Contributing

First of all, thank you for wanting to contribute to the card database!

We have an internal framework for managing Pokémon TCG data called the TCG Collector tools. These tools work with specific files for expansions, cards, images, and other kinds of resources.

You can contribute to the database by creating these files according to the TCG Collector tools resources specification. You don't need to install or run anything; you can simply create these files by using the documentation as a reference.

Before you create any of these files, please let us know what you would like to work on. An overview of all card database related tasks and issues that you might be able to help with can be found here.

It's also highly recommended to read our card database conventions. These conventions give you an overview of what values to use, such as card types and Pokémon stages.

Some resources need to embed other resources. For example, when creating card resource files, the contents of the expansion resource files are needed. If you need these files, you can contact us and we'll give you access to them.

If you're comfortable using the command line, you can also request access to the TCG Collector tools itself. This will allow you to manage various card database resource files more efficiently. You'll also be able to export various resource files (such as expansions) directly using the TCG Collector CMS.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

I want to scan card images

If you want to scan missing card images or images of better quality, please read our scanning instructions. You can also find an overview of all missing card images here.

In order to avoid scanning images that have already been submitted to us, you can check if the files already exist in our staged content folder.

Please consider properly editing the images before sending them to us. However, if you lack the knowledge or time, you can send them to us as they are. If the images are properly edited and are ready to be added to the database, please consider creating the proper image resource files for them.

Sending us your files

If you want to send your files to us, you can do so by uploading them to a cloud storage service of your choice (such as Google Drive), and by providing us the link to it.