Where to Proxy MTG Cards: Comprehensive Guide

In the Magic: The Gathering community, "proxying" refers to using a copy of a card in place of an original. While the legalities of selling proxies are complex, the act of creating them for personal use (playtesting, Commander, casual play) is widely accepted as a way to enjoy the game without spending thousands of dollars on the Reserved List or expensive commander staples.

This guide details the technical aspects of where and how to procure these proxies in 2025, ranging from simple DIY methods to high-end industrial manufacturing.

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1. The "Gold Standard": Chinese Print-on-Demand Services

For players looking for the highest fidelity, professional print-on-demand (POD) services are the primary destination. These are often based in China and have access to industrial printing technology that allows for exact card dimensions, card stock weight, and foil finishing.

How It Works

Most professional proxy services do not operate as direct e-commerce stores with a shopping cart. Instead, the workflow is manual and requires a specific data format:

1. Data Aggregation: You organize your deck list on platforms like *Moxfield*, *Archidekt*, or *DeckStats*. 2. Exporting: These platforms have specific "Export for Proxy" or "Export for MPC" functions. This generates a CSV file containing the exact set codes and languages of the cards you want. 3. Ordering: You contact the vendor (often via WeChat, WhatsApp, or email) and send this list. They invoice you, typically via PayPal or Wise.

Why Choose This Route?

• Thickness: Unlike cheap cardstock, professional proxies use black-core cardstock that mimics the feel of genuine MTG cards.
• Holographic/Foil: These services can replicate the specific foiling patterns of sets like *Modern Horizons 2* or *Double Masters*.
• Cost: A typical order of 100-120 cards costs between $15 and $30, including shipping (which can take 2–4 weeks).

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2. MakePlayingCards (MPC) and Custom Card Platforms

Before the rise of Chinese POD services, *MakePlayingCards* was the industry standard for high-quality custom proxies. It remains a legitimate, legal option because they allow users to upload their own art.

The MPC Workflow

MPC uses a specific print sheet size (typically 55 cards per sheet for Poker size). To use MPC for MTG proxies:

1. Use a Formatter Tool: You cannot simply upload images one by one. You must use a community-built tool (like *MPC Autofill* or *MPC Proxy*) that arranges your deck list into a high-resolution PDF print sheet. 2. Card Backs: You can upload custom backs or use the standard MTG borderless design. 3. Quality Check: MPC cards are generally slightly thicker and stiffer than real cards. They shuffle well but may feel "different" to a seasoned player.

*Note: In recent years, MPC has tightened restrictions on uploading copyrighted art directly. Many users utilize custom art versions (alter frames) to bypass copyright filters.*

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3. The DIY Method: How to Proxy MTG Cards Yourself

For immediate playtesting or budget-conscious players, home printing is the most accessible option.

Required Materials

• Printer: A high-quality inkjet or laser printer. Laser is preferred for durability.
• Paper: Matte presentation paper or glossy photo paper (for non-foil).
• Cardstock: 250gsm or higher.
• Glue: Spray adhesive (like 3M Super 77) or a Xyron Creative Station.
• Junk Cards: Basic lands or bulk commons to use as a backing.

The "Slip-in" Technique

The easiest DIY method is the "slip-in" technique, popularized by *Tolarian Community College*.

1. Resize Images: Download images from *Scryfall*. Ensure dimensions are 63mm x 88mm. 2. Cut: Cut the printed proxy card slightly larger (by 1mm) than a real card. 3. Sleeve: Place a real card in a sleeve. Slide the printed proxy in front of it.

*Advantage:* No glue needed. The card maintains the correct weight and thickness because the backing is a real card.

The "Gluing" Technique

For a permanent proxy: 1. Print the card face. 2. Use a corner rounder punch to match the card's radius. 3. Spray glue the back of the print and adhere it to the front of a junk card. 4. Tip: Leave a 1mm border on all sides to ensure the print sits perfectly flush without the paper hanging over the edges.

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4. Digital Proxies: Tabletop Simulator (TTS)

If your playgroup is remote, the best place to proxy is digitally. *Tabletop Simulator* (TTS) on Steam is the dominant platform.

