MTG cards hold a lot of value to many people.
Nowadays, sole events are arranged where people come and exchange their MTG cards.
Mostly, these cards are printed by outsourced printing presses and are quite expensive. But there is a cheaper alternative to this as well.
If you have been to an MTG convention, you might have seen MTG cards printed by third parties. These are sold on some sketchy websites on the internet as well.
These cards are known as MTG proxies.
You can either buy these online or with the right skills, print them yourselves. Besides having the right template for your card, you also need the best printer for MTG proxies.
No need to fret, we have compiled all information that you need to know about these printers and their aspects.
What To Considerations Before Choosing a Printer For MTG Proxies
On your way to buy a printer for your MTG cards? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the key features that you need to keep in mind before you put your money on a printer.
Resolution
If you want to print out an MTG card that is as close to the real one as possible, you need to invest in a printer that can print in very high quality. The first thing you need to consider is, therefore, the resolution.
The higher the resolution that can be supported, the better.
Print Speed
Most people print out multiple MTG cards at the same time. This can be to sell them in Bulk
To ensure that you get high quality prints at a high speed, you need to check the PPM of the printer. The higher this page per minute rate is, the more efficient your printer will be.
For color, the DPI is very important. This rate is also known as the dot per inch Is the determinant of how high quality the prints will be. Therefore, the higher this rate the better your MTG cards.
Paper Compatibility
Not All kinds of printers can be used for printing MTG proxies. The perfect MTG card printer is the inkjet kind.
These blenders are wildly popular for being capable of printing on almost any kind of paper.
Be it glossy paper, pictures, or paper documents, an inkjet printer can print on all.
Tray Size
A standard printer has an 8.5 in x 11-inch paper stock holder. While this is perfect for printing on regular sized paper, MTG proxies are a bit different.
Usually, cardstock or the glossy paper is used to print MTG proxies. Therefore, the printer that you purchase for this task needs to have a customized or dedicated feed tray that fits the size of the paper you are using.
Having a properly sized feeding tray can prevent jamming.
Connectivity
Gone are the days of manually connecting your printer to your computer. Nowadays, everything has become smart.
The printer that you purchase should have wireless connectivity. It’s better if the proxy printer comes with a USB 2.0 connection and Bluetooth connectivity as well. Having a Wi-Fi file transferring option is also a huge plus point.
This connectivity will make it easier for you to print your proxies. You can transfer files directly from your computer to the printer without having to involve any wires.
Ink Cost
The ink cost of your printer will depend on how many MTG proxies you plan on printing.
People who print MTG proxies in bulk can invest in high-quality and powerful printers. These printers have to be fed a lot of ink at a time. When bought at such a large scale, the ink cost for both black and white and colored pages lowers significantly.
On the other hand, people who do not plan on renting MTG proxies in bulk can invest in normal printers that use more affordable cartridges. One thing to consider is that the printing cost will become a little bit higher for these sorts of printers.
The Best Printer For MTG Proxies On The Market
As inkjet technology is preferred for printing MTG Proxies, we have listed down 5 top inkjet printers. Our expert team has inquired and checked all the details to find which fit best. So you can get hold of any of the following. Trust us!!
- Best Printer For Proxies Overall: Canon Pixma iX6820
- Best Printer For Printing Proxies Without MTG Press: HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
- Best Printer For Non-Foil Proxies: Canon Pixma Pro-100
- Best Printer For Ultimate Magic Cards: Canon TS9521C
- Best Printer For Realistic Proxies: Epson WorkForce WF-7720
1. Best Printer For Proxies Overall – Canon Pixma iX6820
Selection Criteria:
- Resolution: 9600 x 2400 dpi – my scores – 10/10
- Print Speed: Black 14.5 ppm, Color 10.4 ppm – my scores – 6/10
- Paper Compatibility: Cardstock – my scores – 10/10
- Tray Size: Up to 13 x 19 inches – my scores – 10/10
- Connectivity: Wireless, Ethernet, USB – my scores – 10/10
- Ink Cost: Black 4.3 cents, Color 8.5 cents – my scores – 10/10
About Canon Pixma iX6820
The first printer on our list is one from Canon. If you know anything about printing, you already know that Canon has a very high percentage of market share for printers.
This iX6820 model lives up to all of our expectations. It is an inkjet printer that can print on almost any kind of paper. Be it a regular sized A4 paper, or cardstock, this printer can print on all types.
For easy connection, it has wireless, USB, and even Ethernet connections. You can connect this printer with Windows 8, Windows Vista, and even some Windows XP series. Besides that, the printer is also compatible with Mac OS.
The smart device can use Google cloud print, AirPrint, and even pick up printing solutions for easy printing. Transferring the file from your computer, or even your mobile, to the printer is a very easy task.
When it comes to quality, the fine print head technology takes care of the color and resolution. There are five individual ink tank systems on this unit. The DPI of 9,600 x 2,400 also helps make the prints very high quality.
