As every hardcore Magic the gathering fan should know, the card dimensions of the MTG cards are essential for authenticity. Not only could an experienced player tell straight off the bat from feel alone, but if you were to mix it together with authentic cards, the size difference would be noticeable. Therefore, its essential, when creating your own set of cards, to use the right dimensions.
Believe it or not creating your own set of cards to play test your card deck is a very rewarding experience and can lead to a new hobby. Beyond having fun, you will save money when compared to the real deal. You can bring your friends together to playtest them or get together to create new cards.
This blog will cover in depth why you would create proxy mtg cards, the official dimensions and the legalities of proxy cards. If you would like a detailed guide on how to create your own proxy cards then we got you covered here.
What are Proxy Cards?
- Protection: They allow you to play with valuable cards without risking damage to your originals
- Budget-Friendly: They let you build competitive decks at a fraction of the cost of authentic cards
- Playtesting: They enable you to experiment with different card combinations before investing in originals
Official MTG Card Size
The official ruling is that MTG card size are 2.5 x 3.5 inches, or 6.35 x 8.89 cm. Whether you are creating them for friendly play, deck build and test or even to sell, the size does matter.
The official ruling is that MTG card size are 2.5 x 3.5 inches, or 6.35 x 8.89 cm. Whether you are creating them for friendly play, deck build and test or even to sell, the size does matter.
Why do people make Proxy decks
It’s generally down to a few reasons; to test build their deck, seeing which combination of cards work, allows them to trial before investing in the authentic card. Lets look at them in detail.
- Cost Savings
One of the biggest motivators for making proxy cards is the cost. Many MTG cards, especially rare and powerful ones, can be prohibitively expensive, sometimes costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For players who want to experiment with top-tier decks or simply enjoy the game without breaking the bank, proxy cards offer an affordable alternative. With proxies, you can play and test without the financial burden.
- Preserving Original Cards
Players who already own valuable or sentimental cards often choose to preserve their originals by using proxies. Frequent shuffling, handling, or transporting can cause wear and tear, which can reduce a card's value or damage its appearance. By using proxies during casual games, players protect their prized cards while still enjoying the game.
- Testing New Decks
Before investing in expensive cards, many players use proxies to test new deck ideas. This allows them to experiment with strategies, tweak deck lists, and determine whether certain cards are a good fit—all without sinking money into cards that might not work out. Testing with proxies is especially common for competitive players who adapt decks to evolving metagames.
- Accessibility for Casual Play
Not every MTG session revolves around tournaments or winning the Pro Tour. Many players simply play for fun with friends, and proxies make the game far more accessible in casual settings. They allow players to explore a wider range of cards and mechanics without worrying about cost or availability. Proxies also make formats like Commander (EDH), where decks require 100 unique cards, far less intimidating for newcomers.
Benefits of Proxy Cards
- Flexibility: Proxy cards give players the freedom to test, explore, and play without large financial commitments.
- Inclusivity: They promote a more inclusive play environment, as newer or budget-minded players can use valuable cards they might not otherwise afford.
- Deck Variety: Players can experiment with diverse deck archetypes and strategies without investing in every card.
Potential Drawbacks of Proxy Cards
Despite their advantages, proxy cards do have some limitations:
- Not Tournament Legal: Proxies cannot be used in sanctioned tournaments or official events, so they’re limited to casual games, testing, or private play.
- Ethical Concerns: Some players feel that proxies detract from the experience of owning original cards, which can cause debate within play groups.
- Quality Variance: Poorly made proxies can lead to confusion during gameplay if the print quality or card text is unclear.
MTG Card Artwork Dimensions
Many people ask about the card size but less about the artwork size. Both sides need to be accurate in order for authenticity and over the years the magic has altered their cards frames.
- Original border (1993-2003): 1.9 × 1.53 in (48.5 × 39 mm)
- Modern border (2003-2014): 2.06 × 1.52 in (52.5 × 38.5 mm)
- Postmodern border (2014-): 2.09 × 1.54 in (53 × 39 mm)
Therefore depending on the card, you want to proxy you should take note of the dimensions.
Are MTG Proxy Cards Legal?
Perhaps one of the most question here, are MTG proxy cards legal?
If you create proxy MTG cards for personal use, don’t sell them and make it clear they are proxies, you’re good. Its when you start copying the real thing, try to sell or claim that they are real then you are breaking copyright law and will be in serious trouble.
Keep the card dimensions the same, do not use existing designs and enjoy the process.
Ready to go to the next step? Read our The World of MTG Proxy Cards: Everything you need to know
Are Proxy Cards Legal?
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