How to Design the Perfect Custom Playmat for MTG or Lorcana
Pieter GrundekenHow to Design the Perfect Custom Playmat for MTG or Lorcana
A custom playmat isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s an extension of your personality, your playstyle, and your deck’s identity. Whether you’re sleeving up a commander deck for Magic: The Gathering or questing through the Inklands in Disney’s Lorcana, a personalized playmat adds flavor and focus to every game.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to designing a TCG playmat that’s both beautiful and battle-ready.
1. Choose the Right Artwork
Your design is what makes your playmat truly yours. Popular options include:
- Fan art or official artwork from your favorite card
- Custom character illustrations
- Anime or fantasy themes
- Minimalist layouts or geometric styles
- A picture
Make sure the image you upload is high-resolution (at least 300 DPI) and fits the standard 24” x 14” format.
2. Consider Zoning
Do you want zones printed on your playmat?
Glowing Gorilla offers optional custom zones for left-handed and right-handed players. These can help streamline your layout, keep your field organized, and add an extra layer of clarity during competitive games.
3. Don’t Forget the Edges
A stitched edge isn’t just for looks — it’s for long-term durability. All of our custom playmats include stitched edging to prevent fraying over time. It’s a must-have if you play regularly or transport your mat often.
4. Make Your Art Stand Out
While you can't yet add names or text directly through our upload tool, you can still make your playmat look amazing with the right visual. Bold colors, clean composition, and a focused subject tend to look best when printed full-bleed on our high-quality surface.
If you're working with a graphic designer, you can include text or logos directly in your uploaded artwork file.
5. Let Us Handle the Printing
Once your artwork is uploaded, our team transforms your design into a high-definition, stitched-edge playmat, printed right here in the USA. We use vibrant, full-color printing to ensure your artwork looks crisp, colorful, and tournament-ready.
No preview necessary — just quality, guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
Your deck is unique — your playmat should be too. Whether you’re heading to Friday Night Magic, Lorcana League, or a casual kitchen table game, designing your own custom TCG playmat is a simple way to upgrade your experience.
👉 Ready to design your own custom playmat?
Check it out here