PNG with embedded project data
Save a PNG, keep it on your disk, then upload that same image later to continue editing the exact card setup.
Documentation
Quick answers and practical tips for using Card Forger.
How card creation works
Card Forger is built around templates (presets) and editable layers. You choose a starting template, then edit content like artwork, text, icons, and backgrounds.
When you export, Card Forger generates print-ready PNG or PDF files locally in your browser.
Getting started
1) Open the Editor and pick a preset. 2) Upload artwork and adjust its position. 3) Edit text (names, descriptions, stats) and tune typography. 4) Use guides (trim / safe) to keep important elements inside safe areas.
For print-focused export flows, open Print Cards.
New project recovery workflows
Card Forger can now store the whole project directly inside exported PNG files. That means a card image can act as both the visual export and the project backup.
Desktop drag and drop import
On desktop, drag a saved Card Forger PNG or JSON file directly onto the editor card to instantly load the project.
Desktop card controls
On desktop, the card surface is interactive. You can drag artwork and other movable elements directly on the card, use the mouse wheel to zoom artwork in or out, and double-click text layers to edit them faster.
Drag layers on the card
Move artwork or layer positions visually instead of typing coordinates by hand.
Zoom artwork with the wheel
Scroll to enlarge or reduce the artwork while keeping the card framing visible.
Double-click text to edit
Jump straight into inline text editing by double-clicking a text layer on the stage.
Mobile card controls
On mobile, Card Forger keeps the same direct manipulation workflow with touch input. You can drag artwork with a finger and use a two-finger pinch gesture to zoom the art in or out while framing the card.
Drag artwork with one finger
Reposition artwork directly with touch when you want to fine-tune the crop on a phone or tablet.
Pinch to zoom artwork
Use two fingers to zoom artwork in or out without leaving the card preview.
Key features
- Presets with consistent sizing for fast prototyping
- Layer-based editing (artwork, text, icons, background)
- Guides: trim and safe area toggles for print safety
- Export PNG and PDF (print-friendly workflows)
- Project backup: download/upload JSON projects
- PNG exports with embedded project metadata for single-file recovery
- Desktop drag-and-drop import for JSON and Card Forger PNG files
- Direct on-card layer dragging, wheel zoom, and double-click text editing
- Share card dialog with copy-to-clipboard and PNG save actions
- Description asset picker with optional helper text insertion
- Print page that can use the current project or an imported PNG/JSON project
- Riftforge title, subtitle, tag, and power overlay controls
- Optional 3D preview toggle on the canvas
- Local storage autosave in your browser
Share and export from the stage
Use the share button on the editor stage when you want a fast export flow. It opens a preview dialog where you can copy the card image to the clipboard or save it as a PNG.
Share card dialog
This is the quickest way to get a polished PNG out of the current card without leaving the editor.
Smart text tools
The text editor now does more than plain typing. You can split the card name into a title and subtitle, manage tag rows, and use the description asset picker to insert icon tokens and helper phrases.
These tools are especially useful for faster templating when building structured card text for Riftforge-style layouts and icon-heavy descriptions.
If you enable (additional describe), Card Forger expands selected keywords with helper phrases, so repeated effect patterns can be scaffolded much faster.
Saving and reloading projects
You now have three practical ways to come back to a card later:
- autosave in your browser for quick local continuity
- JSON download/upload for explicit project backups
- PNG export with embedded project data for image-based recovery
If you want the easiest sharing workflow, export PNG and keep that file. If another Card Forger user drops it into the editor, the card image can reopen as an editable project.
Export & printing
For the full printing workflow (bleed, crop marks, sizing), see the Export and Print Guide.
Tip: if your print shop asks for exact sizing, PDF exports are usually the best choice.
The print workflow can also batch several saved project files into a single export, which is useful when you want multiple PNG/JSON projects combined into one printable PDF.
3D preview and holo effects
Card Forger includes optional stage effects for presentation. The 3D preview adds a tilted card feel on the canvas, while holo mode layers animated sheen and glow over the stage.
These are best used when showcasing finished cards, sharing previews, or presenting a premium foil-like look without changing the underlying project content.
Stage preview effects
Toggle these effects when you want a more premium presentation while keeping the editable card data unchanged.
Riftforge-specific editing
Riftforge presets include additional structure beyond standard card text. You can control title/subtitle defaults, tag rows, category-specific layouts, and the power field that drives the dedicated power overlay on the card.
This is especially useful when you want the editor to keep a strong template feel while still letting you customize text and layout quickly.
FAQ
Q: How do I move or scale artwork?
A: Upload artwork, then drag it directly on the card. On desktop, use the mouse wheel to zoom the artwork in or out while positioning it.
Q: Can I edit text directly from the card preview?
A: Yes. Double-click a text layer on the card preview to open text editing faster.
Q: Where are my projects saved?
A: By default, projects are stored in your browser (localStorage). For sharing or backups, use Download/Upload Project (JSON) or save a PNG export with embedded project metadata.
Q: Can I reopen a card using only the PNG image?
A: Yes. Card Forger PNG exports can include the project data inside the image file, so you can upload the PNG later and continue editing.
Q: Can I drag a project file straight onto the editor?
A: Yes. On desktop, drag a Card Forger PNG or JSON project file onto the card area and the editor will load it.
Q: Can I export for print?
A: Yes. Use PDF export for print workflows and enable crop marks when needed. Use the trim/safe guides to keep text readable after cutting.
Q: What does the Share card dialog do?
A: It generates a clean card preview from the stage and lets you copy the image to the clipboard or save a PNG version immediately.
Q: What is the description asset picker for?
A: It inserts icon and keyword tokens into description text and can optionally append helper phrases to speed up templated card writing.
Q: What does (additional describe) do?
A: It adds ready-made helper phrases for selected description keywords, helping you build structured effect text faster.
Q: Can I export multiple saved projects into one PDF?
A: Yes. The print/export workflow supports adding several project files and combining them into a single PDF export.
Q: When should I use 3D preview or holo mode?
A: Use them when presenting or sharing cards. They are visual stage effects for preview quality and do not change the actual project content.
Q: My print looks misaligned. What should I check?
A: Make sure your printer or print service does not scale the output (print at 100%). Use PDF crop marks and verify you exported the correct preset.
Q: Can I make proxies or tokens for casual play?
A: Card Forger is meant for fan-made concepts and personal, non-commercial use. Always follow the rules/policies of the relevant publisher and your local play environment.
Q: Does Card Forger upload my art to a server?
A: No. The tool works locally in your browser. Your files stay on your device.