Variants are a way to create and manage multiple versions of the same card based on shared identifiers (IDs) defined in your Data Source.

They allow Layouts to adapt dynamically, changing specific properties or data based on which variant is currently being generated.

Overview #

Each Variant acts like a type ID that determines how a given row’s data will be used in output.

When a Variant is active, mapped data links can apply different property values depending on which variant type is selected.

This makes Variants especially useful for cases like:

• Alternate artwork or foil editions.
• Regional or language-specific printings.
• Promo or limited edition versions.
• Any other grouped variation of a single base card.

Defining Variants #

Variants are defined in your Data Source through a dedicated column, which you set in the Data Source properties under Variants Column.

In your spreadsheet:

• Each row’s entry in this column can contain one or more Variant IDs, separated by commas.
• Each ID represents a distinct version of that card.
• The reserved name “Standard” must be explicitly included to generate a default (base) version.
  • WARNING: An empty cell is not valid and will not create a card.
  • You must include “Standard” if you want a default card generated alongside Variant versions.

Example:

• This will generate three cards for row 2:
  • Standard (Default), Foil, Alternate Art
• One card for row 3:
  • Standard (Default)

Linking Variants in Layouts #

Once a Variants Column is defined, a new linkable column becomes available in the Data Linking dropdowns for Layer properties.

It will appear as:

• <Variant>

• The original column that is used for your Variants, which in this case is called “Variant”, should typically not be directly referenced.

Variant Mapping Behavior #

Mapped variant links let you define property overrides depending on which Variant is being generated.

For example, a Fill Brush property could be mapped so that:

When the system generates the card, it will automatically apply the property value associated with the active Variant.

Variant IDs and Data Linking #

• Variant IDs can be shared across multiple rows or unique to a few specific rows.
• You can use any custom naming convention for your Variants:
  • e.g. “Foil”, “Alt1”, “RegionA”, etc.
• The system treats each ID as a separate Variant context during generation.