Automating TTS Proxies

You don't need to manually drag images into TTS. The community has developed automated loaders:

1. Cockatrice: Download the *Cockatrice* XML database. 2. TTS Plugins: Use scripts like "Archidekt to TTS" or "Moxfield to TTS."

These tools scan your deck list URL, fetch the high-resolution images from Scryfall's API, and generate a JSON file that you can load directly into TTS, instantly spawning a 3D representation of your deck.

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5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

When deciding where to proxy, it is vital to understand the difference between personal use and commercial sale.

• Personal Use: Wizards of the Coast (WotC) generally tolerates personal proxies for playtesting. Counterfeiters (cards made to deceive) are universally condemned. Always ensure your proxies are identifiable (e.g., different back, different finish) or clearly disclosed.
• Tournament Play: Proxies are strictly illegal in *DCI-sanctioned* events (like Grand Prixs or Regionals) unless specifically allowed by a judge for damaged cards. They are allowed in casual Commander and unsanctioned "Proxy Legacy" tournaments.
• Marketplaces: eBay and Etsy frequently ban sellers listing "Proxy MTG Cards." Vendors often use code words like "Custom Playing Cards" or "High-Alternatives" to stay listed.

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6. How to Proxy MTG Cards in Word or Photoshop

A common query involves using Microsoft Word. While not recommended for high-quality results, it is possible.

1. Set page size to Custom (2.5 inches x 3.5 inches). 2. Insert the card image. 3. Crucial Step: Word does not handle high-resolution CMYK printing well for card games. It compresses images, leading to pixelated prints. We strongly recommend using *Canva*, *GIMP*, or *Photoshop* to arrange cards into a grid (e.g., 3x3) on an A4 or Letter sheet before printing to preserve resolution.

Python Script for Bulk Image Download

For technical users looking to automate the fetching of images for printing, Python is the best tool. Below is a snippet using the scryfall data structure to download high-resolution images for a deck list.

import requests
import json import os
Sample deck list (Scryfall UUIDs or Names)
Ideally, use the Scryfall API to query names and get UUIDs
deck_list = [ "Black Lotus", "Ancestral Recall", "Sol Ring" ]
def download_card_faces(card_names, folder="proxies"): if not os.path.exists(folder): os.makedirs(folder)
for name in card_names: # Query Scryfall API url = f"https://api.scryfall.com/cards/named?fuzzy={name}" response = requests.get(url)
if response.status_code == 200: data = response.json()
# Check for dual-faced cards or normal cards if data["layout"] in ("normal", "augment", "meld"): image_uri = data["image_uris"]["large"] file_name = f"{name.replace(' ', '_')}.jpg" else: # Handling double-faced cards image_uri = data["card_faces"][0]["image_uris"]["large"] file_name = f"{name.replace(' ', '_')}_front.jpg"
print(f"Downloading {name}...") img_data = requests.get(image_uri).content with open(os.path.join(folder, file_name), 'wb') as handler: handler.write(img_data) else: print(f"Failed to find {name}")
Execute
download_card_faces(deck_list) 

This script automates the retrieval of the highest quality art available, ensuring your home-printed proxies look crisp and professional.

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7. Detecting Proxy MTG Cards

If you are buying singles second-hand, you may want to know how to detect proxies to avoid being scammed.

1. The Light Test (Rossetta Test): Hold the card up to a bright light. Real MTG cards have a distinct blue glue layer sandwiched in the middle. If the light passes through completely white (no blue core) or shows bubbles, it is a fake. 2. Feel: Real cards have a specific texture (linen finish). Many Chinese proxies are *too* smooth or have a plastic feel. 3. Centering: Counterfeiters often struggle with perfect centering. If the border is significantly wider on one side, it may be a proxy. 4. Bend Test: *Do not do this.* It damages the card. Instead, flick the corner. Real cards produce a "click" sound; fakes often sound dull or thud-like.

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Conclusion

In 2025, "where to proxy MTG cards" depends entirely on your budget and quality requirements. For playtesting, the simple slip-in method with paper prints is sufficient. For competitive Commander decks that look beautiful, the Chinese print-on-demand services or MPC offer an experience indistinguishable from real cards to the touch.

Always remember the Golden Rule: Use proxies to enhance your gameplay experience, never to defraud another player. Always disclose which cards in your deck are proxies before shuffling up.