How many patterns can a banner have?
In survival a banner holds up to 6 pattern layers; the loom refuses a seventh. In Java Edition, banners from /give or /setblock can carry more layers and the game draws up to 16 of them. Switch the designer to Commands mode to use up to 16 layers. Bedrock Edition shows at most 6 layers.
Which banner patterns need a banner pattern item?
Field Masoned, Bordure Indented, Flower Charge, Creeper Charge, Skull Charge, Thing, Globe, Snout, Flow and Guster. Put the item into the third slot of the loom; it is not used up, so one item is enough for any number of banners. Field Masoned and Bordure Indented need their item since Java 1.21.2.
How do I put a banner design on a shield?
Put a shield without patterns and the finished banner into a crafting grid. The shield takes the banner's design and base colour and the banner is used up. Shields have a lower resolution than banners, so small details look a little different; the shield preview shows exactly how.
How do I copy a banner?
Put the patterned banner and a blank banner of the same base colour into a crafting grid. You get the copy and keep the original. Banners with more than 6 layers from commands cannot be copied.
How do I remove a layer from a banner?
Use the banner on a cauldron with water. This washes off the top layer (the last one you added) and lowers the water level by one step. Repeat to remove more layers.
Why does my /give command not work?
The item format changed in Java 1.20.5: newer versions use the banner_patterns component, older versions the BlockEntityTag NBT tag, so choose your version in the /give tab. The chat accepts only 256 characters; paste longer commands into a command block. Bedrock Edition cannot give banners with patterns, so use the loom steps there.
