> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cardstock-studio.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cardstock-studio.gitbook.io/docs/welcome-to-cardstock.studio.md). # Welcome to Cardstock.Studio Fast, powerful, team-based tabletop card and component creation suite **Cardstock Studio** is a browser-based design and print tool built for tabletop game creators. It lets you design card templates visually, manage card data in a spreadsheet-style deck editor, and export print-ready files — either as images to print at home or as service-ready ZIPs for print-on-demand vendors like The Game Crafter. Perfect for individuals and large studios. [**Start for free at https://Cardstock.Studio**](https://www.cardstock.studio/). **Join the Discord** to connect with the Cardstock Studio community, and **subscribe to YouTube** for tutorials and more. *** ## Creating Card & Component Templates Start by building your templates. These dynamic, variable-filled layouts will form your decks and component print sheets. ## Build Decks from Templates Efficiently create decks of cards and sets of components. Connect to a Google Sheet or manage directly in the app. The variables you set in the Template are exposed so each card can be unique. ## Print Cards & Components When you're ready, print your Decks by exporting PDF or PNG files for home printing, or export files formatted for populate print-on-demand services like The Game Crafter. ## Invite Friends or Your Team Cardstock Studio allows you to invite other users to work on your projects, with the permissions you grant them. This means you can work with friends & family, hire freelance designers, or include members of your team while maintaining control over your projects. ## Version Control & Backups Changes to Templates and Decks can be checked in, so you can revert back to them later. Images, prefabs, text style presets, shapes, and more can be retained after deletion, in case they're needed again. *** ## Cardstock Studio Provides Powerful Features A **Template** defines the *visual layout* of your cards and components. Our template design system is fast and efficient, with advanced features that enable dynamic cards with less effort. ### Variables Add **Global Variables** (project scoped) and **Local Variables** (template scoped) which are exposed in your deck spreadsheet. This is how you get unique values onto each card — Card name, cost, attack, flavor text, and so on. ### Conditionals Most properties in the template layers can be **conditionally controlled**, adjusting values, colors, and even images based on variables. ### Prefabs A **Prefab** is a reusable group of layers you can drop into any template. Change the prefab once and every template that uses it updates automatically. Instances can also override individual properties (color, text, size) without breaking the link. ### Shapes Design **Shapes** with the powerful editor, or use dozens of premade shapes. Use these for masking, as image elements in your project, or as area backgrounds. ### Text Style Presets Create **Text Style Presets** with formatted text including background elements. Use these in-line with other text and as part of variables. Syntax is simple and straightforward. ### In-Line Images, Shapes, and Prefabs Utilize your images, shapes, and prefabs **In-Line with text** using simple syntax with optional formatting features. Get great looking iconography with very little effort. *** ## What's next? Follow the guides below to build out your project step by step. ### Project setup * [Project Settings](broken://pages/e136a69c6ff46db8bb6bab0e84a5344416821547) — name, version string, Google Sheets integration * [Images](broken://pages/05a23a479dac79605a55cedb5eb43f4e5c03dc13) — upload and organize your artwork before designing templates * [Text Style Presets](broken://pages/0fe9643462d15533b61743ac21f79778322cfbbf) — define consistent fonts and colors once, apply everywhere * [Global Variables](broken://pages/9c8f440300392fe73e164c0c575c032ae7071158) — share values (like set name or edition) across all templates * [Shapes](broken://pages/1e94d3e999c7cc8042e60e582ab2c95484167db1) — draw or import custom shapes to use as design elements ### Design * [Create a Template](broken://pages/5f78097a545191b973d28b8aada6ad904787e9eb) — lay out a card face with the visual editor * [Create a Prefab](broken://pages/42bd8775054e26ea90bb37bf2419eb5ad90a394f) — turn a group of layers into a reusable component ### Card data * [Create a Deck](broken://pages/699cf7259d3429d2fcfd89fdfa9a9a6659c0b9ae) — add cards and fill in their variable values * [Import from CSV or Google Sheets](broken://pages/c3b6efc41778d3bbae1d4d04adbdb296cd49aa4d) — bring in data from a spreadsheet ### Export * [Print & Export](broken://pages/1fcc34d77388ca97730479f5b903b1d8272716b9) — export PDFs, PNGs, or service-ready files for The Game Crafter and other vendors *** *Cardstock Studio is actively developed. Features and screenshots in this documentation may change between releases.* --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://cardstock-studio.gitbook.io/docs/welcome-to-cardstock.studio.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. 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