PNG Export and Print Guide

How PNG export works

Author the card workflow in Forge, then open Create and fill in its exposed Inputs. When a workflow has multiple Outputs, select the Output you want before exporting.

Current export behavior

• Create downloads one PNG for the selected active Output
• Collection downloads a ZIP of individual PNG files for its available cards
• Each PNG uses the workflow canvas width and height as its pixel dimensions
• PNG rendering uses pixelRatio 1, with no export-time upscaling
• Browser canvas output is an RGB PNG
• Generated locally in your browser
• No embedded workflow or project metadata

Saving a PNG does not add the card to Collection. Use Save to Collection in Create if you want to retain the workflow Inputs and active Output for later editing.

Choose individual or batch export

Use Create when you need the currently selected Output. Save card configurations to Collection when you want to keep their workflow, Input values, and Output choice, then download the Collection ZIP for a batch.

When to use PNG export

• Digital card distribution via email or cloud storage
• Virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20, Foundry VTT, or Tabletop Simulator
• Placement in a print layout made with separate software
• Web or social media sharing of card designs

A Collection ZIP contains separate card images, not a pre-arranged page. Use external imposition software to arrange them and meet the requirements of your printer or production service.

Prepare exported PNG files for printing

Card Forger provides card images. External imposition software controls page arrangement and printer-specific preparation.

Before printing

• Check the workflow canvas pixel dimensions before exporting
• Export one card in Create or download a Collection ZIP for a batch
• Arrange the PNG files with external imposition software
• Follow the printer or service requirements and test one prototype first

Avoid enlarging an export beyond its canvas pixel dimensions. If more pixels are needed, increase the workflow canvas dimensions and verify the design before exporting again.

Color and pixel detail

Card Forger exports RGB PNG files through the browser canvas. Appearance can vary between displays, printers, materials, and production services, so test the intended workflow before making multiple copies.

Inspect the PNG at its exported pixel dimensions. Enlarging a raster image beyond its available pixels can soften text and artwork.

Note: For a service with specific file, layout, bleed, or color requirements, prepare the PNG in suitable external software and follow that service's instructions.

Prototype printing tips

1. Choose test materials

   Start with inexpensive materials that suit the playtest, then change them only after the design is stable.

2. Test one layout first

   Verify color, alignment, and legibility before making more copies. Adjust the workflow canvas or external layout as needed.

3. Prepare the page externally

   Use external imposition software for page arrangement and any printer-specific preparation.

4. Consider card sleeves

   Sleeves can protect prototype cards and make mixed playtest components easier to handle.

Production services

Before lawful production, ask the service which files and layout it accepts. Card Forger supplies RGB PNG card images; external software handles imposition and service requirements.

What to provide your print service

• RGB PNG exports at their workflow canvas pixel dimensions
• The Collection ZIP when the service accepts a batch of separate images
• An externally imposed layout when the service requires one
• A test proof before ordering more copies

Commercial use is allowed only when you own or license every included asset and hold all rights needed for the finished cards. Named-game and fan content must remain lawful, rights-respecting, and clearly unofficial.

Troubleshooting common print issues

Colors look different in the printed prototype

Displays and printers reproduce RGB artwork differently. Test the intended printer and materials, then adjust the source workflow or external preparation if needed.

Cards don't align when cutting

Check the PNG pixel dimensions, placement in the external imposition software, and any scaling applied by the printer.

Text looks blurry or pixelated

Check that the workflow canvas provides enough pixels. Avoid enlarging the PNG in the external layout.

Ready to export your cards?

Open Create to run a Forge workflow and export its active Output as PNG, or use Collection to download a ZIP batch. Use external imposition software for page layout and production-service requirements.