Export & Print Guide

Turn your digital tarot deck into a professional, print-ready product. Complete step-by-step instructions for every stage.

The Export Journey

1️⃣

Export to PDF

2️⃣

Design & Refine

3️⃣

Convert to CMYK

4️⃣

Print & Distribute

Step 1: Export to PDF

In the Deck Builder

  1. Ensure all cards have images and proper titles
  2. Review all card meanings and crystal associations
  3. Click the "Export PDF" button
  4. Your PDF will download with the filename deck.pdf

PDF Specifications: 2.75" x 4.75" per card (standard tarot size with bleed)

Step 2: Design & Refine

Option A: Canva (Recommended)

  1. Go to canva.com and log in
  2. Upload your PDF deck
  3. Customize colors, fonts, backgrounds, and borders
  4. Add embellishments, borders, or special effects if desired
  5. Export as high-resolution PDF when done

Why Canva: User-friendly, no design experience needed, tons of templates and assets

Option B: Adobe InDesign (Professional)

  1. Open your PDF in Adobe InDesign
  2. Adjust layouts, spacing, and typography
  3. Place images at exact positions
  4. Add special effects or artistic touches
  5. Prepare for print production

Why InDesign: Professional control, precise measurements, industry standard for printing

Option C: Procreate (Digital Artists)

  1. Import your PDF into Procreate
  2. Paint, draw, and add artistic elements
  3. Layer in additional mystical imagery
  4. Export as high-resolution PDF or TIFF

Why Procreate: Perfect for artists adding hand-drawn elements and textures

Step 3: Convert to CMYK

Why Convert to CMYK?

RGB (your screen): Uses Red, Green, Blue light. Perfect for digital display but prints incorrectly with color shifts.

CMYK (printing): Uses Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black inks. Professional printers require this for accurate color reproduction.

Conversion Tools

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Go to Tools → Print Production → Convert to CMYK. Most professional option.

CloudConvert

Free online tool: cloudconvert.com - Upload PDF, convert to CMYK

Affinity Publisher

One-time purchase design software with native CMYK support. Great alternative to InDesign.

Let Your Printer Handle It

Some printers offer in-house CMYK conversion for a small fee. Ask when you quote your print job.

Step 4: Choose a Printer & Order

Popular Print Services for Tarot Decks

Make Playing Cards (MPC)

Specializes in card decks. Offers excellent quality, various finishes (matte, glossy, linen), and reasonable pricing for small to medium runs.

makeplayingcards.com

Printful

On-demand printing with easy integration. Print individual decks or bulk orders. Good for starting small.

printful.com

TheGameCrafter

Built specifically for card games and decks. Tarot-friendly tools and community support.

thegamecrafter.com

Printfresh

Premium print quality with custom options. Ideal for high-end, small-run decks.

printfresh.com

Local Print Shops

Contact local printers for quotes. They often offer custom solutions and faster turnaround.

Printing Tips

  • Card Size: Standard tarot is 2.75" x 4.75". Some prefer 2.5" x 4.5" or 3" x 5".
  • Stock Options: 350-400gsm cardstock gives professional feel. Matte finish reduces glare for readings.
  • Bleed: Ensure 0.125" bleed on all sides for edge-to-edge printing. Your PDF has this built in!
  • Box Packaging: Many printers offer custom deck boxes and booklets. Worth the investment for special decks!
  • Get Samples: Order a proof/sample before bulk printing to check quality and colors.

Troubleshooting

Colors look different in print vs screen

This is normal! RGB (screen) and CMYK (print) display colors differently. Always convert to CMYK before printing and request a color proof from your printer.

Image quality is blurry in the PDF

Ensure all card images are high resolution (300 DPI minimum for print). If using AI-generated images from the Deck Builder, they should be high quality. If blurry, regenerate with a more detailed prompt.

PDF won't open in design software

Try updating your PDF reader or converting the file using an online converter (Zamzar, CloudConvert). Some design software prefers certain PDF versions.

Printer says file has errors

Ensure all fonts are embedded (not linked), images are in CMYK mode, no RGB colors present, and bleeds are properly set. Ask your printer for a detailed error report and adjust accordingly.

How much will printing cost?

Costs vary widely: 1-10 decks ($5-15 per deck), 50-100 decks ($2-5 per deck), 500+ decks ($1-3 per deck). Get multiple quotes and always ask about rush fees, box packaging, and shipping.

Ready to Share Your Deck with the World?

Follow these steps and your custom tarot deck will be print-ready and professional. Questions? Get in touch!

Create Your Deck Now →