If you’ve ever tried to print a full Commander deck worth of proxies, you’ve probably learned an important truth: the hardest part isn’t printing—it’s everything around printing. Image sizing. Bleed. Safe zones. Upload tools. Order steps. Shipping timelines that feel like a side quest.
We made a short video version of this comparison, but here’s the expanded, “actually useful” breakdown for real humans who want to play Magic this week, not earn a minor in print production.
TL;DR: We recommend PrintMTG over MPC for most people
If your goal is simply “I want proxies that look good in sleeves and arrive predictably,” PrintMTG is the best default choice. It’s built for MTG decks, uses S33 black-core stock, adds a matte-satin UV finish for shuffle feel, and has a clear reprint policy if they mess something up. Most orders are produced in about 2 business days, then shipped with trackable US options.
For most players, that beats turning your proxy order into a DIY workflow project.
What PrintMTG is actually optimized for
PrintMTG exists for one job: print MTG proxies that function like a real deck in real play. That sounds obvious until you have handled enough proxy runs to realize how often “looks fine” becomes “feels off” once you shuffle, fan, and play a few games.
Their own process write-up is unusually direct about what they are trying to solve: consistent cut, readable print, and shuffle feel. They call out S33 German Black Core cardstock, a UV coating with a matte satin feel, and a typical production time of about two business days. They also say the quiet part out loud: they are not trying to win an “inspect every pixel under a lamp” contest, they are aiming for “looks great across the table in sleeves.” That is a good goal because it is the goal that matches how most humans experience cards.
The other big differentiator is not glamour, it is accountability. PrintMTG spells out that if they mess up printing, finishing, cutting, or shipping, they reprint at their cost. They also publish a US address, support hours, and shipping methods (USPS by default, with faster UPS options). If you are the kind of person who wants fewer unknowns, this is the type of boring operational detail that suddenly becomes very exciting.
In other words, PrintMTG is not “better” because it is magical. It is better for many people because it removes steps that have nothing to do with Magic. If your main goal is to get a playable deck in your hands with minimal friction, this is the lane that was built for you.
What MPC is actually optimized for
MPC is shorthand for MakePlayingCards, a large custom playing card manufacturer based in China. Their platform is designed for people printing custom decks for all kinds of projects. That includes game designers, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a printed deck with custom fronts and backs. It is a flexible tool, and the print quality can be solid, but it does not know or care that you are printing “an MTG deck.” It assumes you are comfortable doing print setup.
That setup is where most proxy frustration is born.
MakePlayingCards is explicit about the fundamentals: they recommend minimum 300 dpi images, and they ask you to allow 1/8 inch bleed plus an additional 1/8 inch safe area margin. If you have never dealt with bleed and safe zones before, this is where your proxy project starts to feel like a part-time job. And if you already know how bleed works, you are probably nodding along because you have seen what happens when people ignore it: tiny misalignments become white edges, cropped borders, or text that sits just a little too close to the guillotine.
They are also pretty clear about the production model. Their guarantee and returns policy points out that their facilities are automated and advises customers to review designs carefully because cancellations or changes cannot be made after submitting the order. That is reasonable for a high-throughput manufacturer, but it is exactly the kind of thing that makes first-time proxy buyers suffer. If you miss one card that is slightly off, you do not get to rewind time.
Shipping is another area where the “platform versus service” difference shows up. MakePlayingCards ships worldwide and provides estimated timelines. In their general FAQ, they describe standard shipping arriving in about 8 to 10 business days, broken down as processing plus transit, and they mention faster express options. That may be fine for many orders, but the lived experience for a lot of proxy buyers is that MPC is simply less predictable than a US-based proxy service, especially if you are ordering with a deadline and you do not want international logistics to become part of your personality.
So the best way to think about MPC is this: it is a powerful tool, but it expects you to act like a production manager. If you want control and you do not mind the setup, it can be a good option. If you want “click a few times and be done,” it is not.
The comparison that matters in real play
People love to argue about microscopic differences in cardstock. In actual Commander games, most of what you notice is simpler: does the deck feel consistent, do the cards read cleanly, and did your proxies show up on time?
This is why PrintMTG vs MPC for MTG proxy cards usually gets decided by workflow, not by some theoretical “best print.” PrintMTG is trying to deliver consistent results for sleeved gameplay with as little setup as possible. MPC is trying to be a universal custom card printer. Both can produce good outcomes, but only one is specifically engineered around “MTG proxy deck as a product.”
Quality-wise, PrintMTG emphasizes S33 black core stock, UV finishing, and consistent cutting and cornering because those are the things that make a deck feel cohesive in sleeves. MPC can also produce great-looking cards, but you are the one responsible for making sure your files are aligned to their templates, your bleed is correct, and your safe zone is respected. When MPC orders go wrong, they often go wrong in the most annoying way: not catastrophically, just enough that you notice every time you draw the card.
On time and shipping, PrintMTG’s typical production and shipping method options are written plainly, and their support contact details are straightforward. MPC provides shipping estimates and options too, but the overall process tends to involve more variability, especially if you are ordering for a specific date and do not want “maybe it arrives this week” energy.
On cost, MPC can be compelling if you are printing big batches and you are willing to do the work. Manufacturers like MPC often reward scale. If you are printing a cube, a playgroup run, or a large order where per-card cost is the only thing you care about, MPC can make sense. But there is a hidden cost that most people ignore until they pay it: your time. If you would rather spend that time playing Magic, PrintMTG starts to look like a bargain even if it is not the absolute cheapest per card on paper.
The verdict, without making this weird
If your goal is “i want proxies that look good in sleeves and arrive reliably,” use PrintMTG. It is purpose-built for exactly that, and it removes the parts of the process that tend to create mistakes, delays, and regret.
If your goal is “i want bulk pricing and i am willing to do file prep,” use MPC. It is flexible, and it can be a great option when you are printing at scale and you do not mind being the person who knows what bleed is.
And if you are still unsure, ask yourself one question: do you want this to feel like ordering cards, or like doing a print project? There is no wrong answer, but there is definitely an answer that matches your tolerance for hassle.
One last note, because it always matters: sanctioned tournaments are not proxy-friendly. Wizards’ stated policy for sanctioned play is that cards must be authentic, with a narrow exception where a judge may issue a proxy during an event for a card that becomes damaged. They also draw a line between counterfeits and playtest cards, and they have said they do not want to police playtest cards made for personal, non-commercial use outside sanctioned events. That is why proxies tend to live where they belong: casual play, testing, cubes, and proxy-friendly groups.
If you want a deeper baseline on what proxies are and how people use them, Kraken Opus already has a solid primer: What are MTG Proxy Cards and How to Get Them. And if you want the step-by-step “just tell me the easiest path” version, start here: How to Print MTG Proxy Cards | The Easiest Method.