How to Make a Custom Magic: The Gathering Card (For Fun, Not Tournament Legal)

You cannot create official MTG cards—Wizards of the Coast owns all rights. But you can make custom cards for casual play, gifts, or design practice.

Design Steps

1. Choose Card Type: Creature, Instant, Sorcery, Enchantment, Artifact, Planeswalker, Land, Battle, Kindred.
2. Define Stats:
   • Name, Mana Cost, Color Identity.
   • Type Line (e.g., "Creature — Human Wizard").
   • Power/Toughness (creatures).
   • Loyalty (Planeswalkers).
   • Rules Text: Keywords + custom abilities. Balance for your playgroup!
3. Art: Draw, commission, use CC0/public domain, or AI-generated (disclose).
4. Layout: Use templates/tools:
   • MTG Cardsmith: mtgcardsmith.com — Free, browser-based, modern frames.
   • Magic Set Editor (MSE): Desktop app, advanced, all frames.
   • Conjure / CardConjurer: Web-based.
5. Print: Cardstock (65–110 lb), matte photo paper, or proxy services (e.g., MakePlayingCards.com, PrinterStudio). Sleeve with real card backing.

Golden Rules for Custom Cards

• Playtest extensively.
• Match power level to your cube/group.
• Never sell or pass as real.
• Credit artists.

Custom cards are a fantastic creative outlet. Design away!