As a big fan of board games like Legendary Marvel and Legendary Encounters, I love finding ways to enhance the experience. One easy way is by printing your own custom game cards. But how exactly do you print cards for Legendary and other deckbuilding board games?
In this step-by-step guide, as a professional custom game cards printing manufacturer, I’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing card sleeves and getting card images to actually printing your cards. Whether you want to expand an existing Legendary game or print cards for a fan-made version, let’s dive in!
How to Print Legendary Board Game Cards
Finding Game Card Images
The first step is tracking down digital images of the cards you want to print. For official Legendary expansions, this can be tricky since the card images are copyrighted. But fans have uploaded images that you can use if printing for personal use.
Some good sources include:
- BoardGameGeek file section for the Legendary game you want to expand. Fans often upload HQ card images here.
- Google image search. You can find many Legendary card images here.
- Tabletop Simulator workshop. Subscriptions like TTS often have Legendary mods with card images.
When searching for files, look for card images formatted as printable PDFs or high res JPGs (at least 300 dpi). Lower quality images will look pixelated when printed.
Fan Expansions
For fan-made Legendary expansions, the images are often provided as part of the expansion. Check the BoardGameGeek page or forum thread for files.
For example, Legendary Star Wars resources include PDFs with complete card sets.
Prepare and Organize Game Cards
Once you’ve downloaded the card images, you’ll want to prep them for printing. This involves:
1. Check Image Size
Printing services require specific file dimensions. For standard USA Legendary cards, set images to 2.5 x 3.5 inches if not formatted correctly already.
You can batch resize images with free software like XnConvert.
2. Organize Into PDFs
When printing multiple expansions, organize cards into separate printable PDF files:
- All heroes in one PDF
- Villains/masterminds in one PDF
- Bystanders in one file, etc.
This makes printing simpler compared to hundreds of individual image files.
Use software like Adobe Acrobat Pro for easy batch PDF creation. If on a budget, some PDF printers have batch capabilities for combining JPEGs into PDF format.
Select Game Card Printing Service
Now that your card images are prepped and organized into print-ready PDFs, it’s time to select a card printing service.
I recommend exploring all options before deciding on which service to use:
Local Print Shop
A local print shop like Staples may offer card printing. But copyright issues can prevent them from printing if Legendary card images are recognizable. Fan made expansions avoid this issue.
Pros: Fast turnaround, support local business
Cons: Copyright restrictions, limit on number of printable files
MakePlayingCards
Top providers like MakePlayingCards cater specifically to board game printing. They offer card sleeving options too.
Pros: Affordable, great print quality, sleeve fulfillment
Cons: Slow international shipping
TheGameCrafter
Similar to MakePlayingCards, TheGameCrafter offers premium card printing and sleeve pairing. Wide material options too.
Pros: Great print quality, design tools, sleeve pairing
Cons: Higher cost per card
ArtsCow
Don’t overlook budget sites like ArtsCow. Their linen card stock and sleeve fulfillment make card printing affordable.
Pros: Inexpensive, linen & plastic card options
Cons: Mediocre print quality, slow fulfillment
Select Game Card Sleeves
Sleeving your printed cards improves durability while matching official Legendary card thickness.
Some key specs when buying sleeve packs:
- 63 x 88mm size (standard card sleeves)
- 80-100 micron thickness for slight rigidity
Top sleeve brands like Ultra Pro, Dragon Shield, and Ultimate Guard all offer quality thick sleeves to protect printed cards.
For sleeve pairing services, confirm exact brand and specs before order fulfillment. Some need 100+ micron thickness for pairing.
Print Legendary Game Cards
With card images prepped and service selected, all that remains is submitting your order!
When uploading printable PDFs, ensure color settings are configured properly:
Standard USA Cards
For 2.5 x 3.5 inch cards (63 x 88 mm):
- Enable full bleed: +0.125 in bleed
- Use 300 DPI images
- Select 16 pt cardstock
Tarot Card Size
For 2.75 x 4.75 cards (70 x 120 mm):
- Bleed: +0.125 in
- DPI: 300+
- Cardstock: 16 pt
These specs work great for most Legendary prints. Expect your order in 1-2 weeks or quicker.
Once cards arrive, match each printed card with a sleeve before playing for best protection and feel. Then enjoy your custom expansion or new Legendary game!
Print Legendary Game Cards Without Buying
Looking for ways to expand your collection on a budget? Consider proxying cards if unable to buy expansions.
Proxying
“Proxying” lets you print paper cards and sleeves without buying anything:
- Print card images onto paper
- Glue images onto old bulk cards
- Sleeve proxied cards to thicken
While not as durable as professional prints, proxying lets you test decks or expansions before buying cards.
Virtual Game Cards Playtesting
For free digital playtesting, apps like Tabletopia feature official Legendary mods with full card sets. Create any custom deck before proxying or printing cards.
This avoids spending money on unenjoyable expansions when physically testing.
So whether you want to expand an existing Legendary deckbuilder or explore fan-made sets, printing custom cards opens lots of possibilities! Just find a card source, prep images, select a service, and finally print out some cards.
What’s your favorite part of physically enhancing board games with printed elements? Let me know in the comments!