Frequently Asked Questions

1. Order personalised cards

Who can have cards printed at Press Start Cards ?

Press Start Cards is aimed at board game designers, TCG creators, independent studios, game design students, associations, illustrators and training professionals.

The service is particularly well-suited to prototyping, playtesting, small runs and projects that require regular updates. It also enables card readers and oracle creators to have their own cards printed.

Can I have a personalised deck of cards printed, even if it’s just one copy?

Yes. Press Start Cards accepts orders with no minimum quantity. You can print a single card to check the print quality, a few cards to test a game mechanic, or a complete set to organise an initial test session.

The total cost depends on the number of cards, the options selected and the delivery charges. An order for a single item may therefore have a higher unit cost than a larger order.

Can we have a prototype of a board game or TCG printed?

Yes. Print-on-demand is particularly well suited to prototyping board games and collectible card games.

You can produce an initial version of your game, test the rules with players, tweak the card effects and print a new version once you’ve made your changes. This approach avoids having to produce a large stock straight away whilst the game is still in development.

How do I find out the price of my personalised cards?

The price depends mainly on the format, the number of cards, the number of sets, the paper weight, the finish and whether the cards are printed on one side or both sides.

Prices are on a sliding scale depending on quantities and the applicable price brackets. Delivery and packaging costs are calculated based on the order.

To find out the cost of your project, use the card configurator. The summary displayed before payment serves as the reference for your order.

Where are the cards Press Start Cards made?

The customised cards are printed in France, in the Loir-et-Cher department (41). Press Start Cards favours on-demand manufacturing suited to prototyping and small batches, rather than industrial production which invariably requires high volumes.

2. Card formats and uses

What formats of personalised cards are available?

Press Start Cards offers a range of formats to meet the needs of card games, board games and illustrated creations.

The dimensions correspond to the formats offered by Press Start Cards. Please check the template for your chosen format before preparing your artwork, as accessories and card sleeves sold by other manufacturers may use different dimensions.

Which format should you choose when creating your own card game?

The choice depends on the game’s mechanics and the amount of information to be displayed.

The Poker format is suitable for many TCG and board games. The Bridge format offers a narrower width. The Tarot and Oracle formats are suited to larger illustrated cards, particularly for cartomancy. The Mini and Square formats cater to specific needs, such as equipment cards, resources or visual pairings.

To compare dimensions and choose the most suitable format, use the configurator and consult the pages dedicated to the available formats on the website.

Can we print cards for a role-playing game (RPG)?

Yes. Customised cards can be used to represent spells, equipment, weapons, magical items, events or skills in a tabletop role-playing game.

The Mini format is ideal for equipment cards and short pieces of information. The Poker format may be suitable for cards containing more information. If your cards feature long descriptions, please check that they are legible at actual size before placing your order.

Can we print tarot cards, oracle cards or educational cards?

Yes. The service is suitable for tarot readers, card readers, illustrators and designers of educational cards.

You can create a tarot or oracle deck using your own illustrations, as well as make learning cards, training materials, affirmation cards, memory games or tools for workshops.

Choose a format that suits the space required for illustrations and text. The Tarot and Oracle formats, in particular, offer more surface area than compact cards.

3. Paper, weight and finishes

What paper weight should you choose for your personalised cards?

Press Start Cards offers two total grammages: 300 g/m² and 350 g/m². These include the printed material and double-sided lamination.

A total weight of 300 g/m² results in more flexible cards, which allow more light to pass through. A total weight of 350 g/m² produces stiffer cards, which are generally less transparent.

The choice depends on your project: a low-cost prototype, a game that will be played regularly, or a run intended for presentation to partners do not always require the same specifications.

These options do not correspond to professional-grade Black Core cardstock. If your game requires specific opacity properties or a feel very similar to factory-produced cards, please request a test sample before approving a full run.

What is the difference between a matt finish and a gloss finish?

Both finishes are laminated onto the faces of the cards, but their visual appearance differs.

The matt finish reduces glare and gives a subtle look. It may be particularly suitable for cards featuring text or intended to be viewed under different lighting conditions.

The glossy finish enhances colours and contrasts. It is particularly well suited to colourful illustrations and visual designs that require extra vibrancy. However, it is more prone to glare and fingerprints.

The best choice depends on your game’s visual identity and the conditions in which the cards will be used.

Can we choose between square or rounded corners?

Yes, depending on the options available for the selected format. Rounded corners give the playing cards a familiar finish, whilst square corners may be suitable for certain graphic design purposes.

In all cases, please provide rectangular files, even when you choose rounded corners. The corners are rounded during production.

Are the cards water-resistant and moisture-resistant?

Double-sided lamination provides surface protection and makes the cards easier to handle. However, it does not make the cards waterproof.

Avoid immersion, prolonged exposure to moisture and storage conditions that may cause the material to warp. UV resistance is not guaranteed by the presence of lamination alone.

If your project requires particular resistance to water, heat or heavy use, please contact us before placing your order to check that the available options are suitable.

Do you stock Black Core, Blue Core or holographic cards?

The professional Black Core and Blue Core substrates, as well as holographic or foil finishes, are not included amongst the standard options displayed in the configurator at the time of writing this FAQ.

Laminated cards made from 350 g/m² paper are stiffer and generally less translucent than those made from 300 g/m² paper, but this does not mean they have a black or blue core.

If you’re looking for a specific finish, please check the current options in the configurator or contact Press Start Cards before placing your order.

