TLDR
PrintMTG is the best fit for most players who want on-demand MTG proxy cards, deck list import, strong pricing for larger orders, and built-in design tools.
ProxyKing.biz is the highest-quality pick when card feel, fidelity, and collector-style presentation matter more than price or full-catalog convenience.
PrintingProxies is a weaker alternative for international orders, S33-style cardstock, and non-Magic proxy card games.
Use proxies for casual play, Commander nights, cube, webcam testing, and playtesting. Do not use them in sanctioned Magic: The Gathering events unless the event rules explicitly allow it or a judge issues a proxy under tournament rules.
Overview: Magic Proxies, Proxy Cards, And When To Use Them
Magic proxies are stand-in cards used in place of official Magic: The Gathering cards for casual play, testing, cube drafting, Commander pods, and protecting expensive originals. A good proxy card should be readable, sleeve cleanly, and make the game easier to play, not more confusing.
The important line is this: a proxy card is not a counterfeit. A proxy is used openly as a substitute in a playgroup that allows it. A counterfeit is meant to deceive someone into thinking the card is authentic. That difference matters for ethics, resale, and tournament rules. Wizards has specifically separated personal, non-commercial playtest cards from counterfeit cards, while still requiring authentic cards for sanctioned play.
Common uses for MTG proxy cards include:
- Commander decks with expensive mana bases
- Cube lists that need older, rare, or reserved-list cards
- Playtesting before buying real singles
- Webcam games where readability matters
- Protecting valuable originals from shuffle wear
- Trying alternate art, custom frames, or themed cards
For most casual players, the question is not “Are proxies useful?” They are. The better question is which provider fits the way you actually build decks.
Quick Comparison: PrintMTG, PrintingProxies, And ProxyKing
PrintMTG is the easiest recommendation for most on-demand MTG proxy orders. It supports uploading or pasting a deck list, choosing card versions, reviewing the order, and having the cards printed and shipped. PrintMTG also lists no minimums, premium black-core stock, standard sizing, tiered pricing, and typical production within a few business days. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
PrintingProxies is strongest when you want a premium cardstock option, worldwide shipping, and support for other proxy card games. Its site lists S33 German Black Core cardstock, deck-list-friendly ordering, custom uploads, U.S. delivery timing, worldwide shipping, and support for games beyond Magic, including Pokémon, Lorcana, One Piece, Flesh and Blood, Star Wars, Altered, Sorcery, CookieRun, Cataclysm, and custom cards. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
ProxyKing.biz is the top choice for absolute proxy quality in this comparison. Its positioning is more like a curated singles shop than a pure “upload any decklist and print everything” tool. ProxyKing emphasizes realistic card dimensions, high-resolution industrial printing, direct printing to cardstock, premium materials, and a catalogue of MTG proxy cards and sets.
| Provider | Best For | Main Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| PrintMTG | Full decks, on-demand cards, deck list import, custom card tools | Not trying to be exact replicas |
| PrintingProxies | International orders, S33-style cardstock, non-MTG games | Pricing and MTG workflow may be less attractive than PrintMTG for larger MTG lists |
| ProxyKing.biz | Highest-quality MTG proxies and collector-style staples | Higher cost and smaller catalogue than on-demand printing workflows |
PrintMTG: On-Demand MTG Proxy Cards, Deck List Import, And Design Tools
PrintMTG is the practical “build the list, print the list” option. That matters because most players are not ordering one random card. They are building a Commander deck, testing a new cube package, or putting together a stack of upgrades before the next game night.
The biggest advantage is workflow. You can upload or paste a deck list, choose card versions, review the order, and have the cards printed and shipped. PrintMTG also supports single-card orders, but the service makes the most sense when you are printing a meaningful batch. Its published pricing drops as order size increases, which makes it especially attractive for full decks, cubes, and bulk testing runs.
PrintMTG also has the best design-tool story in this comparison. Its MTG Card Maker lets users upload custom art, adjust layouts, customize frames, and create alternate or original card concepts. That is useful for custom commanders, themed cubes, proxy tokens, “counts-as” cards, and playtest cards that need to be readable without looking boring. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Quality-wise, PrintMTG compares favorably to PrintingProxies for most normal playgroup use because it pairs strong materials with a better MTG-specific workflow. PrintingProxies also uses S33 German Black Core stock, so this is not a “good versus bad” comparison. It is more about which provider makes the whole process easier. For most Magic players printing decks from lists, PrintMTG has the better balance of quality, price, and tools.
For on-demand proxy printing, start with PrintMTG proxy printing if you want the simplest path from deck idea to sleeve-ready cards.
PrintingProxies: Printing Proxies, Premium Cardstock, And International Options
PrintingProxies is a solid choice if you care about cardstock, international shipping, or non-Magic proxy card games. The site describes its cards as printed on S33 German Black Core cardstock, with deck-list-friendly ordering and custom uploads. It also says it ships worldwide, while noting that international orders ship DDU, meaning customs fees, local postal requirements, and import handling may be the customer’s responsibility.
