What are Minecraft Smithing Templates and How to Use Them?

TL;DR

  • Smithing Templates enable Netherite upgrades and armor customization through two main types: Upgrade and Armor Trim templates
  • Locate templates in specific structures – Upgrade templates guaranteed in Bastion Remnant treasure rooms
  • Duplicate templates using crafting tables with specific material combinations to conserve rare finds
  • 18 unique armor trims exist across various structures with 10 color customization options available
  • Strategic duplication prevents resource waste and enables unlimited template availability

Smithing Templates represent one of the most transformative additions introduced in the Minecraft 1.20 update, fundamentally altering how players approach equipment enhancement and personalization. These specialized items serve as the gateway to both functional upgrades and aesthetic customization, creating new dimensions of gameplay strategy.

A Smithing Template functions as a specialized utility item designed exclusively for use with the Smithing Table interface. Visually, these templates resemble ancient stone tablets etched with distinctive symbols that often reference their origin locations or intended purposes, providing visual clues about their functions.

Minecraft features two distinct categories of Smithing Templates that serve different purposes: Upgrade Templates for functional enhancements and Armor Trim Templates for visual customization. Understanding this distinction is crucial for efficient resource allocation and progression planning.

The Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template enables the critical transformation of diamond gear into Netherite equipment, representing the ultimate equipment upgrade path. This template works with all diamond armor pieces, tools, and weapons. Since the 1.20 update, obtaining Netherite equipment is impossible without this specific template, making strategic acquisition essential for end-game progression.

Armor Trim Smithing Templates allow players to apply decorative patterns to their armor pieces, adding personalization without affecting statistical performance. The game contains exactly 18 distinct armor trim designs, each exclusively found within specific generated structures throughout the Minecraft world.

Additionally, players can enhance their armor trims with 10 different material-based color options. These include gray (iron), orange (copper), yellow (gold), blue (lapis lazuli), green (emerald), cyan (diamond), black (Netherite), red (Redstone), purple (amethyst), and white (quartz), allowing for extensive customization combinations.

Netherite upgrade in an item frame

Players can reliably obtain Upgrade templates from chests positioned on the central platform within the Treasure Room of Bastion Remnants located in the Nether dimension. Armor trim templates distribute across nearly all major generated structures, though some locations prove more challenging to access than others.

Consult the comprehensive reference table below to identify specific spawn locations for each template variant. For detailed exploration strategies covering all armor trims and their precise Minecraft coordinates, reference our specialized armor trim hunting guide for optimal efficiency.

Name Location
Upgrade Template Bastion Remnant
Sentry Armor Trim Pillager Outpost
Dune Armor Trim Desert Pyramid
Coast Armor Trim Shipwreck
Wild Armor Trim Jungle Temple
Tide Armor Trim Ocean Monument
Ward Armor Trim Ancient City
Vex Armor Trim Woodland Mansion
Rib Armor Trim Nether Fortress
Snout Armor Trim Bastion Remnant
Eye Armor Trim Stronghold
Spire Armor Trim End City
Silence Armor Trim Ancient City
Wayfinder Armor Trim Trail Ruins
Raiser Armor Trim Trail Ruins
Shaper Armor Trim Trail Ruins
Host Armor Trim Trail Ruins
Bolt Armor Trim Trial Chambers
Flow Armor Trim Trial Chambers
Some of the smithing templates in item frames in Minecraft

Pro Tip: Structure exploration efficiency increases dramatically when you prepare specific gear sets. Bring fire resistance potions for Nether structures, water breathing for ocean monuments, and night vision for dark areas like ancient cities. Always carry empty shulker boxes to transport multiple templates safely.

Unfortunately, most Smithing templates generate as single items within their designated locations, creating scarcity challenges for players seeking multiple copies. This limitation often leads to frustrating searches for additional templates. Fortunately, Minecraft provides a reliable duplication system that enables template multiplication.

The duplication process requires specific material combinations in a crafting table arrangement. Follow these steps precisely:

  • First, position a Smithing Template in the center slot of the top row within the crafting table grid.
  • Next, place seven units of the corresponding material in the remaining slots around the template.
  • The specific material required varies by template type – diamond for Netherite upgrades, and various minerals for armor trims.
Crafting recipe of the wayfinder armor trim

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Never attempt template duplication without sufficient materials, as this wastes your original template. Always verify you’re using the correct material type for each specific template. For Netherite upgrades, this means having ample diamond supplies. For armor trims, ensure you match the trim’s associated material type.

Advanced Strategy: Establish material farms specifically for template duplication. Create automated diamond, copper, iron, and gold farms to ensure you never lack resources for template multiplication. This forward planning transforms template scarcity into sustainable resource management.

Understanding the strategic importance of template conservation separates novice players from experts. By mastering duplication early, you preserve rare original templates for emergency situations while using copies for routine upgrades and customizations.

Action Checklist

  • Locate Bastion Remnant for guaranteed Netherite Upgrade template
  • Gather exploration gear: fire resistance, night vision, water breathing potions
  • Target specific structures for desired armor trim templates using location table
  • Establish material farms for duplication resources (diamonds, copper, iron)
  • Duplicate all obtained templates before use to preserve originals

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