Free Online Rack Designer and Rack Planner
RackBuilder is a free online rack designer and rack planner you can use in the browser. No signup required to start. Map U space, place devices in a live elevation, and validate fit before install day.
Ready to try a free rack builder online?
Why use a free rack builder online
Spreadsheets and whiteboards leave fit questions until gear arrives. A free rack builder online shows device height, empty U, and order of placement while you still have time to change the bill of materials. RackBuilder is built for IT closets, IDFs, and small rooms where a clear elevation beats a vague sketch.
- Drag switches, servers, patch panels, PDUs, and managers by U.
- Block adds when the rack has no free U left for that device height.
- See a live front elevation as you place devices.
- Design free without an account; sign in only when you want to save.
How to use this rack planner
Start with the outcome: refresh, consolidate, or new build. List every device and its U height, then pick a cabinet size with headroom. Group patch panels with the switches they feed so cable paths stay short, and leave spare U for growth and cable managers.
Move that plan into the online rack designer and place devices in order. New devices from the library are blocked when the rack has no free U for that height. For spacing rules, see U-space best practices. For a step-by-step closet workflow, read how to design a network rack.
Online rack designer tips that save rework
Leave spare U near dense switches for horizontal managers. Place devices by height first so the elevation matches your parts list. Confirm rack type and total U before you pack the cabinet full. Device wattage labels in the library can help you cross-check power planning outside the tool.
Choosing form factor matters as much as U math. Compare 2-post, 4-post, and wall-mount racks, then lock the elevation in RackBuilder so procurement and facilities share one picture.
Free vs Pro when you outgrow guest mode
Designing online stays free. Guests can plan without signup. Free accounts can save up to three rack designs to your RackBuilder account (available after you sign in on another device). Pro unlocks unlimited saved designs when you need more than the free limit. Compare options on Pricing. For a custom elevation workflow focused on cabinet builds, see the server rack builder guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is RackBuilder a free online rack designer?
Yes. You can open the designer in your browser and build a rack layout without paying. Designing is free. Free accounts can save up to three designs. Pro unlocks unlimited saved designs.
Do I need to sign up to use the rack planner?
No. You can start planning and placing devices without an account. Sign in when you want to save a design to the cloud or sync across devices. Guests can keep working in the browser until they are ready to create an account.
What is the difference between a rack designer and a rack planner?
A rack planner helps you decide height, device order, and spare U before hardware arrives. A rack designer turns that plan into a visual elevation with real device heights. RackBuilder covers both: sketch the plan, then drag devices into a live layout online.
What should I check before locking a rack plan?
Confirm total U versus device heights, leave spare capacity for growth and cable managers, and keep dense or service-heavy gear where you can reach it. Use the designer to place devices by U; new library adds are blocked when the rack has no free U left for that device height.
Start your rack plan next
Open the free designer. No signup required to begin laying out devices.