Pros
- Can print on card stock, envelopes, and even glossy paper
- Has a high 9600 c 2400 DPI
- Fine print head technology gives high-resolution prints
- Compatible with windows vista, Mac OS, Windows XP
- Has wireless, USB, and Ethernet connections
Cons
- Connecting to wireless devices is a bit tough if you don’t have the app
2. Best Printer For Printing Proxies Without MTG Press – HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
Selection Criteria:
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi – my scores – 5/10
- Print Speed: Black 22 ppm, Color 18 ppm – my scores – 10/10
- Paper Compatibility: Cardstock – my scores – 10/10
- Tray Size: 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14 inches – my scores – 8/10
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet – my scores – 10/10
- Ink Cost: Black 2.2 cents, Color 8.8 cents – my scores – 9.75/10
About HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e
An auto duplex feature is a necessity for proxy printing MTG. A lot of the good MTG cards come with designs on both the front and back end. Printing this manually can be a little bit tough.
This printer from HP covers that issue. It has an auto-duplex feature that helps you print on both sides of the card very easily.
You can connect this device to both your PC and your smartphone. It has USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi connections.
There is the option of using cloud printing services as well. So, storage space will not be an issue for you.
The printer can print up to 22 black and white pages per minute. The rate for coloring pages is 18 pages per minute.
You won’t have to worry about connection issues with this printer, as it comes with self-healing Wi-Fi ™. This automatically detects any problem in the network and solves it as required.
Pros
- Comes with auto-duplexing technology
- Can print 22 black and white and 18 colored pages per minute
- Can be connected to your smartphones
- WiFi TM solves all connection related issues automatically
- Compatible with cloud print services
Cons
- It’s a home printer, so will jam if large printing tasks are taken
3. Best Printer For Non-Foil Proxies – Canon Pixma Pro-100
Selection Criteria:
- Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi – my scores – 5/10
- Print Speed: 51 second for 8×10″ image – my scores – 4/10
- Paper Compatibility: Cradstock – my scores – 10/10
- Tray Size: 13 inch x 19 Inches – my scores – 10/10
- Connectivity: USB, Wi-Fi, Mobile Memory – my scores – 10/10
- Ink Cost: Color 2.5 dollar – my scores – 3/10
About Canon Pixma Pro-100
If you want your printed MTG cards to look as good as the real ones you purchase, you need a printer that has a very high quality resolution.
The next printer that we have from Canon, has eight dye-based inks. This results in very high-quality rich color, and Good gradients. Even the black and white friends come out nice because three of these dye-based inks are for grayscale tones.
Besides that, the number of nozzles on this device is 768 per color, and 6144 in total.
The auto sheet feeder can hold 150 sheets of regular paper, and 20 sheets of photo paper.
An optimum email generating system selects are perfect ink combinations automatically. You won’t have to make any adjustments to get rich colors on your MTG proxies.
Pros
- Optimum image generating system selects the perfect ink combination for you
- Comes with 8 dye-based inks
- 768 nozzles per color and 6144 in total
- Can hold 20 photo papers and 150 regular sizes papers in the feeding tray
- 4800 x 2400 DPI
Cons
- Makes some grinding noise when operating
4. Best Printer For Ultimate Magic Cards – Canon TS9521C
Selection Criteria:
- Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi – my scores – 5/10
- Print Speed: Black 15 ppm, Color 10 ppm – my scores – 6/10
- Paper Compatibility: Cardstock – my scores – 10/10
- Tray Size: 8.5 x 11 inches – my scores – 7/10
- Connectivity: Wireless – my scores – 10/10
- Ink Cost: Black 5 cents, Color 15 cents – my scores – 6/10
About Canon TS9521C
Nowadays, all devices are becoming smart. Just being able to connect to a device without needing wires is not enough. That is why we have added this Canon TS9251C to our list of the top printers for MTG cards.
Now, to print MTG cards, you can connect your Canon printer to an Amazon Alexa. So, you can give out voice commands to print your cards.
Besides that, the printer itself can be connected to any sort of device with a wireless, Bluetooth, USB, or Ethernet connection.
This printer is very popular for printing on cardstock. And because cardstock is one of the main forms of paper used for MTG proxies, this printer will work very smoothly for you.
To give you the highest quality of prints, this device has five individual inks. With that, the chroma line 100 ensures that the prints do not fade with time.
The printer guarantees that the picture will remain in perfect condition for 30 years if framed behind glass. Without framing behind glass, the pictures will last for 20 years at least.
Pros
- Can be connected to Amazon Alexa
- Prints smoothly on card stock
- Has 5 individual inks for high quality prints
- Ink does not fade with time
Cons
- The ink goes fast, the device needs refills quite often
5. Best Printer For Realistic Proxies – Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Selection Criteria:
- Resolution: 4800 x 2400 dpi – my scores – 5/10
- Print Speed: Black 18 ppm, Color 10 ppm – my scores – 6/10
- Paper Compatibility: Cardstock – my scores – 10/10
- Tray Size: Up to 13″ x 19″ – my scores – 10/10
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi – my scores – 10/10
- Ink Cost: Black 7 cents, Color 12 cents – my scores – 6.5/10
About Epson WorkForce WF-7720
Lastly, we have this printer from Epson. This last printer has it all. It can print on both sides of the card automatically. Also, the printer can be used as a copier, scanner, and even a fax machine.