That makes PrintingProxies especially worth considering in three situations.
First, use it when international delivery is your main concern and its shipping options are better for your location. Second, consider it when you want proxy cards for games PrintMTG does not clearly focus on, such as Pokémon, Lorcana, One Piece, Flesh and Blood, Star Wars, or other TCG-style projects. Third, keep it on the list if you want S33-style stock and are comparing samples before placing a larger order.
The tradeoff is price and MTG-specific convenience. PrintingProxies publishes a simple volume structure that starts at $2.00 for a single card and drops to $0.75 each at 200 or more cards. That is reasonable for many orders, but it may not beat PrintMTG for larger MTG deck lists based on the published tiers available at the time of writing.
ProxyKing.biz: Highest-Quality MTG Proxies, Limited Selection, Higher Cost
ProxyKing.biz is the quality-first option. If you want the nicest-looking proxy versions of key staples, premium lands, foils, or cards you plan to reuse across multiple decks, ProxyKing is the provider to check first.
ProxyKing is not built around the same “paste any decklist and print almost anything” experience as PrintMTG. It is closer to a curated catalogue of MTG proxy cards and sets. That is great when the card you want is available. It is less convenient when you need a full Commander list, a cube update, or a batch of oddball cards that may not already exist in the catalogue.
The pricing reflects that positioning. Many ProxyKing singles shown on its homepage are listed around $4.00, with some foil or special versions shown around $5.00 and some sets priced separately. That makes ProxyKing expensive for a full 100-card deck, but very reasonable for a small group of high-impact cards where fidelity matters.
The practical recommendation is simple: use ProxyKing.biz when you want the absolute nicest version of a few cards, not when you need the cheapest possible full-deck print run. For premium staples, browse ProxyKing.biz and check availability before building your order around a specific card.
How To Choose Between MTG Proxy Providers
Start with the size of the order.
If you need one to ten cards, any provider can work. ProxyKing is especially attractive if those cards are high-value staples and you care about finish. PrintMTG is still a good option if you want specific versions, custom art, or future scaling into larger orders.
If you need a full deck, PrintMTG becomes the cleaner choice. Deck list import, version selection, and lower per-card pricing on large orders matter a lot more when you are ordering 60, 100, or 200 cards.
If you need non-Magic proxy cards, PrintingProxies is the safer starting point because it explicitly supports several other TCG-style games.
If you need cards for a specific event date, check production and shipping before placing the order. PrintMTG publishes typical production within a couple business days, while PrintingProxies publishes next-business-day preparation language and U.S. delivery timing. ProxyKing says most orders move to print quickly and ship with tracking, but availability and product selection can shape the timeline.
A useful decision rule:
- Choose PrintMTG for most full decks, cubes, bulk orders, and custom art projects.
- Choose ProxyKing.biz for the best-feeling, best-looking individual staples.
- Choose PrintingProxies for international orders or non-MTG proxy card games.
Ordering And Printing Workflow
Most proxy orders follow the same basic path:
- Build or finalize the deck list.
- Export the list from a deck builder such as Archidekt or Moxfield, if you use one.
- Clean the list so each line has a quantity and card name.
- Paste or upload the deck list into the provider’s order tool, when supported.
- Choose versions, art, or custom uploads.
- Review quantities carefully.
- Check shipping method and delivery timing.
- Order a small sample first if the project is large or important.
That sample step is not glamorous. It is also one of the easiest ways to avoid disappointment. Card feel, coating, color, and edge consistency are easier to judge in your hands than on a product page.
Import Decks And Prepare Deck List
A clean deck list saves time. The safest format is usually:
1 Sol Ring
1 Command Tower
1 Swords to Plowshares
10 Forest
Some deck builders export categories, maybeboard cards, set codes, collector numbers, tags, or price notes. Those details can be useful, but they can also confuse an importer. Before ordering, remove cards that are not part of the print run and confirm that basics, tokens, sideboards, and alternate versions are handled the way you want.
When importing decks from Archidekt or Moxfield, look for a plain-text export or copyable list. Then check the vendor’s deck list rules. PrintMTG, for example, supports uploading or pasting a deck or card list and then choosing versions and quantities inside the order process.
For custom art, make a simple spreadsheet before uploading files. Use columns like card name, quantity, art file, frame style, and notes. Future-you will be grateful. Present-you may roll their eyes, but future-you is right.
Print Settings And Exporting Proxy Sheets
If you are using a professional proxy provider, do not overcomplicate print settings. Use the vendor workflow, review the proof or order preview, and check sizing before ordering.
If you are preparing files yourself, pay attention to:
- Trim size: the final card size after cutting
- Bleed: extra artwork that extends past the trim edge
- Safe area: the area where text and important art should stay
- Spacing: room between cards if printing sheets
- Orientation: portrait layout for standard MTG-style cards
- PDF export size: matched to your printer or vendor instructions
For home printing, export print-ready PDFs and test one sheet before printing a full cube or deck. Check that cards slide into sleeves cleanly and do not create a marked-card issue by being too thick, too thin, or visibly different from the rest of the deck.
