In Mozaik, the PAC Mozaik Closet Library supports two ways to add full backs to closet sections: insert backs — you build the panels, tops, and bottoms, then drop a back into each section, secure it (PL glue or trim screws), and add shelves after — or a wall liner, where you run continuous back panels along the wall behind the sections. Inserts are simpler; the liner is faster and gives one continuous surface. Phill Anton (PAC) walks through both.
What's the difference between an insert back and a wall liner?
- Insert back — the back lives inside each closet section. You throw up the panels plus the top and bottom, insert the back into the section, fasten it (PL or trim screws if needed), and add your adjustable and fixed shelves afterward. It's the simpler, lower-effort method.
- Wall liner — you line the wall behind the sections with back panels. It's a fast method if you don't care exactly where the seams land; if you do care, you can line the seams up on the partitions. It's a bit more work than insert backs but gives one continuous back surface against the wall.
Both are valid. Phill's guidance: inserts solve the problem with the least fuss, but lining the sections is a great look when you want a continuous wall-mounted back.
How do I set up insert backs in the PAC Closet Library?
- Fastener group. Go to Job Parms. You need the Titus full-back fastener group. If you bought the library before September 14, you may not have it; download it from the coursework under the video and apply it as fastener group #1.
- Turn backs on. Go to the Back category, click backs, then all cabinets — this turns backs on for every closet section. (You can also turn them on or off per cabinet by overriding that cabinet's parameters.)
- Verify in wireframe. Switch to wireframe, turn on show operations, and turn on boring. Confirm the outriggers line up with your line bore. If the fixed-shelf top or bottom doesn't line up, something's wrong.
- Turn off the baseboard notch. In Job Parms → closets → baseboard notch, set it to no (it should be off on everything else). Then re-pull the affected panel so it rebuilds clean.
- Set backs to case depth. In the Back category, make sure all of the depth settings read case depth (roughly six or seven of them). A version-2 library ships this way; otherwise bring those settings over.
- Keep base backs off the floor. In the Back category, set the full-height back parameter to no for base, so the back rides above the floor and bottom rather than running to the ground.
After that there are no other considerations for the insert back. With the parameters set correctly, you turn backs on or off just by choosing none or all backs.
How do I set up a wall liner in the PAC Closet Library?
- Build the sections first. It's best to build out all the closet sections, then add the back liner.
- Outset for the back. Highlight the whole section and apply a 3/4-inch outset so you can slip a 3/4-inch back behind it. (A 1/4-inch back is possible but not the best idea here — see below.)
- Add the back panels. Go to products → floor standing panels → back panels and drop in the size that matches your sections (96-inch panels for 96-inch sections). Drag each one so it touches; you can line them up faster against the partitions. Use the measuring tool if you need precision.
- Let a panel travel past (modular depths). Because modular depths are on, a panel won't extend on its own. To make it run past, edit the panel and turn off modular depths, then add the extra length (for example +3/4). The holes and outriggers still line up with the line bore after extending.
Which should I choose — insert back or wall liner?
- Choose insert backs when you want the simplest path. They drop straight into each section, and a 1/4-inch back makes the insert easy. This is the "just solves the problem" option.
- Choose a wall liner when you want one continuous back surface on the wall, or you're matching seam placement on the partitions. Use 3/4-inch here for two reasons: it sits flatter when you screw (or glue) it to the wall, and it keeps the whole job in 3/4-inch material.
Quick rule: insert = least effort (1/4 or 3/4 both work); liner = continuous wall back (use 3/4).
Get it done-for-you
You can set this up by hand (above). If you build closets regularly, the PAC Mozaik Closet Library has this built in — drag-and-drop, ready in Mozaik.
Full disclosure: Phill Anton Consulting makes this product.
FAQ
What are the two ways to add full backs to closets in the PAC Mozaik Closet Library?
Insert backs (drop a back into each finished section and screw it in) or a wall liner (run continuous back panels along the wall behind the sections). Insert backs are simpler; the liner is faster when you don't fuss over seams and you want one continuous surface against the wall.
Should closet backs be 1/4-inch or 3/4-inch in Mozaik?
For insert backs you can use 1/4-inch, which makes the insert easy. For a wall liner Phill Anton recommends 3/4-inch: it sits flatter when screwed to the wall and lets you keep everything in one 3/4-inch material.