He can connect to any device using Wi-Fi. The device, when used with genuine Epson inks, will give you a fine printing experience.
The unit has a 500 sheet capacity. The output tray can hold 125 sheets at a time. If needed, there are dual trays, and also a tray that can hold any form of special paper.
One other thing that we love about this particular product is that it uses 80% less power compared to other inkjet color laser printers.
Pros
- Uses 80% less power than other laser printers
- Has auto duplex feature
- The output tray can hold 125 sheets at a time
- Comes with a tray for holding specialty paper
- Can be used as a copier, scanner, and even a fax machine
Cons
- Does not work well with other remanufactured inks
How To Print MTG Proxies?
If you know how printing and MTG proxy are actually not that hard of a task. Also, printing these proxies can be a Great affordable alternative to buying fresh ones.
Here are the steps that you need to follow to print out MTG cards that look like the real deal.
Step 1: Download The Design
Nowadays, you can find a lot of websites that sell redesigned proxies. With a small payment, you can download these designs and edit them as you like.
Step 2: Edit
Next, you will have to edit the card as needed. You can use Photoshop, or even MS Paint to make these changes.
There’s no limit to this, you can use any photo editing software that you like.
There is one thing that you have to do when editing the card. You have to add a label that states “proxy” on the card. Otherwise, you might get into severe legal trouble when you use the proxy.
Step 3: Print
Next, you have to print these proxies.
Usually, MTG proxies are printed on hard card stock or glossy paper. Be sure to add this to your printer setting before you press on print.
MTG proxies need to be a specific size as well. So, had the right size, which is typical, 6.35 cm x 8.89 cm in size.
Step 4: Laminate
Now, this step is not mandatory. A lot of people feel that the proxies that they have printed on cardstock are not sturdy enough. Flimsy cards can fold very easily and get cracks on them.
A great way to prevent this is by laminating the card. This adds some extra structural integrity.
How to Make Special Proxies?
We have learned how to make regular kinds of proxies, but what about the special kind? There are a few different varieties out there that are harder to make.
Here is how you can make these special proxies on your own.
Foil Cards
Foil cards are very popular. These can turn out to be very beautiful when customized.
The easiest way that you can do this is by using an already existing foil card.
You first have to remove the ink from the card. Then, use glue to paste on a transparent sheet on the ink-free card. Then, you can use your MTG proxy printing device to add on any design of your liking.
Tokens
Tokens are used as markers in MTG events.
To print these, you will first need access to the full view of your token. Getting access to the MTG token is a hard part. So if you have successfully downloaded the file, the rest of the step is very easy.
After downloading the image, you will make adjustments and edit the token as you like.
Then, you will print it out, and laminate it if needed.
Where To Buy MTG Proxies?
Yes, printing MTG cards is very easy if you have the right tools. But buying these cards becomes a necessity if you can’t design one properly, or if you do not have the right kind of printer.
Buying proxies is also a very difficult task. Not a lot of sites are open to selling MTG cards online.
You might have come across some sights such as eBay selling MTG cars online. But they usually charge a lot and should not be trusted.
Also, a lot of sellers will try and sell you a printed-out MTG card or a counterfeit product by telling you that it’s an original one.
Some sites let you a bit on proxies as well. While some of these sites can be trusted for selling original MTG cards, the bidding process takes the price of the cards to another level.
Some common sites that sell MTG cards are MTHProxies.biz, MTG-Proxies-Cards, eBay, Etsy, and even Reddit.
If you are not well informed about the seller, you should not continue with a transaction as there is a high possibility that the cards are fake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Illegal To Print MTG Proxies?
Printing MTG cards is not illegal. You just have to ensure that you add the “proxy” label on top of it.
However, you can get into a lot of legal trouble for selling MTG proxies in some countries.
2. How Can I Make My Proxies Better Quality MTG?
The easiest way you will get a high quality MTG card is by using a top-ranked MTG proxy printer.
Check the DPI and PPM before buying the printer. Also, try and use good quality ink.
3. Is MTG Proxies Legit?
Proxy cards are not legit in some MTG conferences. It depends on the region.
4. Can You Print MTG Proxies At Staples?
Yes, you can. If you only have to print a few cards, you can go to staples and get the job done.
You won’t have to spend so much on a printer, and the print at staples will also be of very high quality. They can give you a good deal if you plan on printing a whole deck.
Conclusion
Having a high quality printer is a must if you want to get perfect MTG proxies. For this, you need a printer that has a high DPI and PPM rate.
Luckily, there are a lot of great inkjet printer options in the market right now. The Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Business Printer and the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer are great options. They come with all the features the best printer for MTG proxies should have.
If you choose your printer correctly, you too can get MTG proxies without having to pay hundreds of dollars on real cards!