> 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/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

It's fast and easy to start designing. 

{% hint style="success" %}
If you'd like you can clone the Demo Projects to learn from them. Check out the [Demo Projects](/docs/quick-start/demo-projects.md) page for details.
{% endhint %}

## Create Your First Project

Create a new <mark style="color:$success;">**Project**</mark> with the <picture><source srcset="/files/LsGxFdDB8cfqyW33H2z8" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2FZMBFbL3tUxIhLGvUbInT%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%204.58.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=77e879b4-a0b0-42f2-b2d5-34aeeb66acb5" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button in the top right, when you're logged in. Learn more about Projects on the [Projects](/docs/projects.md) page.&#x20;

## Create Your First Template

<mark style="color:$success;">**Templates**</mark> are where you design your cards and components — one Template per face. Create a new Template with the <picture><source srcset="/files/2prngCRwbAp3UPMjMYL6" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2FN9YZzyVHQijvVgD01HY1%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.06.28%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=24d9bdd7-8c3f-49a4-b46b-cbd8734618e7" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button. Name the Teamplate, and choose your orientation and size. These can be changed later.

Alternatively, choose the "From Preset" option to choose a <mark style="color:$success;">**Template Preset**</mark> provided by Cardstock Studio, or that you've created previously.

This video gives a brief overview of all of the pages and panels you'll see when viewing your Project.

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/kfMQRU_JQ3Q>" %}

## Design Your Template

Learn more about the Template system and all the <mark style="color:$success;">**Components**</mark> and other feature available on the [Templates - Design your Cards](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards.md) page.&#x20;

## Create Your First Deck

When you're ready, you can create a <mark style="color:$success;">**Deck**</mark> using the <picture><source srcset="/files/xUIgetaeNt0PrmtEtues" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2F464eFYciX7RH4XvYjp6i%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.26.08%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=15c79e69-155d-41c9-bdeb-721e2a03bcf6" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button, or going to the *Decks* page and using the <picture><source srcset="/files/nLYlKlhD4L2c4v08L8LQ" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2FhZ2KPZcG1nMRq8AE0t71%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.27.18%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=f1b1c62d-7842-4fd7-b255-0866cb21e9b0" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button. You can add cards to the Deck using the button in the bottom left.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/LZomem2VjUSw1lrSLapQ" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2FqhFr4B3LCpwRml1sfG9I%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.28.35%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=1aaae9b5-9cc0-4c39-9455-ef34510d9c72" alt="" width="214"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

However, we strongly suggest you export your Deck to a new Google Sheet, and use the Google Sheet to manage the actual card data. It's just a lot easier to use an actual spreadsheet application, unless your Deck is very simple.

Learn more about Decks on the [Decks](/docs/design/decks.md) page.

### Export Your Deck (CSV)

In the Deck view, click the <picture><source srcset="/files/Hd40v3PVRn1kxZINQ0F4" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2FBePLmptssf28txpTj4WU%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.33.02%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=31895bb7-d91f-48a0-9bbc-c2e253196fd0" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button from the top right, and choose "CSV File".

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/6EDwMma4rMLqDHa5qROB" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2Ft9J4KWnzmyYpW7WyS8ks%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.32.11%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=f8f14260-7087-4d67-a446-dc3e96277518" alt="" width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Open your Google Sheet for this Project, or create a new one, and import your CSV into a new page. Name the page the same name as your Deck — this is how *Cardstock Studio* will determine which page holds your card data, when you import the sheet.

### Editing Your Deck in Google Sheets

The first two columns of the sheet must be the *Card Name*, and the *Copies*. Each <mark style="color:$success;">**Variable**</mark> in the Template must have its own column, though the order does not matter. Each Card must have its own row, with the *Card Name* and its unique Variable values. The order of the Cards does not matter.

<figure><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2Fq6a4FDdGXS2pcH0lqJTp%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.34.27%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=ffbe94c2-9c91-4480-99e4-7930ec5d971e" alt=""><figcaption><p>This is the <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bHCRlpMXxgMd1_WdpRX2uaJkaMj2m3dLaQv8rhEx-qE">sheet for the Oink!</a> demo project.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Importing From Google Sheets

If you have not yet connected your Google Sheet in [Project Settings](/docs/projects/project-settings.md), you will be prompted to *Connect a Sheet* when you select the <picture><source srcset="/files/9CXwX7rKdFpTuTvi6ElU" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2Fklxy4N15eK0RlZw6iZ85%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.38.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=6464c7e2-c2e8-4183-8868-c1bf15153ab8" alt="" data-size="line"></picture> button.

Follow the instructions to publish your Google Sheet, and paste the *Published URL* into the field provided to save the connection. Then, when you import from Google Sheets, new cards will be added, and existing cards will be updated.

{% hint style="info" %}
Usually Google Sheets will update your changes within a minute or two. This can sometimes take a bit longer. If you do not see changes after importing, try again in a few minutes.
{% endhint %}

### Importing From CSV

You can also import a CSV, choosing to *Append* or *Replace*.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/HSxLta4hwSOtQSfmp05k" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://2449056524-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FK6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq%2Fuploads%2Fn4sGI7dtG1NU5S7vM45k%2FScreenshot%202026-05-19%20at%208.36.13%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=b778683e-247f-4649-87c8-bcac3b47643c" alt="" width="375"></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Print Your Deck

When ready, you can print your deck for at-home printing, or for a service like The Game Crafter, or Tabletop Simulator.

When exporting, there will be additional formatting options to choose.

Learn more about Printing and Exporting on the [The Game Crafter](/docs/ship/the-game-crafter.md) page.

***

That's the quick journey from Project to Print. *Cardstock Studio* provides a lot more options, features, and flexibility. Be sure to check out the other documentation pages for full details.

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[Key Concepts](/docs/key-concepts.md)
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[Projects](/docs/projects.md)
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[Broken mention](broken://spaces/K6BdQXak9wiY4BdSf9Rq/pages/Plz3W8uFn6bY6wW8rLgn)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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[Templates - Design your Cards](/docs/design/templates-design-your-cards.md)
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[Decks](/docs/design/decks.md)
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[Images](/docs/design/images.md)
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[Text Style Presets](/docs/design/text-style-presets.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

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[Global Values](/docs/design/global-values.md)
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[Prefabs](/docs/design/prefabs.md)
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[Shapes](/docs/design/shapes.md)
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