Magic: The Gathering can be a lot of fun, but collecting all the cards you need for a deck sometimes feels overwhelming. Prices for powerful cards often spike, and there’s always another booster pack around the corner that might include something you can’t resist. That’s where MTG proxies step in. A proxy is a homemade copy or stand-in for an official Magic card. People sometimes call them playtest cards or custom cards. They’re popular for casual play, deck-building experiments, and testing new combos. If you’ve ever wished you could own a specific card without spending a ton of money, proxies might be your best bet.
Some players create printed proxies at home, while others turn to proxy sites that specialize in high-quality custom art. And yes, there are pros and cons. But proxies can help you figure out if a new deck strategy is worth your cash before you commit to buying real cards. They can also help protect the originals from damage—accidentally damaged copies of expensive cards can ruin your day.
Benefits of Using MTG Proxies
One of the biggest benefits of using MTG proxies is cost savings. In my opinion, it’s easier to justify spending a few dollars on printing custom proxies than dropping hundreds on a single piece of cardboard. If your budget is tight, this approach makes sense. You can experiment with an entire deck without paying for every card at full price.
Proxies are also handy for testing. Maybe you have a new idea involving basic lands with unusual mana symbols or you’re curious how a powerful reserved list card would work in your combo. You don’t want to drop cash on something that might not pan out. Proxies let you test all the cards in your deck list for synergy before you buy the official versions. And if you have a friend who’s new to the game, they can borrow your printed proxies or a full art stand-in for a secret lair card they’ve always liked. It lowers the barrier to entry, which is nice.
There’s also a certain freedom in playing with proxies during casual games. You’re not as worried about damaging a real card. If you spill your drink, the proxy is replaceable. Sure, it’s still a little sad, but it’s not like losing a priceless piece of Magic history. This relaxed mindset can make casual play more fun.
What Makes a Good MTG Proxy Card?
A good MTG proxy card should have respectable print quality. The colors need to be clear and vibrant so you can tell everything apart at a glance. Small text, like specific rules text or mana symbols, should be legible. If the font’s too blurry or the ink smudges easily, you won’t have a good experience.
Cardstock matters. Some proxy creators print on flimsy paper that feels nothing like a real Magic card. When you’re shuffling, you might notice the difference right away. Higher-end proxy sites or print services use sturdy cardstock with a thickness close to the normal card weight. That helps these proxies blend in with your official Magic cards during gameplay.
Dimensions also matter. Magic cards measure about 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. If your proxy is off by even a few millimeters, it might stand out in a deck. Some players might slip the proxies into sleeves, which helps hide slight size discrepancies, but the best proxies will match the exact dimensions.
Top MTG Proxy Sites for Magic Cards
You might find a bunch of options out there, but a few sites often get solid reviews. It can be tricky to decide which one will be your go-to, so it helps to know what each site focuses on, how they handle shipping, and what kind of custom features they offer. Some specialize in super-detailed art, while others focus on affordability or customer service.
Proxy King is often praised for its attention to detail. People say the proxies arrive with exact dimensions that match official MTG cards, and the cardstock quality feels close to the real thing. You can also choose from various art styles or submit your own designs. If you enjoy customizing your deck with unique artwork but still want something that shuffles well with normal cards, this site might be worth a look. Prices can be higher than a few competitors, but many customers feel they get what they pay for in terms of clarity and durability.
ProxyMTG is another popular choice, known for offering entire decks or single cards. In my opinion, it’s a convenient option if you need a bunch of proxies all at once—maybe you’re building a Commander deck that includes some expensive reserved list cards. The site also has a decent range of art styles to pick from, though it’s not as extensive as some of the more art-focused services. Shipping times vary, but most people report getting their orders without too much delay. If you want a straightforward way to grab everything on your deck list, ProxyMTG can help.
Print MTG is a service that aims to simplify the proxy process by letting you upload your entire deck list and create your proxies in one go. The interface might look basic at first glance, but it’s effective for quickly generating multiple cards. They often run deals on bulk orders, which is nice if you’re making a full deck. Quality can differ based on which print settings you choose, so if you’re picky about details, make sure to opt for higher resolution. If your goal is to get a complete set of proxies fast, Print MTG is a solid option to consider.
Many players also turn to Make Playing Cards (often abbreviated as MPC) because it’s known for affordable printing that ships fairly quickly. You upload your images or use their templates, then select the cardstock you prefer. The final price depends on how many cards you order and what extras you add—like custom backs or specific finishes. While the color saturation might not be as vivid as a professional print shop, a lot of folks say it’s good enough for casual playtesting or local games. If you’re on a tight budget or you just want to whip up some practice cards, Make Playing Cards could work well.
If you crave truly unique art, MTG.Cards might catch your eye. They advertise premium custom designs and claim to handle orders with an artist’s touch. You can choose from existing artworks or upload your own creations. The proxies often come out looking pretty polished, though you’ll need to double-check that the text is readable. Sometimes, fancy designs can overshadow the card’s rules, which can be annoying in the middle of a game. If you’re looking to personalize your deck with something beyond standard reprints, MTG.Cards might be a fun place to explore. That said, keep an eye on cost, because going all-in on custom art can add up.
