> 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/design/decks.md). # Decks **Decks** are made from one or two [**Templates**](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards.md). Generally the face, and a back, though the deck can mirror the same Template on both sides. Variables are exposed for each side, even when the Template is mirrored.
{% hint style="success" %} We strongly suggest you use Google Sheets to set the values of your cards. You can export the card structure into a Google Sheet, and then connect the sheet to Cardstock Studio. Anytime you update the values in the sheet, you can import them into your Deck. Visit [Connecting to Google Sheets](/docs/design/decks/connecting-to-google-sheets.md) to learn how. {% endhint %} *** ## Creating Decks From the Template canvas, click the button in the top right to create a Deck from the Template you're working on. Future changes to the Template *will* be represented in the Deck. Visit the Decks page, and click the button, then name your Deck and select a Template to use as the face.
### Adding Cards In the bottom left you can choose a number of cards to add. These will all use the default values for the [Variables](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards/variables.md) but you can customize each in the spreadsheet cells.
*** ## The Deck View The **Deck** view contains all of the cards in the deck. It is made up of card previews and the spreadsheet. Each [Variables](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards/variables.md) exposed in the Template has a column, so that each card can have a unique value. ### Card Preview Along the top of the screen is a horizontal bar showing a preview of all the cards and backs. You can click each to bring them to the front.
As you scroll through the previews, the spreadsheet will scroll as well. ### Card Spreadsheet Each card in the deck has its own row. The first three columns are always *Card Name,* *Copies,* and *Description*. If you will have multiple copies of a single card (with the same variable values), it is easier to set the number of copies rather than having multiple rows that are the same. Each of the [Variables](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards/variables.md) you set up in the Template will have it own column. Adjust the values in each cell to change the values in the card preview, and the prints. {% hint style="info" %} The Template used for the card back will have its own variables. If there is a variable name conflict, "back\_" will be prepended to the variable name on the back Template columns. {% endhint %} ### Fixed Columns #### Card Name This is the name of the card — it is useful to help keep easy identification of the card, especially when working with the AI agents. #### Copies This is the number of copies the card will produce when printing or exporting. If you are going to have multiple copies of the exact same card, set this value, rather than having multiple rows with the same variable values. #### Description Use this space to describe the card in more details, most importantly to provide context that may not be as clear from the card variables. Simple cards likely can leave this blank, but more complex cards may wish to provide additional information about any unique features or game logic. This is used heavily by the AI agents. ## Selecting & Managing Cards Click the toggles in the left column to select cards, or click the header row to select all cards. You can also click the card preview areas where the front/back previews are not visible to select the card. Once selected, you can print or export individual cards, or delete them.
## Importing Deck Data Visit [Connecting to Google Sheets](/docs/design/decks/connecting-to-google-sheets.md) to learn about importing from Google Sheets.
If you have a CSV exported from another application, you can choose to upload it here, and either *Append* or *Replace* the existing data. ### Import Error Reporting After importing, Cardstock Studio will let you know if any errors were identified, and give you information to help solve the issue. Often this will include unrecognized variable names, or column names. Otherwise, the bottom of the Deck window will report *No Errors*.
## Printing and Exporting Learn more about [Printing Decks](/docs/design/decks/printing-decks.md) and [Exporting Decks](/docs/design/decks/exporting-decks.md) at their respective pages. {% content-ref url="/spaces/K6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq/pages/w1Bhf8Cb6WFKO1coMh6z" %} [Printing Decks](/docs/design/decks/printing-decks.md) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/spaces/K6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq/pages/IUaEZJfYACcIZrDUIyp0" %} [Exporting Decks](/docs/design/decks/exporting-decks.md) {% endcontent-ref %} *** ## Deck Settings The button will bring up the Deck Setting panel.
Here you can set the Templates to use, or optionally Mirror the front template for the back. ### Description Here you can describe what this deck is. If there are unique game rules such as setup steps, describe those here as well. This will help the AI confirm your rules, write your rules if you choose, and properly set up play tests. {% hint style="success" %} The AI will benefit from clear, descriptive language that describes the deck in full detail. Without this, it may not fully understand the purpose of the deck, and will ask questions or try to assume. {% endhint %} ### Orientation The *Flip Orientation* determines how prints will be organized, so that front/back pairs will "flip" the right direction — either left/right horizontally, or up/down vertically. *** ## Check in Changes When you check in a change, you're saving a snapshot of the Deck values and settings. This way you can revert back to a checked in version if you need to.
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