How do you make custom commanders?
Deck Help forum
Posted on March 2, 2022, 4:09 p.m. by Ashdust
Where do you make custom cards at? How do you get the art for them? I've seen some pretty good custom cards, but I don't know how to make an image of one.
The ability to create custom commanders is a feature that varies depending on the specific game or application you are using. Here are a few examples of how you can create custom commanders in different types of games:
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In real-time strategy games like Age of Empires or Starcraft, you may be able to create custom commanders by using the game's built-in customization tools or by using modding tools. These tools may allow you to choose the commander's appearance, abilities, and stats, and may also allow you to design your own custom units and buildings.
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In massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, you may be able to create custom commanders by creating and leveling up new characters. These characters may have different abilities and roles depending on their class or specialization, and you can choose their appearance and equipment as you progress through the game.
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In mobile games or browser games, you may be able to create custom commanders by using in-game currency or real money to purchase new units or heroes. These units may have different abilities and stats, and you may be able to customize their appearance or equipment.
It's important to note that the specific steps for creating custom commanders will vary depending on the game or application you are using. You may need to refer to the game's documentation or tutorials for more information on how to create custom commanders in your specific game.
TypicalTimmy says... #2
This would likely be better answered under the Custom Card Forum rather than the Deck Help Forum.
With that out of the way, something to address is citing various other websites. It can be a little taboo to cite a whole bunch of different websites as it can be seen as advertising and affiliation and such. So while there are many different sites available out there, I'm only going to use the one I personally use frequently, and as a How-To guide.
The website I use is MTG.Design**, which is a generic card maker site. There's a lot that this particular site does not offer, such as formatting for Sagas and Adventures, but if you just want to make Commanders and Planeswalkers, the site works fine.
You'll need to register an account, but it's free to do so. You have a Patreon option you can subscribe to, but there really aren't any benefits available. Down at the bottom of the page is the means to contact the site owner. I've done this and he or she usually responds within a few business days and generally offers a lot of help and advice, and the site is under a redevelopment phase - but that's been in the works for like two years now so who really knows what's going on. Probably just one person who is swamped and this is a hobby for them.
Anywho, the artwork is easy to find although sometimes you need to get a bit creative with it. Anything off of DeviantArt won't work because of the way the URL breaks it. There's a few other websites that won't allow their artwork to be used. If this happens, all you need to do is save the artwork to a profile on like Facebook or Imgur or Reddit, then view the image off of that website instead.
Once you have the image you want in a new tab, copy the URL in full.
For the purposes of MTG.Design, after you have a registered account (assuming you choose to use them), go to "Create" and begin to populate your fields. Name, mana cost, abilities, etc.
If you want the Legendary frame, under Supertype you need to manually type Legendary. If you want Snow, you type that as well. Add the typelines (Artifact, Planeswalker, Sorcery, etc) and type in your subtype. Also choose the rarity.
For Planeswalkers, if you want 3 or 4 abilities you need to select the "Size" option.
If you want a +1 positive ability, just leave the number as is. For a -1 ability, you need only add a minus symbol, changing 1 to -1. Adding 0 makes it 0. If you want a Planeswalker with a static ability at the top, leave the field empty (Don't use zero, leave it blank).
1 and creature P/T are at the bottom of the fields you can populate.
Remember the URL you copied? Paste it into the Artwork URL field.
Not all artworks align properly and you may need to use software editing programs to cut the art to fit better. If you need to do this, just take your time and try several edits between removing the top portion or the bottom portion to "shift" the artwork up and down until it is centered.
It takes time and practice to get it right.
If you want to use symbols and such, it's a different style than on here.
Lastly, there is a Text Size (38pts) field that allows you to adjust the size of the text on your card, allowing it to fit more appropriately.
MTG.Design is super basic and simple to use. There are many better sites and programs out there, but for a beginner it's a good start.
I'd recommend you search Google / Bing / Reddit for alternative sites until you find one you prefer; This was merely to answer you question on how to get started.
March 3, 2022 12:35 a.m.