Prestidigitation
This spell is a minor magical trick that novice spellcasters use for practice. You create one of several instantaneous or lasting effects within range: a harmless sensory effect, light or snuff a small flame, clean or soil an object no larger than 1 cubic foot, chill/warm/flavor up to 1 cubic foot of nonliving material for 1 hour, make a color/mark/symbol appear on an object or surface for 1 hour, or create a nonmagical trinket or illusory image that fits in your hand and lasts until the end of your next turn. You can have up to three non-instantaneous effects active at once.
At a Glance
Level
Cantrip
School
Transmutation
Casting Time
1 action
Range
10 feet
Duration
Up to 1 hour
Concentration
No
How Prestidigitation Works
| Casting Time | 1 action |
|---|---|
| Range | 10 feet |
| Components | V, S |
| Duration | Up to 1 hour |
Available to:
BardSorcererWarlockWizard
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Trying to create damaging effects or use it as an attack - all effects must be harmless
Common Mistake
Attempting to affect creatures or living material - it only affects nonliving matter
Common Mistake
Creating more than three non-instantaneous effects at once
DM Tips
DM Tip
This is the ultimate utility cantrip - encourage creative uses for flavor and minor conveniences
DM Tip
Draw the line at effects that would replace actual spells or give mechanical advantages
Sources & Further Reading
- Prestidigitation — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD text
- Prestidigitation — Roll20 Compendium — Structured reference
- Prestidigitation — D&D Beyond — Official digital reference