What CardBndr actually does
Three core pillars, built to work together — offline-first, API-driven, and fast.
Inventory Management
The fastest way to catalogue a Magic collection on macOS. Built for real-world workflows, not spreadsheets.
- One-click Add — click a card row, choose finish, done. No dialogs to dismiss.
- Bulk XML / CSV Import — migrate from Magic Assistant or any flat CSV in seconds.
- Manual Price Overrides — lock any card to your own price; persists across syncs.
Live Data Syncing
Card data and prices stay fresh automatically. Multi-source API integrations work together to keep your local SQLite database up to date.
- Automated Metadata Enrichment — card data, rulings, set symbols, and hi-res artwork always current from the global card database.
- Smart Sync Architecture — detects API connection instability and pauses 60s before resuming, ensuring data integrity.
- Multi-Source Market Valuation — live EUR buy/sell prices per card, per finish, stored locally.
Collection Analytics
Understand your collection at a glance. Colour-coded progress, high-value gap detection, and accurate cost forecasting sourced from live market data.
- Heat-map completion bars — red → yellow → green → purple as you fill each set.
- Cost to Finish — live EUR estimate of what the missing cards in any set would cost today.
- White Whale 🔥 indicator — flags sets that contain a missing card valued above €50.
Development Roadmap
From foundation to frontier — CardBndr's evolution at a glance.
Shipped (The V1 Core)
1 features
Core Collection Engine
Local-first SQLite architecture with custom tagging and high-speed filtering.
Bulk Inventory Logistics
Full support for high-volume CSV/XML imports and flexible trade-list exports.
Market Value Indexing
Multi-source live pricing stored locally with automated metadata and hi-res art enrichment.
Collection Analytics
Set-completion heat-maps and 'Cost to Finish' forecasting metrics.
Manual Price Control
Precision overrides for unique or graded items, fully persisting across sessions.
Integrated Guides
Searchable, offline-ready documentation and keyboard shortcut mapping built into the UI.
Planned (The V2 Vision)
2 features
Price Analytics
Interactive 30/90/365-day history graphs and total portfolio value evolution tracking.
Visual Deck Architect
Advanced builder featuring Mana Curves (CMC 0–7+), Color Pie charts, and format legality validation.
Deep-Dive Insights
Rarity distribution, foil value analysis, and color-identity breakdown for the entire library.
Future Horizons
3 features
Smart-Sync 2.0
Enhanced adaptive throttling for even faster concurrent data fetching while maintaining 100% integrity.
Advanced Statistics
Personal 'Power Level' and 'Synergy' score tracking for managed decks.
Cross-Platform Expansion
Initial groundwork for migrating the core to Windows/Linux environments.
All features are built with local-first architecture, zero vendor lock-in, and respect for the data providers we depend on.
About Crooked Parrot
Crooked Parrot is a tiny indie studio obsessed with building tools that don't suck. CardBndr is our love letter to Magic players who deserve better than bloated, ad-riddled collection apps.
We built CardBndr because we actually use it. Every feature exists because we needed it. The philosophy is dead simple: own your data.
Every decision prioritizes local-first architecture, zero vendor lock-in, and respect for the APIs we depend on. No telemetry. No tracking. No ads. Just a fast, reliable desktop app built by people who get it.
We're committed to keeping CardBndr independent, transparent, and true to what makes it special.
Support the Project
CardBndr is a labor of love, offered completely free because we believe tools like this should be accessible to everyone.
If CardBndr has saved you hours of collection management, you can help keep the lights on at the parrot perch.
Or reach out directly: [email protected]
Every donation directly funds the coffee and API-polishing that keeps CardBndr flying.
Ready to start binding?
Explore the docs to integrate CardBndr into your workflow today.
Read the docs