So, you have a brilliant idea for a Magic: The Gathering card. Maybe it's a commander that perfectly supports your niche strategy, a "what if" shifted version of a classic card, or a funny inside joke for your playgroup.

Creating custom MTG cards is one of the most rewarding ways to engage with the hobby. It helps you understand the game's mechanics deeper, express your creativity, and bring something unique to the table (literally).

In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create professional-looking custom cards that look like they came straight out of a booster pack.

Why Make Custom Cards?

"The limit of your creativity is the only rule."

Players create custom cards for dozens of reasons:

Custom Commanders: Design the perfect general for a theme that lacks official support (like Energy, Insects, or odd-tribal).
Proxies: Create beautiful, readable placeholders for cards you own but don't want to shuffle (or cards that are just too expensive).
Cube Design: Build entire draft environments with unique archetypes.
Tokens: Make custom tokens that match your deck's aesthetic.
Gifts: Design personalized cards for friends, wedding invites, or birthdays.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool

Not all card creators are built the same. You need a tool that offers high-resolution output, correct fonts, and modern frame options.

Why We Built TCGCustom

We built TCGCustom because we were tired of low-res renders and difficult desktop software.

Web-Based: No downloads required. Works on your phone or computer.
Print Quality: Exports at 800+ DPI (essential for clear text when printed).
Authentic Fonts: Uses the Beleren font family for that authentic look.
Modern Frames: Supports standard, full art, showcase, and retro frames.

Start Designing Your Card Now →

Step 2: Designing Your Card (The "Anatomy" of a Card)

A great custom card doesn't just look good; it reads well. Here is how to nail the details.

1. Name and Mana Cost

Name: Keep it flavorful. "Garruk, Apex Predator" sounds better than "Green Guy with Axe".
Mana Cost: Use the correct ordering (WUBRG). For example, a White/Blue card is always
{W}{U}
, not
{U}{W}
.

2. The Art

This is the soul of your card.

Aspect Ratio: Magic art is roughly 4:3.
Resolution: Always upload the highest resolution you have. Our editor downscales gracefully, but upscaling a blurry image always looks bad.
Center the Subject: Ensure the main character isn't covered by the text box or name bar.

3. Type Line

Magic uses a specific structure:

Supertype Type — Subtype

Correct:
Legendary Creature — Elf Warrior
Incorrect:
Elf Warrior Legendary Creature

4. Rules Text (The Hard Part)

This is where most designs fail. Authenticity comes from syntax. Magic language is very specific.

Bad: "When this guy dies, draw 2 cards."
Good: "When ~ dies, draw two cards." (Use
~
as a placeholder for the card's name).

Pro Tip: Search Scryfall for a real card that does something similar and copy its wording exactly.

Step 3: Choosing a Frame

The frame sets the vibe.

Standard (M15): The clean, modern look. Best for readability.
Retro (Old Border): Nostalgic, brown artifact frames. Great for "throwback" designs.
Full Art / Textless: Perfect for lands or well-known spells (like Lightning Bolt) where the art matters most.
Showcase: Special frames like the "Scroll" or "Hedron" frames for thematic sets.

Step 4: Printing Your Custom Cards

You've designed it. Now you want to hold it.

Method 1: The "Paper over Land" Method (Cheapest)

Export your card as a PNG.
Print it at 100% scale (approx 2.5" x 3.5") on standard paper.
Cut it out carefully.
Slip it into a sleeve in front of a basic land or draft chaff card.

Pros: Almost free.
Cons: Adds thickness; doesn't feel real.

Method 2: Professional Printing (Best Quality)

Services like MakePlayingCards (MPC) can print on real card stock.

Export your card using the "Print" quality setting in TCGCustom. This adds a "bleed edge" (extra margin) required by printers.
Upload to the printing service.
Note: Do not use the official "Deckmaster" back. Use a custom back to avoid copyright issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstuffing: Don't try to fit 10 lines of text. If the font gets tiny, the card becomes unreadable. Simplify the effect.
Wrong Hybrid Mana: Hybrid mana (
) is used for cards that can be cast with either color, not both.
Breaking Color Pie: Don't give Blue "destroy target creature" or Green "direct damage to any target". Keep abilities in-flavor for the color.

Ready to Create?

There is nothing quite like drawing a card you designed yourself. It makes the game feel personal.

Head over to the editor and make your first card. It takes about 2 minutes.

Open the Card Creator

The Ultimate Guide to Making Custom MTG Cards Online (2025)