Minecraft Armor Trims: How To Find Smithing Templates And Customize Armor ?

Armor trims in Minecraft are a way to customize the design of armor via smithing templates (for design) and a material (for colour) added in the Minecraft 1.20 update. It also allows you to create Netherite armour from diamond armour in a smithing table.

What are armor trims ?

An armor trims has two properties: a pattern and a material. Both are purely aesthetic and work like this:

The pattern is defined by the smithing template used to apply the ornament, and represents the visual pattern.
The material is defined by the ingredient you used to apply the ornament, and represents the color.

They can only be applied to helmets, chestplate, leggings and boots. All ornament patterns are visually the same on the armor item icon, but the color changes depending on the material of the ornament.

To check the ornament pattern of a piece of armor, you can hover over it in the inventory.

How armor trims work in Minecraft in video.

How to apply an armor trimming ?

In order to apply armor trims, you need a smithing table. You will notice, when you interact with the smithing table user interface and enter it, that a new slot has been added. First, place the smithing template you have, then the piece of armor you wish to modify. Finally, insert an activatable material to dictate the color you want to give the ornament:

how to upgrade gear armor trim — Interface of the smithing table to make an armor trims: on the left the smithing template, in the middle the armor piece and on the right the material.

Once this is done, you can take the modified and decorated armor from the rightmost slot and equip it, or display it on an armor stand if you prefer.

Smithing templates to change the design

The smithing templates allow you to apply a unique style depending on the biome or structure in which you find it.

Netherite upgrade smithing template

To find out how to make Netherite armor or any other equipment with the new system, check out our dedicated article: How to make Netherite armor in Minecraft ?

Sentry armor trim

Sentry Armor Trim: Found in Pillager Outposts, the Sentry Armor Trim features a simple band design around the arms, helmet, and boots. It’s one of the tamer designs, making it a good choice for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.

Dune armor trim

Dune Armor Trim: The Dune Armor Trim, found in Desert Pyramids, adds a bit more color to your armor, especially on the chest plate. It’s a great choice for those who want to add a touch of the desert to their gear.

Coast armor trim

Coast Armor Trim: Found in Shipwrecks, the Coast Armor Trim adds thick bands around the armor, giving it a nautical feel. It’s a perfect choice for those who love the sea and want their armor to reflect that.

Wild armor trim

Wild Armor Trim: The Wild Armor Trim, found in Jungle Temples, adds a band around the armor that makes it pop without being too flashy. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the wild and untamed nature of the jungle.

Tide armor trim

Tide Armor Trim: The Tide Armor Trim, found in Ocean Monuments, adds a nice pattern around the armor, making it look like some sort of ancient Atlantean attire. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the mysteries of the deep sea.

Ward armor trim

Ward Armor Trim: The Ward Armor Trim, found in Ancient Cities, adds a square in the center of the chest plate, mimicking the pattern on the Warden’s chest. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the ancient and mysterious nature of the Warden

Vex armor trim

Vex Armor Trim: The Vex Armor Trim, found in Woodland Mansions, makes the armor look like the mob it’s named after, the Vex. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the eerie and ghostly nature of the Vex.

Rib armor trim

Rib Armor Trim: The Rib Armor Trim, found in Nether Fortresses, adds a skeletal design to the armor, making it a nod to the Wither Skeletons located in the Nether. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the dark and dangerous nature of the Nether.

Snout armor trim

Snout Armor Trim: The Snout Armor Trim, found in Bastion Remnants, takes some inspiration from the design of the Piglins. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the pig-like nature of the Piglins.

Eye armor trim

Eye Armor Trim: The Eye Armor Trim, found in Strongholds, adds an eye in the center of the armor, adding a very mystical element. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the magical and mysterious nature of the Ender.

Spire armor trim

Spire Armor Trim: The Spire Armor Trim, found in End Cities, adds a nice pattern around the armor, making it look like some sort of ancient Ender attire. It’s a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the alien and mysterious nature of the End.

Host Armor Trim

The Host Armor Trim can be found by brushing suspicious gravel in trail ruins. This trim adds a unique design to your armor, making it a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the mysterious nature of the Hosts.

Raiser Armor Trim

The Raiser Armor Trim can also be found by brushing suspicious gravel in trail ruins. This trim adds a unique design to your armor, making it a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the industrious nature of the Raisers.

Shaper Armor Trim

The Shaper Armor Trim can be found by brushing suspicious gravel in trail ruins. This trim adds a unique design to your armor, making it a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the creative nature of the Shapers.

Silence Armor Trim

The Silence Armor Trim can be found in Ancient Cities. This trim adds a unique design to your armor, making it a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the quiet and mysterious nature of the Silence.

Wayfinder Armor Trim

The Wayfinder Armor Trim can be found by brushing suspicious gravel in trail ruins. This trim adds a unique design to your armor, making it a great choice for those who want their armor to reflect the adventurous nature of the Wayfinders.

Location of smithing templates

They can be obtained from randomly generated chests in Minecraft structures with a few exceptions:

Although randomly generated in other rooms, a Netherite upgrade smithing template is also guaranteed in every treasure room of a bastion remnant.
A single smithing template of tide armor trims is sometimes left behind by the elder guardians upon their death.

The models available, the location of chests where you can find them and the percentage chance of finding one in one are as follows :

Smithing template	Structure	% Chance
Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template	Bastion remnant	Treasure chest : 100% All the other chests : 10%
Sentry Armor Trim Smithing Template	Pillager Outpost	25%
Dune Armor Trim Smithing Template	Desert temple	14.3%
Coast Armor Trim Smithing Template	Shipwreck	16.7%
Wild Armor Trim Smithing Template	Jungle temple	33.3%
Tide Armor Trim Smithing Template	Killing an elder guardian in an ocean monument	20%
Ward Armor Trim Smithing Template	Ancient City	5%
Vex Armor Trim Smithing Template	Woodland Mansion	50%
Rib Armor Trim Smithing Template	Nether Fortress	6.7%
Snout Armor Trim Smithing Template	Bastion remnant	8.3%
Eye Armor Trim Smithing Template	Stronghold	Altar chest : 10% Library chest : 100%
Spire Armor Trim Smithing Template	End City	6.7%
Host Armor Trim Smithing Template	Trail ruins	8.3%
Raiser Armor Trim Smithing Template	Trail ruins	8.3%
Shaper Armor Trim Smithing Template	Trail ruins	8.3%
Silence Armor Trim Smithing Template	Ancient City	1.2%
Wayfinder Armor Trim Smithing Template	Trail ruins	8.3%