Different Types of Custom Card Decks: Playing Cards, Tarot, Flashcards & More

In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular types of custom card decks and how you can use them to boost your brand, product, or personal passion project.

1. Custom Playing Cards

Use Case: Games, gifts, corporate branding, promotional giveaways.
Playing cards are the most classic and recognizable type of card deck. While standard decks include 52 cards (plus jokers), customization gives you full creative control. You can print your brand logo on the back, add unique artwork on the face cards, or even design a completely new game using the poker card format.
Popular Features:

1. Poker or bridge size
2. Custom tuck box or rigid box
3. Matte, gloss, or linen finish

2. Custom Tarot Cards

Use Case: Spiritual guidance, art projects, personal branding, wellness kits.
Tarot cards are often beautifully illustrated and deeply symbolic. Many artists, influencers, and wellness brands create their own tarot or oracle card decks to express a unique vision or support a spiritual journey. These decks typically come with a guidebook and premium packaging for a luxurious unboxing experience.
Popular Features:

1. 78-card sets (or oracle-style 44-card decks)
2. Rounded corners, foil edges, soft touch lamination
3. Magnetic closure rigid boxes with insert trays

3. Custom Flashcards

Use Case: Education, training, language learning, kids' products.
Flashcards are powerful learning tools for both children and adults. Schools, publishers, and online educators use custom flashcards to help with memorization, practice, and learning reinforcement. Whether it’s vocabulary, math, medical terms, or professional training, custom-printed flashcards make learning more interactive.
Popular Features:

1. Numbered or color-coded cards
2. Durable matte lamination
3. Optional paper sleeve or tuck box

4. Custom Affirmation & Mindfulness Cards

Use Case: Personal growth, therapy, life coaching, gift products.
Affirmation decks are becoming increasingly popular in the wellness and coaching space. These decks typically contain motivational messages or prompts to encourage mindfulness and self-reflection. Many lifestyle brands use custom affirmation cards to connect emotionally with their audience.
Popular Features:

1. Soft touch coating or velvet lamination
2. Elegant typography with minimal design
3. Drawstring pouch or two-piece rigid box

5. Custom Art Cards & Collectible Decks

Use Case: Art portfolios, crowd-funded projects, collector’s items.
Independent artists and illustrators often use card decks to showcase a series of artworks in a compact, tactile format. These decks can be sold online or through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. With high-end finishes and unique box designs, art card decks become cherished collectibles.
Popular Features:

1. Foil stamping or spot UV
2. Custom-shaped cards (square, round, die-cut)
3. Limited edition print runs

6. Custom Training Cards

Use Case: Corporate training, HR onboarding, workshops, sales.
Training cards help teams learn key concepts in an engaging, gamified format. Companies and trainers often develop custom card decks for onboarding, soft skill development, or product knowledge. They can be used in workshops or self-paced learning environments.
Popular Features:

1. QR codes for digital links
2. Numbered cards by module or category
3. Sturdy paper stock with matte finish for repeated use

7. Custom Board Game Cards

Use Case: Game developers, tabletop game publishers.
Game designers often need a specific set of cards to match their board game mechanics—action cards, character cards, event decks, and more. These are typically produced as part of a full board game set, but the cards themselves require precision and durability.
Popular Features:

1. Consistent CMYK color reproduction
2. Rounded corners for easy shuffling
3. Shrink-wrapped by deck or by sheet

Customize Your Card Deck with Our Factory

As a full-service paper printing factory in China, we offer end-to-end custom card deck printing with high-quality materials and packaging solutions. Whether you need 100 sets or 10,000, our team can help you bring your ideas to life with:

1. Various card sizes and shapes
2. Custom box packaging (tuck box, rigid box, drawer box, etc.)
3. Special finishes like foil, embossing, UV, or soft touch
4. Eco-friendly printing options

Final Thoughts

Custom card decks are a versatile and creative product that serves many industries and audiences. From traditional playing cards to niche tarot decks, there’s endless potential to design something truly unique. Whether you're creating a tool for learning, reflection, or entertainment, custom card decks are a tactile, memorable way to connect with your audience.
Ready to print your custom card deck?
Contact our team today for samples, pricing, and production support. We’re here to help make your custom deck a reality—from design to delivery.