How to build the perfect ribbon rack with Pin-iT’s builder

Whether you choose Magnetic Thin Ribbons, a one-piece thin ribbon rack, or traditional slide-on ribbons, the Pin-iT builder walks you through every step. This guide explains what to click, what to double-check, and how to avoid common mistakes so your rack arrives inspection-ready.

Open the Ribbon Rack Builder Read: Everything You Need to Know About Ribbon Racks

Step 1

Select your rack style before you start clicking ribbons

The builder lets you choose between three core rack types: Magnetic Thin Ribbons, Thin Ribbon Racks, and Slide-On Ribbons. Start by picking the style that matches how you’ll wear and update your rack.

Magnetic Thin Ribbon Rack

Best for people who expect updates. Each ribbon is a magnet; you can re-arrange and add awards without a full rebuild.

✔Thin, modern profile with modular magnets.
✔Great for active duty, recruiters, and public safety.

Thin Ribbon Rack

A one-piece thin rack that sits very flat. Ideal when your rack won’t change often and you want the cleanest dress appearance.

✔Perfect for boards, ceremonies, and retirement.

Slide-On Ribbon Rack

The classic style used at exchanges. Good choice if your unit prefers “standard” racks or you’re rebuilding an existing slide-on bar.

✔Familiar workflow if you’ve always used slide-ons.

Tip: you can always come back later and rebuild your rack in a different style. The important thing is to choose the option that matches what you need this season of your career.

Step 2 & 3

Pick your bar size, layout, and backing

Once you’ve chosen a rack type, the builder asks how many ribbons you have and how you want them arranged. This is where you decide on 3-across vs 4-across, bar length, and backing style.

2

Choose bar size and row count

Enter how many ribbons you rate and let the builder suggest the correct number of rows. You can usually choose between 3-across or 4-across layouts to match branch preferences and how tight you want the rack to sit.
3

Select backing: pins or magnets

Decide how the rack attaches to your uniform: pin-and-clutch for a traditional setup, or a magnetic backing plate if you want to avoid punching extra holes through shirts. With Magnetic Thin Ribbons, the magnets are on the ribbons and you can still pick pins or magnets on the bar.

Choosing the best way to update your thin ribbon rack in the builder

In articles like “Best Way to Update Your Thin Ribbon Rack: Magnetic vs Traditional,” Pin-iT breaks down why layout and backing matter. The builder uses that logic behind the scenes so your rack stays aligned and easy to update.

Step 4

Add every ribbon and device you rate

This is where the builder really earns its keep. Instead of guessing where everything goes, you simply select your awards and devices; Pin-iT arranges them in the correct order of precedence.

4A

Pick your branch and ribbon set

Start by choosing your branch or category (military, police, fire, EMS, etc.). The builder loads only the ribbons that apply to you so you’re not scrolling through endless lists.
4B

Select each ribbon in your rack

Work down your list of awards and click them in. The system handles spacing and order. If you’re unsure about precedence or combinations, the ribbon rack guide explains the basics.
4C

Add stars, oak leaf clusters, numerals & other devices

For each ribbon, choose the correct number and type of devices. Pin-iT places them on the rack and builds your magnetic or thin ribbon with those devices already attached.

Checklist: before you click “Add to cart”

✔Double-check spelling for any custom text (if applicable).
✔Confirm row count and that you’re happy with 3-across vs 4-across.
✔Verify the total number of ribbons matches your records.
✔Review devices (stars, clusters, numerals, “V”/“C”, etc.).
✔Make sure the backing style (pins vs magnet) matches the uniform you’ll wear most.

Step 5

Use the builder to test different rack styles before you commit

One of the easiest ways to decide between Magnetic Thin, thin, and slide-on racks is to use the builder as a “sandbox.” Build your rack once, then see how it looks in each style.

Try Magnetic Thin first if…

✔Your rack changes every year or two.
✔You want a thin look with the ability to swap individual ribbons.
✔You wear uniforms frequently and want easy, repeatable setup.

Choose a Thin Ribbon Rack if…

✔You’re preparing for a board, ceremony, or formal photo.
✔You like the clean, one-piece appearance.
✔Your rack is fairly “settled” and won’t change much.

Stick with Slide-Ons if…

✔Your unit specifically uses slide-ons as the standard.
✔You’re matching existing racks or rebuilding older bars.
✔You prefer the look and feel you’ve always worn.

Magnetic Thin Ribbons sleek dress uniform look

Open the builder and see your rack come together

Now that you know what each step does, you can use the Pin-iT builder with confidence. Choose your rack style, lay out your rows, and let Pin-iT handle the alignment, devices, and assembly so your ribbons arrive squared away.

Launch the Ribbon Rack Builder Learn more: Magnetic vs Traditional

Frequently Asked Questions

Magnetic Thin Ribbons are low-profile ribbons wrapped around individual magnets that snap onto a steel bar. They deliver a clean thin-rack appearance while letting you update one ribbon at a time without rebuilding the entire rack.

Yes. When built correctly in accordance with branch uniform manuals, Magnetic Thin Ribbons follow official order-of-precedence, spacing, and device requirements for military and public service uniforms.

Each ribbon contains a magnet that locks onto a ferromagnetic backing bar. The bar itself can use traditional pin-and-clutch hardware or a magnetic backing plate depending on user preference.

Magnetic Thin Ribbons allow individual updates. Thin Ribbon Racks are one-piece thin blocks that sit very flat but require rebuilding when updating. Slide-On Ribbons are the classic exchange style that slide onto a metal bar.

No. The magnets never touch the uniform directly. Magnetic Thin Ribbons attach to the metal bar, and the bar attaches to the uniform using either pins or an optional backing magnet behind the shirt.

Absolutely. This is the main benefit of Magnetic Thin Ribbons. You can reorder any ribbon individually and snap it into place without rebuilding the entire rack.

Magnetic Thin Ribbons are ideal if you expect updates or want maximum flexibility. Thin Racks are best for boards, inspections, and formal events. Slide-Ons are great if your unit prefers traditional racks or you’re matching older bars.

Yes. Pin-iT is veteran-owned and built by people who have worn the uniform. All racks are designed for accuracy, alignment, and long-term durability.