Custom Set Symbols: How to Create and Import Your Own

A custom set symbol is the cherry on top of a well-designed Magic card. It identifies the card's origin and rarity at a glance. While using official symbols (like the Planeswalker symbol) is fine, creating your own adds that extra layer of polish.

What Makes a Good Set Symbol?

Official Magic symbols follow a few design rules:

1. Silhouette-based: They must be recognizable even when printed very small (roughly 1/4 inch).
2. Thick Lines: Thin details will disappear or bleed when printed.
3. Simple Shapes: Think of the expansion symbols for Theros (column), Zendikar (hedron), or Ravnica (city spire). They are iconic and simple.

Tools for Creation

You need a tool that creates Vector Graphics (SVG). Unlike JPEGs or PNGs, vectors can be scaled infinitely without losing quality, which is crucial for sharp printing.

• Adobe Illustrator: The industry standard, but expensive.
• Inkscape: A powerful, free, open-source vector editor.
• Figma: A web-based UI design tool that is great for simple vector shapes.

Designing Step-by-Step

1. Sketch: Draw your idea on paper first. Keep it simple.
2. Trace: Import your sketch into your vector tool and trace it using the "Pen" tool.
3. Simplify: Remove unnecessary nodes. Smooth out curves.
4. Solid Color: Make the symbol a single solid color (usually black). The gradient (gold/silver/mythic) is applied by the card render engine, not drawn in the SVG itself.
5. Export: Save as
   .svg
   .

Handling Rarity

In TCGCustom, you don't need to color the symbol yourself. You simply upload the SVG shape. The engine automatically applies the correct texture based on the rarity you select:

• Common: Black/White
• Uncommon: Silver gradient
• Rare: Gold gradient
• Mythic: Orange/Red gradient

Pro Tip: If your symbol has complex internal details, make sure they are "cut out" (transparent) rather than white shapes on top of black shapes. The renderer needs transparency to know where not to put the gold foil texture.

Importing to TCGCustom

1. Open the card editor.
2. Click on the "Set Symbol" icon area.
3. Choose "Upload Custom".
4. Select your SVG file.

And you're done! Your custom symbol will now appear on all your cards, giving your custom cube or set a unified, professional identity.