Can you print MTG cards?

The short answer is no, you cannot legally print copies of existing MTG cards to use in tournaments or sell. As an intellectual property owned by Wizards of the Coast, printing any official MTG cards without permission violates copyright.

However, there are legal options for creating custom tokens, proxies, and fan-made cards for personal, non-commercial use. So let‘s explore the methods, legality, and tournament policies around printing your own MTG cards!

Printing MTG Proxy Cards

While technically illegal, many proxy printing services skirt copyright laws by marking their proxies as "not for sale" recreate cards. Popular proxy sites include:

As you can see, the prices and quality vary dramatically between services. From my experience, MPC Proxies offers the best combination of customizability and realistic card stock. For about $35 you can print a full EDH deck with shipping.

The Proxy Printing Debate

Proxy printing elicits strong reactions in the MTG community. While usually tolerated in casual play groups, many tournaments explicitly ban proxies. Players value the game pieces as collectibles, so some view reproduction as diminishing that sentimental value.

I sympathize with collectors, but also believe proxies make the game more affordable and accessible. My advice is to transparently discuss proxy usage with your play group rather than secretly slipping them into decks.

Designing Custom Tokens

Unlike cards, tokens are ephemeral game pieces that enter and leave the battlefield. Many players enjoy designing stylized token sets for their pet decks:

Token printing services won‘t reproduce copyrighted assets, but give you tools to create fan art tokens legally. Two great options are:

• MTG Press – Starts at $35 for 50 tokens. Foil and non-foil available.
• Inked Gaming – 100 tokens for approx. $30. Color and material options.

When used respectfully, custom tokens are a fun way to express yourself through the game!

Building Fully Custom MTG Cards

Some creative players enjoy making cards from scratch for casual play or collecting. Check out these custom MTG card makers:

• MTG Cardsmith – Simple online card creator. PDF print available.
• MPC Autofill – Script for mass card uploads. Integrates with MPC proxies.

I‘ve printed entire custom sets for friends as gifts using MPC Autofill. Seeing my designs come to life through professional printing felt incredibly rewarding.

However, do consider your play group before surprising them with pages of homebrew cards! As with proxies, clear communication is key.

The Legality of Printing MTG Cards

Let‘s recap the strict legality around printing MTG cards:

• Copying real MTG cards is illegal without Wizards‘ permission.
• Printing proxies for sale is illegal. Personal use falls into a legal gray area.
• Making complete fan-made sets or custom tokens is allowed for personal use if following copyright.

Tournament legality has more nuance:

• All major tournaments prohibit proxy cards, though enforcement approaches vary.
• Custom tokens are usually permitted, but ask judges to confirm.
• Unsanctioned events may allow proxies, but clarify beforehand.

So in competitive play, authentic cards are non-negotiable. But kitchen table groups often welcome proxies, customs, and creativity! Rule 0 applies.

Wrapping Up

While legally printing MTG cards proves tricky terrain, fan content creation lives on through customizable proxies, tokens, and tools for crafting original designs. Just be transparent with your play group about self-made pieces, as surprise counterfeits can cause feels-bad moments.

And if you‘re ever unsure about tournament legality, reach out to judges ahead of time. They can advise on policies.

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions about proxy printing or custom card creation. This is the start of an ongoing conversation.