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Getting Started

Creating your first card​

Step 1 — Open the Card Designer​

Navigate to the Card Designer from the ELYSIUM web app. You'll land on a welcome screen with a glassy card animation.

Card Designer landing page with the glassmorphic card animation

Click anywhere to get started, or drag a previously saved .ecard file onto the page to pick up where you left off.

Step 2 — Set up your project​

A quick setup wizard walks you through four choices:

  1. Start new or load saved — Begin fresh or resume from a saved .ecard file

    Onboarding wizard — Start New Project and Load Saved Project options

  2. Name your project — Give it something memorable (this becomes your default filename)

  3. Pick your card type — AR Card or Loyalty Card (you'll see a live preview of the card shape and dimensions)

    Card type selection step with AR Card and Loyalty Card options and the live shape preview

  4. Name your card — The title that appears on your card

  5. Review — Double-check everything, then hit "Start Designing"

    Onboarding wizard review step showing project name, card type, dimensions, and orientation

That's it — you're in the workspace.

The workspace at a glance​

The workspace has three main areas:

AreaWhat's there
Left panelYour images, camera angles, backgrounds, and card content
Center canvasA live 3D preview of your card that updates as you make changes
Right panelMaterial finishes, lighting, visual effects, and export options

Full workspace with labeled callouts for left panel, center canvas, right panel, and floating toolbar

You can collapse either side panel by clicking the toggle on its inner edge — handy when you want a bigger preview.

A floating toolbar at the bottom of the canvas gives you quick access to camera reset, grid toggle, screenshots, and card flip.

Floating toolbar showing reset camera, grid, screenshot, flip, and fullscreen buttons

Camera angles​

Five camera presets let you view your card from different angles. Switch between them by clicking the preset buttons or pressing keys 1 through 5:

KeyPresetWhat it looks like
1PortraitClose-up front view
2HeroStraight-on showcase (default)
3FloatThree-quarter floating angle
4DramaLow-angle dramatic shot
5ShowcaseGallery view with front and back preview

All 5 camera presets side by side — Portrait, Hero, Float, Drama, Showcase

You can also orbit freely by clicking and dragging on the canvas, zoom with your scroll wheel, and pan with a right-click drag.

Flipping your card​

Your card has two sides. To flip between front and back:

  • Press F on your keyboard
  • Double-click anywhere on the canvas
  • Click the flip button in the floating toolbar

Card front face and back face with a flip arrow between them

Fullscreen preview​

Click the expand icon at the right end of the floating toolbar to enter fullscreen preview mode. This hides the side panels and lets you see your card in all its glory. If you've attached audio, it will play automatically.

Fullscreen preview mode with expanded toolbar, watermark visible, and no sidebars

Press Esc or click the minimize button to go back to the workspace.