Guides
Guides for Magic collectors
How to organize, identify, value, sell and keep track of a Magic collection, written from the same problems ManaArchive was built to solve.
Organize and store
4 guidesG-01How to organize a Magic: The Gathering collectionPick one sort order, decide what lives in binders versus boxes, and give every new card a place to land.G-02How to inventory your MTG collectionRecord enough to identify each copy, work one container at a time, and keep the list current as cards move.G-03How to sort a bulk MTG collectionTriage first, sort the remainder coarsely, and decide what the true bulk is actually for before you file it.G-04How to store Magic cards long termKnow what actually damages cards, match the protection to the copy, and keep the collection somewhere boring.
Identify and value
5 guidesG-05MTG card conditions explained: NM, LP, MP, HP, damagedGrade a card the way a buyer will, know where the scales disagree, and store the grade with the copy.G-06How to tell which printing of a Magic card you haveWork from the set symbol, collector number and frame to one exact printing, then record that one.G-07Foils, showcase, extended art and borderless explainedSeparate finish from frame treatment, name what you are holding, and record the variant with the copy.G-08How much is my Magic collection worth?Decide which number you want, price the cards that carry the value, and treat the rest as bulk.G-09Track Magic card values without losing print-level detailTrack holdings at the printing level, keep price snapshots over time, and pair value with the copies you would trade.
Move and sell
4 guidesG-10How to sell an MTG collectionChoose the lot-or-singles split, sell where the trade-off suits you, and hand the buyer a list they can check.G-11Import a collection from Moxfield, Deckbox or TCGplayerExport a file that names printings, fix the columns that break imports, and review the rows nothing could match.G-12Import a ManaBox export into an MTG collection trackerMatch strong identifiers, review unresolved rows on purpose, and keep finish, condition and language on every holding.G-13How to build an MTG trade binder from your collectionTag the copies you would trade, keep only true spares in the binder, and attach friend and trade context to each one.
Track and play
3 guidesG-14How to track cards across binders and decksTrack copies rather than card names, give every container an address, and keep deck lists and placements in step.G-15How to track and complete an MTG setDefine the finish line, build a checklist in collector-number order, and close the gaps in the cheapest order.G-16Moxfield vs Archidekt vs ManaBox vs Deckbox for collectorsPick by the job you do most — building decks, scanning on a phone, trading, finding a physical card, or selling it.