Export and Print Guide

Understanding card dimensions and print standards

Card Forger uses industry-standard dimensions with professional print specifications. Each preset includes bleed, trim size, and safe zone measurements to ensure your cards print correctly.

Available presets

• Classic: 2.75"×3.75" bleed, 2.5"×3.5" trim size at 300 DPI
• Riftbound: 2.75"×3.75" bleed, 2.5"×3.5" trim size at 300 DPI
• Retro: 2.75"×3.75" bleed, 2.5"×3.5" trim size at 300 DPI

Bleed is the extra area beyond the final trim size that ensures no white edges appear after cutting. The trim size is your final card size, and the safe zone keeps critical content away from the cut line.

PNG export options

PNG export produces high-quality images suitable for digital distribution or home printing. Choose PNG when you need individual card images with transparent backgrounds or for use in virtual tabletop platforms.

When to use PNG export

• Digital card distribution via email or cloud storage
• Virtual tabletop platforms like Roll20, Foundry VTT, or Tabletop Simulator
• Home printing with manual alignment
• Web or social media sharing of card designs

PNG exports do not include crop marks or bleed indicators. For professional printing with precise trim marks, use PDF export instead.

PDF export options

PDF export creates documents with real inch sizing and optional crop marks. This is the preferred format for professional printing services and print shops that require precise dimensions.

When to use PDF export

• Professional print shops and commercial printing services
• High-volume printing runs
• Printing with automated cutting equipment
• Distribution of print-ready files to other designers

Crop marks guide

Enable crop marks in PDF export to print guide lines that show where to trim your cards. Crop marks appear outside the bleed area and ensure accurate cutting at the trim size.

Color space and quality

Card Forger exports in RGB color space, which is standard for digital displays and most home printers. Professional print shops typically require CMYK files, but many modern printers can accurately convert RGB to CMYK automatically.

Resolution and DPI

All exports are generated at 300 DPI, which is the industry standard for print quality. This resolution ensures crisp text and smooth artwork when printed at actual card sizes.

Note: For specialized commercial printing with specific CMYK requirements, you may need to convert your exports using professional design software or request CMYK conversion from your print service.

Home printing tips

1. Choose the right paper

   Use card stock between 65-110 lb for durability. Higher weight paper feels more like commercial trading cards and holds up better during gameplay.

2. Print test sheets first

   Print a single sheet to verify color accuracy, alignment, and sizing before committing to a full print run. Adjust printer settings as needed.

3. Use crop marks for cutting

   Export PDF with crop marks enabled. Use a sharp craft knife, paper trimmer, or scissors to cut along the crop mark lines for consistent card sizes.

4. Consider card sleeves

   Slip your printed cards into standard card sleeves for protection and to add professional weight and feel to your cards.

Professional printing services

For high-volume or professional-quality printing, use a commercial print service. Most print shops accept PDF exports with crop marks and can handle the cutting and finishing for you.

What to provide your print service

• PDF exports with crop marks enabled
• Specify paper stock weight and finish (matte, glossy, etc.)
• Request sample proofs before full production
• Communicate desired quantity and any special finishing requirements

Many print services offer online upload options with instant pricing. Compare prices and delivery times across multiple services to find the best fit for your project.

Troubleshooting common print issues

Colors look different when printed

Monitor colors (RGB) appear brighter than printed colors (CMYK). This is normal due to color space differences. For color-critical projects, request a print proof or work with your print service to adjust colors.

Cards don't align when cutting

Ensure your printer is not scaling the output. Check printer settings to print at actual size (100% scale). Use crop marks for accurate cutting reference.

Text looks blurry or pixelated

Verify your export DPI is set to 300 DPI. Lower resolution exports will appear blurry when printed. Card Forger always exports at 300 DPI by default.

Ready to export your cards?

Open the card editor to export your designs. Whether printing at home or using a professional service, Card Forger provides the export options you need for high-quality results.