Best Practices For MTG Proxy Cards And Deck Lists
Ask first. Proxy use is a social agreement before it is a printing decision.
A good Rule 0 version sounds like this:
“I’m testing this deck with proxies. They’re all readable, and nothing is meant to look like a real card for resale. Is everyone okay with that?”
That is enough for most casual tables. For store events, ask the organizer. For Commander pods, ask the pod. For cube, tell drafters what is proxied before the draft starts.
Also, make proxies easy to identify. Use alternate backs, marked proxy text, sleeves, or clear disclosure so nobody confuses a proxy with an authentic card. Store expensive originals separately if the whole point is protecting them from wear.
Legal And Tournament Considerations For Magic: The Gathering Proxies
For sanctioned Magic play, do not assume your own proxies are allowed. The Magic Tournament Rules state that authorized cards must be genuine Magic cards publicly released by Wizards of the Coast, and cards that are not authorized game cards are prohibited in sanctioned events. The same rules say players may not create their own proxies; tournament proxies may only be created by the Head Judge under specific circumstances, such as a card becoming damaged during the tournament or a foil-only card issue.
That does not mean casual proxy play is automatically a problem. Wizards has also said it does not want to police playtest cards made for personal, non-commercial use, even if that use happens in a store. The practical distinction is clear enough: casual playtest cards are one thing, counterfeits and sanctioned-event use are another.
Do not represent proxy cards as authentic. Do not resell them as real cards. Do not bring them to sanctioned play unless the organizer’s rules clearly allow proxies or a judge issues one under tournament rules.
Cost Comparison And Savings Estimator For MTG Cards
Pricing changes, so use this as a framework rather than a permanent quote. Always check the cart before ordering.
| Sample Order | PrintMTG Published Tier | PrintingProxies Published Tier | ProxyKing.biz Practical Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-card staples package | About $15 before shipping | About $15 before shipping | About $40 to $50 before shipping |
| 60-card test deck | About $60 before shipping | About $60 before shipping | Usually not ideal for full-deck ordering |
| 100-card Commander deck | About $55 before shipping | About $100 before shipping | Usually not ideal for full-deck ordering |
| 200-card cube update | About $90 before shipping | About $150 before shipping | Usually not ideal for bulk ordering |
These estimates use the published tiers visible at the time of writing: PrintMTG lists lower per-card pricing as order size increases, including 100–199 cards at $0.55 each and 200–499 at $0.45 each; PrintingProxies lists $1.00 each at 50+ cards and $0.75 each at 200+ cards; ProxyKing singles commonly appear around $4.00 to $5.00 depending on version.
For expensive mana bases, use this simple savings model:
Estimated savings = cost of authentic cards minus proxy order cost minus shipping and fees.
For example, if ten authentic lands would average $35 each, the real-card cost is $350. A 10-card proxy order might cost around $15 to $50 before shipping depending on provider and quality tier. That is the whole appeal of proxies: you can test the mana base before deciding whether to buy originals, or you can protect originals you already own.
Recommended Provider By Use Case
Choose PrintMTG if you want the best overall balance for on-demand MTG proxy cards. It is the strongest fit for full Commander decks, cube lists, bulk orders, deck list import, custom art, and better pricing on larger quantities.
Choose ProxyKing.biz if you want the highest-quality MTG proxy cards and are comfortable paying more for a smaller, curated order. It is the best choice for premium staples, collector-feel proxies, and cards you want to reuse across decks.
Choose PrintingProxies if international shipping, S33-style cardstock, or non-Magic proxy card games are the deciding factor. It is a good backup or specialty choice, especially when the project does not fit neatly into a Magic-only workflow.
The best provider is not the same for every order. A single foil staple, a 100-card Commander list, and a 360-card cube update are three different jobs. Match the provider to the job and you will spend less time fighting the process.
FAQs
Are MTG proxy cards legal?
MTG proxy cards are generally used for casual play, playtesting, and groups that allow them. They are not legal in sanctioned Magic: The Gathering events unless they meet the narrow tournament-rule exception for a judge-issued proxy.
What is the difference between a proxy and a counterfeit?
A proxy is openly used as a stand-in card. A counterfeit is intended to deceive someone into thinking it is authentic. Proxies should not be sold or represented as real Magic cards.
Which provider is best for a full Commander deck?
PrintMTG is the best fit for most full Commander deck proxy orders because it supports deck list workflows and has better published pricing for larger quantities.
Which provider has the best quality?
ProxyKing.biz is the quality-first recommendation in this comparison. It is best for premium staples and smaller curated orders where print fidelity and feel matter more than price.
Should I order samples first?
Yes, especially for cube, Commander, or bulk orders. Samples help you judge card feel, coating, color, cut consistency, and sleeve fit before committing to a larger print run.
Can I use proxies at my local game store?
Ask the store or event organizer. Casual pods may allow proxies, but sanctioned events follow official tournament rules.