How to Set Up a Magnetic Folding Dice Tray With Artwork Inserts
By Norse Foundry | Premium RPG Dice Sets | DND Dice | 100 | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: ハウツーガイド
Learn how to unfold, align, and care for a magnetic folding dice tray with illustrated inserts so your Nahuel Ventura tray sits flat and rolls true every session.
Quick answer
Unfold the tray on a flat, dry surface, let the magnets pull each corner into alignment, then press the seams down before you roll. Keep the illustrated insert facing up and avoid creasing it along the fold lines.
Why alignment matters more than speed
A magnetic folding tray only rolls fair when its base is flat. If a corner is half-seated, dice can catch on a raised seam or drift toward one edge. Take the extra few seconds to seat every magnet before the first roll, especially on soft surfaces like a couch or bed where the tray can flex.
Artwork inserts are part of the tray's structure, not just decoration. Bending or pinching the illustrated panel can leave a permanent crease that shows every time you play. Handle the insert by its edges and store the tray folded rather than flattened under books.
When a folding tray is the wrong choice
Folding trays trade rigidity for portability. If your group rolls heavy metal dice or plays on a very uneven table, a solid-sided tray may hold its shape better. Folding trays also need a moment to set up and pack down, so they suit players who travel to games rather than a permanent home table.
Illustrated inserts add personality but not extra cushioning beyond what the tray already provides. If quiet rolls are your priority, check the tray's interior description rather than assuming the artwork changes the feel.
Step-by-step tray setup
- Clear a flat, dry surface: Set the tray on a hard table or a firm mat, not on fabric that sags. Wipe away crumbs or grit first, since a single crumb under the base can tilt the tray. If the surface rocks when you press a corner, move the tray rather than forcing it flat.
- Unfold the corners slowly: Open the tray one corner at a time and let the magnets engage on their own. Pulling hard can stretch the hinge material and misalign the insert. Listen and feel for the magnet to click; a soft thud means it is not seated.
- Press the seams down: Run a finger along each inside seam to confirm the base sits flush. Check all four corners from above before adding dice. A visible gap at any corner means that corner needs reseating.
- Orient the artwork insert: Make sure the illustrated side faces up and the image is the right way round for your seat at the table. Do not peel or lift the insert unless the tray design allows it. If the artwork looks upside down from your chair, rotate the whole tray, not the insert.
- Test with one die: Roll a single die across the tray and watch for drift or catching. If it veers, recheck the seams and the surface beneath the tray. Fix drift before the game starts; mid-session reseating interrupts play.
- Fold and store correctly: When packing up, fold along the existing creases and keep the tray flat in your bag rather than crushed under books. Store it dry and away from direct heat. A tray stored folded keeps its magnets and insert aligned for the next session.
Trays that use this setup
- Tray of Folding™ Magnetic - Angel vs Dragon by Nahuel Ventura: Angel vs Dragon is part of the Tray of Folding Magnetic Artist Series, illustrated by Nahuel Ventura with a light-versus-flame theme. The dramatic artwork gives you a clear top side to orient during setup, so the insert stays face up and the scene reads correctly at the table.
Tray of Folding™ Magnetic - Angel vs Dragon by Nahuel Ventura - Tray of Folding™ Magnetic - Keeper of the Dungeon by Nahuel Ventura: Keeper of the Dungeon has a black leather exterior and a plush interior designed to cushion rolls and keep dice in place. The plush interior means you can press the base flat during setup without worrying that a firm hand will damage the rolling surface.
Tray of Folding™ Magnetic - Keeper of the Dungeon by Nahuel Ventura
