Text Import Guide

Paste Your Deck or Collection into CardNexus

Written By Gaultier Romon

Last updated 4 months ago

Our text importer lets you quickly import cards by simply pasting a list. Copy from deck builders, tournament lists, or your own notes and import cards in seconds.

What is the Text Importer?

The text importer is a smart tool that:

  • Accepts standard card list formats - Simple text lists with quantities and names

  • Recognizes set codes and collector numbers - Automatically identifies specific printings

  • Detects foil markers - Recognizes foil cards with *F* notation

  • Game-specific parsing - Optimized for each supported game

  • Validates in real-time - Instant feedback on what's recognized

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Copy Your Card List

Copy your card list from any source:

  • Deck builder websites

  • MTG Arena / MTGO exports

  • Tournament deck lists

  • Your own text notes

Step 2: Open Text Import

Navigate to your inventory and click “Add cards to inventory” → “Bulk Import” → “Paste a list” or to your list and click "Add cards to list” → "Paste a list”

Step 3: Paste Your List

Paste your card list into the text area. CardNexus will automatically start parsing your cards.

Step 4: Review Parsed Cards

See your cards instantly parsed with:

  • Card quantities detected

  • Card names extracted

  • Set codes identified (if provided)

  • Collector numbers recognized (if provided)

  • Foil status detected

Step 5: Set Default Values

Choose default values that will apply to all imported cards:

  • Condition: The physical condition of your cards

  • Language: The language of your cards

Step 6: Fix Any Errors

If some cards aren't recognized:

  • Cards not found will be highlighted

  • Fix expansion names if they don't match our database

Step 7: Import to Collection

Once everything looks good, click "Import" to add the cards to your inventory or list.

Understanding the Basic Format

CardNexus recognizes a standard text format that works across all games:

Core Format Structure

[quantity] [card name] [[variant]] [(set code)] [collector number] [*F*]

Format structure can change from one game to another! Some additional fields may be required to guarantee the unicity of a given card.

Examples

4 Lightning Bolt 
2 Counterspell (TMP) 
1 Black Lotus (LEA) 232 
3 Charizard (BASE) 004 *F*

Format Components Explained

Quantity

  • Position: Must be at the beginning of the line

  • Format: Number or number with x (e.g., 4 or 4x)

  • Default: If not specified, defaults to 1

Examples:

4 Lightning Bolt 
4x Lightning Bolt 
Lightning Bolt (defaults to 1)

Card Name

  • Position: After quantity (or at start if no quantity)

  • Format: The exact card name

  • Special characters: Supported (e.g., apostrophes, hyphens)

Examples:

Teferi, Time Raveler 
Elsa - Snow Queen

Set Code (Optional)

  • Position: In parentheses after the card name

  • Format: Official set code in parentheses

  • Purpose: Identifies specific printing

Examples:

Lightning Bolt (LEA) 
Elsa - Snow Queen (TFC)

Collector Number (Optional)

  • Position: After the set code

  • Format: Numbers or alphanumeric codes

  • Purpose: Identifies exact card version

Examples:

Lightning Bolt (LEA) 161 
Pikachu (BASE) 025 
Promo Card (PRO) P01

Foil Marker (Optional)

  • Position: At the end of the line

  • Format: *F* marker

  • Purpose: Indicates foil/premium finish

Examples:

Lightning Bolt *F* 
Charizard (BASE) 004 *F*

What is NOT Supported

The text importer does not currently detect:

  • Language - Must be set manually in Step 5

  • Condition - Must be set manually in Step 5

  • Variants - Special editions selected after import

  • Prices - Not imported from text

  • Comments - Text notes are not preserved

  • Categories - No sideboard/mainboard separation

Common Import Formats

Simple List

Just card names and quantities:

4 Lightning Bolt 
2 Counterspell 
1 Black Lotus

With Set Information

Include set codes for specific printings:

4 Lightning Bolt (LEA) 
2 Counterspell (TMP) 
1 Black Lotus (LEA)

Complete Details

Full information including collector numbers and foils:

4 Lightning Bolt (LEA) 161 
2 Counterspell (TMP) 44 *F* 
1 Black Lotus (LEA) 232

Mixed Format

You can mix different formats in the same import:

4 Lightning Bolt (LEA) 161 
2 Counterspell Black Lotus *F* 
3x Birds of Paradise (M10)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Card Not Found"

Problem: The card name doesn't match our database

Solutions:

  • Check the exact spelling

  • Remove any extra text or special characters

  • Try without the set code first

  • Make sure you've selected the correct game

"Expansion Not Recognized"

Problem: The set code doesn't match our database

Solutions:

  • Use the official set code

  • Check for typos

  • Try the full set name

  • Some promos have different codes

"Multiple Cards Found"

Problem: The name matches several different printings

Solutions:

  • Add the set code in parentheses

  • Include the collector number

  • Select the correct version manually

Cards Import as Non-Foil

Problem: Foil marker not recognized

Solutions:

  • Use *F* at the end of the line

  • Make sure there's a space before the marker

  • Check game-specific foil formats

Best Practices

For Accurate Import

  1. Include set codes - Gets the exact printing you want

  2. Add collector numbers - For valuable or multiple versions

  3. Use consistent format - Stick to one style throughout

  4. Check game selection - Ensure correct game is selected

Format Your List

  1. One card per line - Don't combine multiple cards

  2. Clean format - Remove extra spaces and characters

  3. Consistent markers - Use *F* for all foils

  4. Remove extras - Strip out prices, notes, conditions

Before Importing

  1. Review the preview - Check cards are recognized correctly

  2. Set defaults - Choose condition and language once

  3. Fix errors first - Resolve issues before importing

  4. Save your list - Keep a backup of your text

Platform Compatibility

Direct Copy/Paste Works

  • Most deck builder exports

  • Spreadsheet columns

May Need Formatting

  • Some deck builder sites specificities like Sideboard Maybeboard

  • Tournament registration lists

  • Personal notes

  • Forum posts

Game-Specific Guides

Each game has unique features and formats. Check the game-specific guides to see the complete examples for your favorite game.

Quick Reference

Supported Elements

✅ Quantity (number at start)
✅ Card names
✅ Set codes (in parentheses)
✅ Collector numbers
✅ Foil markers (F)

Not Detected

❌ Language (set manually)
❌ Condition (set manually)
❌ Variants (select after)
❌ Prices
❌ Notes or comments

Format Examples

Basic: 4 Card Name 

With set: 4 Card Name (SET) 

With number: 4 Card Name (SET) 123 

Foil: 4 Card Name (SET) 123 *F* 

No quantity: Card Name (defaults to 1)

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