Game cards are more popular than ever in 2024.
As both a nostalgic callback to trading cards of old and a versatile medium for modern games, they enable interactive and social play in a way screens sometimes cannot.
But how exactly do you go about making a set of game cards for that new tabletop project you’ve been thinking about? Or perhaps to prototype some ideas before approaching publishers?
In this post, as a professional custom game cards printing manufacturer, I’ll cover everything you need to know about creating custom cards for any game, using tips I’ve picked up running my own card-based business.
Why Make Your Own Game Cards?
Before we get into the nitty gritty details, it’s worth covering why you’d want to make cards in the first place. After all, there are plenty of great games out there you could buy off the shelf!
Here are some of the best reasons to print your own deck:
Customization
Making your own cards lets you tailor every aspect of them to your game idea or intended audience.
Maybe you want oversized cards that are easier to handle. Or tarot-sized cards with intricate custom artwork.
Either way, handling production yourself means full creative freedom.
Cost Savings
Getting a print run from a manufacturing partner can be prohibitively expensive, especially for an unproven game.
Producing your own prototype deck allows you to test your game’s viability without breaking the bank on a large production order.
And if you plan to self-publish, making cards at home can be way more affordable than paying a printer.
Rapid Iteration
When designing a new game, you’ll likely go through many iterations of card texts, stats, artwork, and more before settling on a finished product.
Rather than waiting weeks or months for an updated print run, making cards yourself means you can test changes immediately.
This faster process means more iterations, playtesting, and improvements in less time.
How to Create Game Cards
Alright, now that you’re sold on making your own cards, let’s get into the details.
Here is an overview of the 6 main steps:
- Design the cards
- Print onto cardstock
- Laminate for durability (optional)
- Cut into individual cards
- Round the corners (optional)
- Package completed decks
#1 Design the Cards
Your card design process will depend largely on whether this is for an existing game or if you’re prototyping a new one.
If making cards for a published game, you likely just need to find printable templates for the existing card designs online. Check on BoardGameGeek or publisher forums for community-made print files.
When making prototype cards for your own unpublished game, the design stage offers infinite creative possibilities!
Start by making a list of each card type needed, along with any artwork or decorative elements you’ll include.
Creating the Card Faces
If you know your way around image editing software, putting the cards together yourself gives the most flexibility.
Programs like Photoshop, GIMP, and Illustrator work well, although something simpler like Canva could do the trick.
Alternatively, lean on graphic designer friends or use a freelance designer marketplace like Fiverr.
Just provide examples of artwork styles and card layouts you like to help them nail down the aesthetics.
No matter who handles the visual design, you’ll want image files formatted to the dimensions of your cardstock paper. Leave 0.25 inch borders for safe separation during cutting.
Many designers offer printable card sheet templates to simplify layout.
Testing Digital Prototypes
Before you cut any physical cards, it can be helpful to test your game’s card mix digitally.
Tabletop Simulator on Steam offers a full physics sandbox and customizable decks perfect for early gameplay tests. And it’s cheaper than wasting paper and card sleeves on an idea that needs more refinement.
#2 Print onto Cardstock
With your card designs ready, it’s time to bring them into the real world!
You’ll need two key supplies:
- Cardstock – Preferably heavy 110lb or higher for durability
- Laser printer – Inkjet ink smudges easily on cardstock
When it comes to printing, remember that home laser printers can only handle limited paper weights. So confirm your printer model supports 110+ lb stock before buying.
If your printer has a lower weight limit or you need larger volume, head to a print shop like Staples or Office Depot. They can typically handle heavy cardstock as well as large print runs.
Print Setup Tips
Follow these tips when setting up print files to avoid issues:
- Print only 1-2 sheets at a time to prevent paper jams
- Use manual feed tray, NOT main paper tray
- Print fronts and backs separately, using alignment lines to match up
- Always test print on plain paper first to check layout
With files set up properly, simply feed your cardstock into the printer and press print!
#3 Laminate for Durability (Optional)
Now that your cardstock is printed up, consider encasing the cards in plastic lamination to improve durability.
Lamination pouches prevent ripping, protect from spills, and allow you to use erasable markers during playtesting sessions.
You can find affordable laminators and pouches at retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Check product details for the largest pouch size your model supports.
When laminating cards, run each through the machine 2-3 times on the 5mil setting to ensure even plastic adhesion.
#4 Cut into Cards
With prints protected in lamination, it’s time to transform sheets into a deck!
First, use a ruler to measure and draw cut lines in between cards. This step is much easier if you formatted printable files with crop marks already included.
A paper trimmer or guillotine cutter makes slicing sheets into cards quick and consistent. Most models have handy measurement guides built right in.
If you’re working without a specialty paper cutter, a metal ruler and X-Acto knife can get the job done too. Just work slowly on a cutting mat to ensure straight edges.
Pro Tip: Stagger cuts across paper stacks to minimize risk of shifting during slicing.
#5 Round the Corners (Optional)
Now fun part – transforming freshly cut rectangles into legit looking playing cards!
This step is optional, but using a corner rounder punch takes cards from DIY printouts to professional grade quality.
These affordable tools cut a consistent radius into each card corner with a simple squeeze. Most models come with multiple size punches to allow customization.
#6 Package Decks
The final step completes your freshly created card stock transformation into a playable deck!
For games with just one or two decks needed, decorative tuck boxes make great storage and bring some pizzazz. These are easily crafted from paper or cardstock using free templates available online.
If your game requires lots of separate decks, affordable plastic card boxes offer cheaper long term storage and portability solutions.
Either way, make sure to label both the boxes and card backs so players can easily locate the specific cards needed during setup. Mislabeled decks can lead to frustrating delays.
And that’s it – you now have a polished set of custom game cards ready for playtesting and fun!
Go Forth and Create Game Cards
Alright, now you’re armed with all the basics needed to begin crafting custom decks for any card-based game ideas you dream up!
The process does take some effort and supplies depending on volume, but the flexibility and cost savings of handling production yourself is worth it.
Just remember that the real goal here is sparking creativity and enabling great gameplay experiences for you and your friends.
So don’t worry about perfection on early prototypes. Focus first on quick iterations and testing. Refine card designs over time as your ideas and mechanics evolve through play.
Soon you’ll have a tight, polished card game begging for a full professional print run and publication!
So grab some cardstock, fire up those design skills, and get creating your next hit tabletop experience!