4. File preparation and approval

What files do I need to provide to print personalised cards?

The recommended file formats are PNG, JPG or PDF, with a resolution of 300 dpi. Prepare your artwork to the dimensions of your chosen card format and check that the text and illustrations remain clear at the final size.

You can use Canva, GIMP, Photoshop or any other graphic design software. The key thing is to adhere to the dimensions, cropping and instructions in the template.

Please consult our guide to preparing print files before uploading your artwork.

What is bleed and why is it necessary?

The bleed is an extra margin printed beyond the finished size, which is then trimmed away during cutting. It prevents white edges from appearing when the cut deviates slightly from its intended position.

For cards with textured, illustrated or gradient backgrounds extending to the edge, our guide generally recommends a bleed of 1.5 mm on each side.

You must also observe the inner safety margin: important text, logos and symbols must be kept clear of the edges. Please refer to the template for your chosen format to find out the applicable guidelines.

Are the files checked before printing?

Yes. Files undergo a technical check before production. In the event of an obvious issue regarding dimensions, resolution, margins or file consistency, Press Start Cards may contact you to clarify the situation.

This check does not constitute a comprehensive proofreading service covering graphic design, spelling or legal matters. You remain responsible for the content of your cards and for the final approval of the project.

Can we get a preview before sending the job to print?

The configurator provides a preview that allows you, amongst other things, to check the framing and positioning of visible elements.

This digital preview is not a physical colour proof: the colours displayed on a screen may differ from the printed result.

If you wish to check how an illustration, text or finish will actually look, it is best to order a single sample before placing a larger order.

Will the printed colours be the same as those on my screen?

Not necessarily. The final result depends, in particular, on the screen settings, the file, the printing process, the substrate and the finish.

A digital proof allows you to check the layout and positioning, but it does not guarantee exact colour accuracy. To minimise the risk of disappointment, prepare your files in high resolution and test the colours on a physical copy when colour accuracy is essential.

5. Delivery times, delivery and order tracking

How long does it take to produce customised cards?

The usual production time is 2 to 15 working days, depending on the product, the quantity ordered, the finishes and the production workload.

Where a specific estimated delivery time is given for a product, the exact time stated at the time of ordering takes precedence. Production begins once payment has been confirmed and the necessary information and files are available in a usable format.

You must then allow for the delivery time. The delivery times shown are estimates and may vary depending on circumstances.

How much does delivery of the cards cost?

Delivery and packaging charges depend, amongst other things, on the weight, volume, quantity ordered and destination.

The applicable amount is calculated in the basket before payment. To find out the total cost of your project, customise the cards, add them to the basket and check the order summary.

To which countries does Press Start Cards deliver?

The available delivery destinations are those offered at the time of ordering. Delivery is arranged according to the options displayed in the basket and the type of dispatch.

For deliveries outside France, delivery times may be longer. Customs duties or import charges may also apply to certain destinations outside the European Union.

Please check the delivery address, delivery method and delivery charges before confirming your order.

How do I track my order?

Deliveries are made using the delivery options offered at the time of ordering, notably via La Poste. Depending on the method selected, tracking may be available.

In the event of a delay or an issue with your tracking information, please contact Press Start Cards , quoting your order number. This will enable us to identify the consignment and determine the appropriate course of action.

6. Cancellation, payment and terms of use

Can I cancel an order for personalised cards?

For commercial purposes, Press Start Cards allows customers to cancel a bespoke order and receive a refund provided that production has not yet begun. Once production has started, cancellation at the customer’s request is no longer guaranteed.

As personalised cards are manufactured to the customer’s specifications, the statutory right of withdrawal does not generally apply to these products. However, statutory guarantees remain applicable.

Please refer to the terms and conditions of sale for full details.

How do I pay for my order?

Payment is made by credit or debit card via the payment provider listed on the website, currently SumUp. The available payment methods are shown when the order is confirmed.

The final total, delivery charges and selected specifications are shown in the summary before payment.

Who owns the rights to the illustrations and files provided?

You retain the rights to your creations, subject to any third-party rights that may be contained in your files. Press Start Cards uses the materials provided solely to process, print, finish and deliver your order.

You must hold the necessary rights or authorisations to reproduce the illustrations, logos, text, photographs, fonts and other elements that you submit.

Submitting a file to the printer does not transfer the intellectual property rights to your design.

7. You can also print the game rules and booster packs

Press Start Cards Can you print the rules and instructions for my game?

Yes. Press Start Cards also offers printing of game rules, instruction leaflets and game aids, depending on the formats and options available.

This allows you to combine several elements of your prototype or game into a single production project.

Visit the ‘Printing Game Instructions and Rules’ page.

Can we create custom booster packs with mixed cards?

Yes. Press Start Cards offers customised booster packs, with sachets printed with your own design and a range of options for organising the contents.

Depending on the available configuration, you can organise the layout of the cards and set up a randomisation feature for your collectible card games.

Discover the possibilities on the ‘Printing custom booster packs’ page.

Do you have a project involving customised cards?

Whether you want to print a board game prototype, a TCG, a tarot deck, an oracle deck, educational cards or a promotional game, Press Start Cards supports you every step of the way, from file preparation to production.

Choose your format, customise the finishes, upload your artwork and get a quote based on your project’s specifications.

Configure my custom card print order

If you have a technical query that isn’t covered here, please use our contact form.