Magic: The Gathering Text Import Guide

This guide covers MTG-specific features for the text import tool.

Written By Gaultier Romon

Last updated 4 months ago

For general text import instructions, see the main Text Import Guide.

MTG-Specific Format Features

Magic: The Gathering has a dedicated parser that recognizes special MTG formats and platforms.

Supported Foil Markers

MTG recognizes two foil formats:

  • Standard marker: *F* at the end

  • Manabox format: Single F at the end

Examples:

1 Lightning Bolt (M10) 146 *F* 
1 Lightning Bolt (M10) 146 F

Quantity Formats

Both standard formats work:

4 Lightning Bolt 
4x Lightning Bolt

Common MTG Import Formats

We support many formats from MTG Arena, to MTGO, but also famous collection managers like Manabox, Deckbox, DelverLens, Moxfield etc etc…

Simple Deck List

4 Lightning Bolt 4 Llanowar Elves 2 Counterspell 1 Black Lotus

MTG Set Code Examples

Ususally is composed by a 3 letter acronym.

Classic Sets

  • LEA - Limited Edition Alpha

  • LEB - Limited Edition Beta

  • ARN - Arabian Nights

  • ATQ - Antiquities

Handling Special MTG Cards

Split Cards

Use double slash for split cards:

4 Fire // Ice (APC) 128 
2 Wear // Tear (DGM) 135

Double-Faced Cards

Use both front and back face names:

4 Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration (ISD) 51

Adventure Cards

Use the main card name:

4 Brazen Borrower // Petty Theft (ELD) 39

MDFC (Modal Double-Faced Cards)

Use the front face:

4 Valki, God of Lies // Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor (KHM) 114

Platform-Specific Formats

Importing from Arena

  1. Click the Export button in your deck

  2. Paste directly - format is compatible

  3. Arena format: 4 Card Name (SET) Number

Importing from MTGO

  1. Export deck as .txt file

  2. Open in text editor

  3. Copy and paste the list

  4. MTGO format: 4 Card Name (SET) Number

Importing from Manabox

  1. Export deck as text

  2. Paste directly - F foil markers work

  3. Token prefixes handled automatically

Importing from Archidekt

  1. Use "Export" → "Text" option

  2. Remove any category headers

  3. Clean format works directly

Importing from Moxfield

  1. Export as "Arena" or" “Moxfield” format for best results

  2. Or use "Plain Text" and clean metadata

  3. Remove custom categories

Common MTG Import Issues

Set Code Not Recognized

Problem: The set code doesn't match our database

Solutions:

  • Use the official 3-letter code

  • Check Scryfall for correct codes

  • Some promos have unique codes

  • Try to remove the code and we will default to the latest expansion

Card Name Variations

Problem: Card names don't match exactly

Solutions:

  • Use exact Oracle text names

  • Check Gatherer for official names

  • Remove promotional suffixes

Foil Detection Issues

Problem: Foil markers not recognized

Solutions:

  • Use *F* or F at line end

  • Ensure space before marker

  • Don't mix foil formats

Examples by Format

Standard Deck Import

1 Jetmir's Garden (SNC) 250 
4 Copperline Gorge (ONE) 249 
4 Karplusan Forest (DMU) 250 
10 Mountain (BRO) 284 
4 Monastery Swiftspear (BRO) 144 
4 Phoenix Chick (DMU) 140 
4 Bloodthirsty Adversary (MID) 129 
4 Lightning Strike (DMU) 137 
4 Play with Fire (MID) 154

Tips for MTG Import

  1. Use Arena exports - Most reliable format

  2. Include set codes - Many reprints exist

  3. Check promo codes - Often different from main set

  4. Verify card names - Use Oracle text

  5. Batch by set - Easier to review

Quick Reference

Format

[quantity] [card name] [(set)] [number] [F or *F*]

Examples

4 Lightning Bolt 
4 Lightning Bolt (M10) 146 
4 Lightning Bolt (M10) 146 *F*

Special Features

✅ Arena/MTGO format
✅ Manabox F marker
✅ Token set codes (T-prefix)
✅ Standard *F* marker
✅ Split card recognition
✅ DFC front face parsing

Need Help with MTG Import?