6 formats cards for your custom game

1. Standard rectangular map

Definition. Classic and universal format of playing cards: a rectangle with rounded corners, usually higher than wide, in standardized dimensions (poker 63 x 88 mm, bridge 57 x 89 mm, tarot 61 x 112 mm, A7 74 x 105 mm).

THE rectangular format is the historical format of the cards to play, from medieval tarot games to contemporary decks of major publishers. This is the reference format for almost the entire ecosystem: case, box, tray, display, playing mat, everything is calibrated for the rectangle. If you design a B2B game (training, onboarding HR, seminar, team-building), the rectangle remains the default choice, unless you have a strong reason to get out of it.

The concrete advantages of rectangular format:

• Text-optimized surface The elongated form leaves room for a title at the top, an illustrative zone at the centre and a rule area or description at the bottom. This is the only format where you can put 8 to 12 lines of text without sacrificing readability.
• Mixture and handling : the grip of the rectangular cards is natural, the fan is easily formed in hand, the mixture (riffle, overhand, hindu) works without a hook. This is crucial for quick pick/fault games.
• Compatibility accessories All cases, protective sleeves, commercial displays and play mats are available in rectangular format. No additional costs or additional time on these accessories.
• Manufacturing cost This is the most economical format because the cut is straight, without any specific tool. On our manufacturing lines in EU-based production, the rectangle passes into standard flow.
• Clear and legible printing thanks to the rectangular surface that maximizes the useful space relative to the material consumed. Material yield superior to curved or triangular shapes.

When to avoid it: if your positioning is resolutely original, premium or the mechanics of the game rely on geometric placement (hexagons, triangles, special shapes). In this case, the rectangle may seem agreed and may not reflect the boldness of the concept.

2. Square map

Definition. Size with four equal sides (typically 60 x 60 mm, 70 x 70 mm or 80 x 80 mm) which stands out immediately from the classic rectangle by its perfect symmetry.

There square map It is the first step towards formal originality, without breaking completely with the codes. Very used by independent publishers for the last ten years (Hanabi, Codenames Pictures, Dixit Odyssey in some editions), it seduces by its balanced graphic rendering and its structured character.

Typical uses:

• Collectors' games and limited editions : Square symmetry evokes precious object, vinyl, artbook box. Ideal for positioning a premium game or B2B premium business gift.
• Visual ambiance games Dixit, Mysterium, Concept and their emulations are based on centered illustrations that unfold better in a square than in a rectangle (where the length forces to stretch or reframe the image).
• Memorial and observation games : the square promotes symmetrical reading, particularly useful for games where cards are returned and pairs are compared.
• Inspiration or coaching cards : very used in B2B training (coaching cards, emotional cards, value cards) because the format invites for contemplative use rather than a quick pick.

Benefits: harmonious and balanced graphic design, enhanced illustration, original format that highlights the game's illustration, easy organization on the board (squares are arranged in perfect grid). Constraints: text surface more constrained than a rectangle of the same width, less standard case and box in square format (to be manufactured to measure most often), higher MOQ to remain competitive.

3. Hexagonal map

Definition. Size with six equal sides (regular hexagon), usually in dimensions of 50 to 80 mm between two opposite sides. Often called "hexagonal tile" rather than map when the thickness exceeds 1.5 mm.

The hexagon is the Queen form of modular games Catan, Terra Mystica, Eclipse, Photosynthesis, Gloomhaven and hundreds of other titles exploit this geometry for a simple reason: six sides allow an assembly without vacuum or superposition, unlike pentagon (empty) or octagon (gaps). Hexagonal paving is the mathematical basis of modular placement in modern society play.

Typical uses:

• Placement Games and Territorial Exploration The hexagonal shape allows for different configurations and strategies to be found in each part.
• Cooperative or competitive games with card placement : hexagonal directionality (6 neighbours per tile) creates rich tactical choices without the rigidity of the square (4 neighbours) or the chaos of the triangle.
• Illustrations that fit in with each other : continuous landscapes, rivers, roads that extend from one tile to another. Gives an original geometric design and a premium visual rendering to the table.
• Strategic abstract games : Hive type, Yinsh, where tactical depth comes directly from hexagonal paving.

Advantages: original and recognizable aesthetic, rich modular mechanics, self-assembled image between tiles. Constraints: cut with specific tool (so MOQ minimum of the order of 500-1000 units to remain competitive), does not mix into classic deck (to be handled flat), incompatible with standard sleeves and case, case and custom-made boxes.

4. Round map

Definition. Circular card (usually diameter 60 to 90 mm) without corner or angle. Spectacular format that breaks completely with the traditional visual grammar of the card game.

There round map is a strong positioning choice: you can immediately notice it on a display in a shop or on a table. It is a format fun, fun and very visual, which creates a distinctive visual effect and attracts the eye. Reserved to specific contexts where visual rupture is an explicit objective.

