare proxy cards, adding another layer of appeal. With a user-friendly interface and the option to upload custom images for personalized art or unique card designs, MTG Proxy provides a no-nonsense, effective service.
#2. Printing Proxies: A Versatile Card Game Solution
Printing Proxies stands out for its exceptional service and broad range. Beyond fast delivery of high-quality MTG proxies, they extend their offerings to proxies for other popular trading card games like Lorcana, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon. This makes Printing Proxies a fantastic resource for exploring different trading card games in addition to your favorite MTG formats like Legacy, Commander, or any other format you wish to delve into. This versatility positions them as a comprehensive hub for various card game proxy needs.
#1. Make Playing Cards: The Budget-Conscious Choice
Make Playing Cards proxy service
Make Playing Cards (MPC) is my preferred MTG proxy printer, though it comes with a caveat: the website is feature-rich but can be overwhelming, and they have strict copyright policies. The simplest way to navigate this is to use MPCFill, a community-developed application that streamlines the process. MPCFill allows you to select card art and automates order placement with MPC.
While the added complexity and the need for an external application might seem less convenient compared to other services, the payoff is significant: MPC offers considerably cheaper proxies. For those primarily driven by budget considerations, like myself, the extra steps are well worth the savings. However, if convenience is your top priority, Printing Proxies might be a more suitable option.
Buyer’s Guide: Key Considerations for MTG Proxy Printers
Armasaur Guide – Illustration by Loïc Canavaggia
When selecting an MTG proxy printer, several factors should weigh into your decision.
Price
Price is a paramount concern. When ordering proxies in bulk, especially from print-on-demand services, you ideally want to keep the cost per card around or below $1 USD once your order exceeds 50 cards. If you intend to proxy an entire deck, calculate the total cost for all proxies. For budget-oriented decks primarily composed of common and uncommon cards, it might even be more economical to purchase the actual low-value cards rather than proxy them.
Custom proxies or altered art proxies may come at a higher cost, potentially approaching the price of genuine MTG cards. This premium reflects the added value of unique artwork. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal valuation of unique aesthetics versus cost savings.
Dimensions
Card dimensions are critically important, particularly if you plan to use proxies alongside authentic Magic cards. Even minor discrepancies in size or thickness can make proxies distinguishable within sleeves, effectively marking them. Ensure the proxy service you choose offers cards that closely match the dimensions of real MTG cards to avoid any issues during gameplay.
Legibility
Clear card text and recognizable art are essential for gameplay. While using official card art for proxies ensures instant recognizability and avoids confusion, custom art can also be acceptable as long as all players can easily understand the card’s function. Legibility should always be prioritized to maintain smooth and enjoyable games, a principle that even official products like Secret Lairs sometimes struggle to uphold.
Is Printing MTG Proxies Illegal?
Printing MTG proxies for personal use is legal and falls under Wizards of the Coast’s fan content policy. However, it is crucial to use proxies only in casual play. They are not permitted in sanctioned events and using them in such events will result in disqualification.
It is imperative to never present proxies as counterfeit cards. The distinction lies in intent: proxies are intended as stand-in game pieces for personal use, while counterfeits are created to deceive and be sold as genuine cards. To avoid any misinterpretations, it is highly recommended to use alternate art or distinct card backs for your proxies. Many reputable proxy printing services, as listed above, enforce the use of unique card backs to further emphasize this difference.
Wrap Up
MTG proxy printing services are invaluable tools that broaden access to formats that might otherwise be financially prohibitive, especially formats like Legacy and Vintage with expensive Reserved List cards. These services make obtaining proxies straightforward, allowing players to explore a wider range of formats and deck archetypes. By lowering the barrier to entry, proxy printing services contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant MTG community.
Do you utilize proxies in your Commander decks or for other formats? Which MTG proxy printer service do you prefer? 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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