Rack Templates: Ready-Made 42U, 24U, and 12U Layouts
Browse ready-made rack templates for common 42U server, 42U network, 24U small business, and 12U homelab layouts. Each template is static JSON using devices from the catalog. Open one in the designer to start a new editable design; the template data stays read-only.
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Ready-made layouts
One U of rail space is 1.75 inches. Outside cabinet height is taller than the usable U total. Confirm published device depth against cabinet usable depth yourself; RackBuilder does not perform depth checks.
42U Server Rack Template
Ready-made 42U server elevation with catalog servers, storage, a top-of-rack switch, blanks, a PDU placeholder, and a 3U UPS near the bottom.
42U Network Rack Template
Ready-made 42U network elevation with Cat6 and fiber patch panels, Juniper, Arista, and Nexus switches, a firewall, KVM, blanks, a PDU placeholder, and a 2U UPS.
24U Small Business Rack Template
Ready-made 24U small-business elevation with a UniFi Dream Machine, Pro PoE switch, Cat6 patch, QNAP NAS, 1U HP server, blanks, a PDU placeholder, and a 2U UPS.
12U Homelab Rack Template
Ready-made 12U homelab elevation with a UniFi Dream Machine, Pro PoE switch, Cat6 patch panel, NAS, shelf placeholder, blanks, a PDU placeholder, and a 2U UPS.
How templates load in the designer
The Open in designer link uses the designer example query param for that template slug. The param is applied once and stripped so a reload cannot silently overwrite your work. If you already have devices or a named design, the designer asks before replacing it. Guest work survives a reload; signed-in users get cloud sync. Library adds are blocked when the rack has no free U left for that device height. Each saved design holds one rack.
RackBuilder does not store chassis weights and does not calculate BTU or circuit amps. Ask a licensed electrician or qualified installer before you size power or mounting hardware. Follow each manufacturer install guide for rails and fasteners.
Related pages
Planning a home closet? See 12U to 24U Homelab Racks. For elevation steps, read how to create a rack elevation diagram. Comparing tools? Try RackBuilder vs Rackula vs NetBox vs Visio.
Frequently asked questions
What are RackBuilder rack templates?
Rack templates are static, ready-made elevations stored as JSON in the repo. Each one places catalog devices by U. Open a template in /designer via ?example= to start a new editable design; the template JSON stays read-only.
Which ready-made layouts are available?
The gallery starts with four layouts: a 42U server rack, a 42U network rack, a 24U small business rack, and a 12U homelab rack. Each page lists devices with U positions and a preview image.
Does opening a template overwrite my current design?
The ?example= param loads once and is stripped from the URL so a reload cannot silently overwrite your work. If you already have devices or a named design, the designer asks before replacing it. Guest work survives a reload; signed-in users get cloud sync. Each saved design holds one rack.
What does RackBuilder calculate when I use a template?
RackBuilder places devices by integer U height and blocks library adds when the rack has no free U left for that device height. It does not store chassis weights, does not calculate BTU or circuit amps, and does not perform depth checks. Compare vendor specs and ask a licensed electrician or qualified installer before you size power or mounting.
Sources
Checked as of October 2026. Product and manufacturer names are trademarks of their respective owners. RackBuilder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by those owners.
- Wikipedia: Rack unit (1U = 1.75 in)
- Wikipedia: 19-inch rack
- StarTech server racks overview
- Panduit racks and cabinets
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Pick a ready-made layout or open a blank rack in the free designer.