Typical uses:

• Games of chance and draw The round shape evokes the token, the coin, the object of chance, and naturally invites to a drawing-revelation use.
• Emotional cards, resource cards, educational cards : very used in B2B coaching and HR workshop facilitation. The round format, without top or bottom, breaks the visual hierarchies and promotes the spontaneity of expression.
• Mini-games and game accessories : illustrated tokens, markers, premium tokens that replace standard plastic tokens with a custom printed object.
• Promotional and marketing cards : for a brand that wants to stand out on a living room, event or B2B gift, the round card is a memorable object that forces conversation.

Advantages: immediate visual effect, original and dynamic graphic design, stands out immediately from classic cards, allows you to attract your eye in store or on stand. cutting with specific rotary tool, almost incompatible format with classic deck mix, no up/down direction by default (to be managed upstream in design), case and custom-made boxes most often.

5. Triangular map

Definition. Three-sided map (usually equilateral triangle 70 to 100 mm side) with slightly rounded corners. Very rare format in game edition, which makes it precisely its strategic interest.

There triangular map It is a niche format assumed. Very original, rarely used in the board game of wide dissemination, it immediately attracts attention and signals an ambitious or experimental project. It is a format to be handled sparingly: its originality itself can become an obstacle if the mechanics of the game do not fully justify it.

Typical uses:

• Modular games with triangulation : triangles are assembled in diamond, hexagon, stars, creating complex visual compositions that cannot be obtained with other formats. Ideal for puzzle mechanics or games with special components.
• Assembly games and narrative puzzles Each triangle is a fragment of image or history that combines with its neighbours to reveal the meaning. Mechanics of reflection rather than quick pick.
• Innovative or experimental mechanics : author prototypes, limited editions, festival games. Promotes strategic placement on the stage and allows unique geometric shapes.
• Premium positioning and collector : creates a premium effect and immediately signals an out-of-standard object. To be reserved for projects whose graphic identity fully justifies it.

Advantages: immediate wow effect, unbridled graphic creativity, unique and creative geometric shapes, ideal for innovative mechanics. Constraints: Custom cut-out required (MOQ recommended 1000+ to remain economically viable), handling little intuitive for players (the sharp corners make the Stock in deck uncomfortable), no compatibility with standard accessories, format incompatible with the classic mix in hand.

6. Custom card (custom)

Definition. Map with a completely free contour, defined by your cutting file (character silhouette, object shape, cut logo, symbolic contour). The shape follows the graphic world of the game rather than the reverse.

There personalized free-form card The design of the map is the result of the visual identity approach: the very silhouette of the card becomes a distinctive sign of the brand, the game or the universe. It is the ultimate format for projects that seek to transform each component into a memorable object. Custom tool (form of cut machined according to your pattern), or by laser cutting or flaking for very small run.

Typical uses:

• Strong brand identity : card in the shape of logo, mascot, iconic product. Very used in marketing B2B and as premium business gift where every detail counts.
• Narrative games and rich universes : figure silhouettes, forms of magical objects, symbolic contours. The shape directly participates in immersion and reflects the graphic universe of the game.
• Unique gaming experience : suitable for all types of content, from text to illustration, including NFC codes and QR chips and icons for phygital interactions.
• High-end training and coaching cards : for premium educational programmes which want to materialize their differentiation into the form of their tools.

Benefits: unique visual identity, memorable gaming experience, total creativity, format adaptable to all shapes and sizes. Constraints: Custom cutting tool to produce (fixed cost to be amortized on the series), MOQ recommended 500 to 1000 units depending on the complexity of the contour, upstream design requires rigorous work on the robustness of the silhouette (the fine ends break for use), accessories (cases, boxes, displays) systematically tailored.

Comparison matrix of 6 formats

Synthesis of the six formats on the criteria that count for deciding:

To choose, the empirical rule is simple: Get out of the rectangle unless you have a strong reason to get out of it. This reason can be positioning (collector, premium, strong identity), mechanical (modular positioning, assembly), or use (rhythm extracting, coaching, chance). If you hesitate, ask for a prototype: we manufacture 20 to 50 card series in two to three weeks to test the grip before validating the series.

Finishes and options available in all formats

Whatever the format chosen, the finishing options remain the same on our French manufacturing lines:

• Card paper 300 g/m2 whether or not coated, certified PEFC or FSC on request
• Matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination on one or both sides
• Selective varnish to bring out a central visual or logo
• Hot dormer, embossing, embossing for premium and collector editions
• Edge polishing rounded corners adapted to the chosen format
• Plant-based inks on the whole range, without additional costs

For details of the finishes and their visual effects, see our glossary of printing finishes. For templates and file preparation rules, see game cards template which details bleeds, quiet areas and organization of PDFs.

Our French manufacturing B2B

All our card formats are produced in our three production workshops in the EU: EU-based production. Printing and cutting operations are carried out on industrial lines (offset for medium and large series, digital for prototypes and small run). Value-added finishes (assembly, boxing, polishing of songs, final quality control) are carried out in partnership with a ESAT workshop, allowing our B2B customers to count their orders under the obligation to employ disabled workers (law of 11 February 2005).

Compliance EN71 (European safety standard for toys: mechanical resistance, flammability, chemical migration) is systematically ensured on games intended for a family or children's audience. page on safety standards toy for technical details of EN71, EC and REACH compliance.