Rack layout · U planning · power
Rack Designer
Design a server rack visually — drop in servers, switches, storage, UPS and PDUs, track used and free U and estimated power, then export a PNG or shareable JSON.
Add equipment
Drops into the lowest free slot on the front face. Drag a device to move it; click to edit.
Empty rack — add equipment from the palette on the left.
About this tool
This rack designer lets you plan a server rack layout right in the browser: drop servers, switches, firewalls, storage, UPS and PDUs into a 42U frame (or any height), label them, set their U size and colour, and watch used and free units update live. It is the quick, shareable sketch you reach for before a deployment, a migration or a colo move.
Track estimated power draw as you build, rearrange equipment with a click, and export the finished elevation as a PNG for a runbook or change ticket — or as JSON to save and re-import later. Your layout is auto-saved locally and nothing is ever uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
How many rack units (U) is a standard rack?+
Full-height server racks are usually 42U, though 45U and 48U are common in modern data centers, and smaller 12U-24U wall or half racks suit edge and office sites. One U is 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) of vertical space.
How do I estimate the power draw of a rack?+
Add up the typical draw of each device. The designer seeds a sensible default per device type (which you can edit) and totals it in kW, so you can sanity-check the load against your circuit and PDU capacity before committing a layout.
Can I save or share a rack design?+
Yes. Your layout auto-saves in the browser, and you can export it as a PNG to drop into documentation or as a JSON file to archive, share, or re-import on another machine.
Should heavy equipment go at the bottom of the rack?+
Yes. Mount UPS units and heavy storage low to keep the centre of gravity down and the rack stable, place switches where cabling is easiest to reach, and use blanking panels to close gaps so cold air is not wasted.