But as with anything, it’s smart to look closely at the reviews. What works well for one player might not match your budget or your taste in art styles. You might even want to do a small test order first. If the print quality, color accuracy, or shipping speed doesn’t meet your needs, you can try a different site. And if something goes wrong, it’s helpful to see how quickly customer service responds. A site that’s great for someone else could leave you feeling frustrated, so gather a bit of info before you commit.
Are Proxy Cards Legal in MTG Tournaments?
This is where you need to be careful. Official Magic tournaments don’t typically allow proxy cards, especially if they’re sanctioned events with real prizes. Wizards of the Coast wants players to use genuine cards during competitive play. That means if you show up to a major event with printed proxies, you’ll likely be turned away.
However, many local game stores host casual events or weekly gatherings that have more relaxed rules. The store owner or organizer might allow proxies in a small Commander league or casual standard event, provided everyone else is okay with it. Always check ahead of time. It’s frustrating to show up only to discover proxies aren’t permitted.
Printing Your Own MTG Proxy Cards
If you’re comfortable tinkering with design software, you can create your own proxies at home. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can find plenty of templates online where you plug in the card name, mana cost, art, and rules text. Then you print them on cardstock using your home printer. Some folks take an extra step and use adhesive sleeves or add a normal MTG card behind the proxy for extra sturdiness.
You’ll want to invest in decent cardstock that has a similar feel to official Magic cards. Cheap, thin paper can tear easily, and the ink might fade quickly. Also, set your printer’s resolution high enough to preserve detail. No one enjoys squinting at blurry text. And if you print in bulk, be sure to let the ink dry thoroughly so it doesn’t smudge when you stack them.
Customizing Your Proxy Cards
One of the fun things about making proxies is the chance to play with custom art. Maybe you want a silly caricature of your friend on your favorite Planeswalker. Or you’d prefer a fresh spin on classic reserved list cards with brand-new borders and stylized mana symbols. The possibilities are endless.
Some dedicated proxy sites offer the option to upload your own images or choose from a gallery of original art. Adding your own flair can make your deck stand out in casual play. Just be mindful that the final product should remain easy to identify. If you’re replacing the entire art portion of a card, be sure the name and rules text are clear. Otherwise, you might forget what it does mid-game.
Buying MTG Proxies Online
For those who don’t want to mess with printing or designing, plenty of online shops sell proxies. Prices and quality vary. You’ll see differences in how colors pop, how crisp the text is, and whether the cardstock feels close to a normal MTG card. Fast shipping matters too, especially if you want your proxies for an upcoming game night.
Before you buy from any website, read reviews or ask around on forums. Maybe someone in your play group has ordered from that shop before and can tell you how the cards turned out. Some sites even let you buy a single proxy card if you just want to test something like an expensive Mythic or a Secret Lair exclusive. Others bundle entire deck sets, which can be cheaper if you need a bunch of cards for a modern deck or even an entire cube.
Tips for Finding the Best MTG Proxies
It’s a good idea to approach your search with a clear plan. Know which cards you want, how many, and whether you want basic lands or full art lands. Then look for shops or services that meet your needs. Check reviews carefully. If people complain about smudged ink or shipping issues, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pay attention to competitive prices. Some sites charge more because they use thicker cardstock, custom finishes, or higher-resolution printing. Others keep costs low but might sacrifice a bit of quality. Figure out which trade-off works for you. If you plan to sleeve every card, cardstock thickness might not matter as much.
You can always do a small test order to see the quality before committing to a massive purchase. If the print quality is decent and shipping is quick, you can go back for a bigger order. And don’t ignore customer service. If a store has poor communication, you might be left guessing about your order’s status.
Conclusion
MTG proxies can be a practical solution for casual players and serious deck-builders who want to test new combos or avoid spending too much money on rare cards. They’re also a creative outlet if you love custom art or want to design something unique. Just remember, they’re generally not allowed in sanctioned tournaments. But for casual games, personal use, or teaching newcomers, proxies often shine.
I’ve seen people print entire decks of proxies because they wanted to try a bunch of different strategies without depleting their wallet. Others only need a single proxy for an outrageously expensive card. Either way, you have plenty of options. You could browse sites like Proxy King, ProxyMTG, or MTG.Cards for high-quality prints. You could make your own at home with a color printer and decent cardstock. You could even request custom art that pays tribute to your favorite franchise or personal hobby.
The bottom line is that there’s nothing wrong with using proxies for casual play when everyone at the table agrees. If someone notices that your card is a proxy, you can explain it’s for testing or for a bit of fun. This approach can keep the game fresh without forcing you to shell out big bucks. Just stay mindful of tournament rules, because that’s one place where real cards remain mandatory. And if you do choose to print your own, pay attention to image quality and card size—nobody wants sloppy text or off-center borders.
Magic: The Gathering is an engaging hobby that constantly introduces new cards, mechanics, and ways to play. Proxies ensure you don’t feel left behind or overwhelmed by price tags. You can explore deck ideas, tweak strategies, and figure out what works best for you without financial regret. And who knows—after a few friendly games, you might decide you’re ready to pick up the real copies of your favorite proxies. But until then, keep playing, keep creating, and enjoy your proxy-fueled Magic journey.