Pokémon card maker and template

To make a custom Pokémon card, design it at the real card size of 63 x 88 mm (2.5 x 3.5 in), follow the standard layout of name and HP at the top, artwork in the middle and attacks below, then print it on thick card stock and trim it with rounded corners. Online card makers handle the layout for you; a design app gives you full control.

Card size and print settings

• Finished size: 63 x 88 mm (2.5 x 3.5 in).
• Bleed: add about 3 mm (1/8 in) on every side if a print shop trims your card, so the canvas is about 69 x 94 mm.
• Safe area: keep text at least 3 mm inside the edge.
• Resolution: 300 dpi, which is about 744 x 1039 pixels for the finished card, or 815 x 1110 with bleed.
• Corners: real cards have rounded corners; a corner-rounder punch gives the same finish.

Exact sizes are in our Pokémon card size guide.

The parts of a Pokémon card layout

1. Top bar: the stage (Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2), the Pokémon's name, its HP and its type symbol.
2. Artwork window: the illustration, with a thin frame. Full-art cards run the art to the edges.
3. Info strip: a short line of flavor details under the art.
4. Abilities and attacks: each attack has its Energy cost on the left, its name, and its damage on the right, with any effect text underneath.
5. Bottom bar: weakness, resistance and retreat cost.
6. Footer: illustrator name, set symbol, card number and rarity, plus flavor text.

Every part is explained in how to read a Pokémon card.

The card back

The real Pokémon card back, with the blue swirl and Poké Ball, is a trademark of The Pokémon Company. For a personal gift card it is better to design your own back, for example a photo, a name or a simple pattern. That also makes it obvious the card is custom, so nobody mistakes it for a real card.

Ideas for a personalized Pokémon card

• A birthday card with the person as a "trainer" and their real age as HP.
• A pet as a Pokémon, with attacks based on its habits.
• A team or wedding card with everyone's names as attacks.

Printing your card

Print on matte or glossy card stock of 300–350 gsm (about 110–130 lb cover), trim with a craft knife and ruler, and round the corners. To protect it, put it in a standard card sleeve and a toploader.

Is it legal to make custom Pokémon cards?

Making a card for yourself or as a gift is common fan practice. Selling custom cards that copy official designs, logos or card backs, or passing them off as real, is not allowed. Never use custom cards in place of real cards in trades or sales.

Can you play with custom Pokémon cards?

Only in casual games where everyone agrees. Official tournaments allow only real, legal cards.