Flag design hints and tips

Eight rules of thumb that give a new flag the best chance of working, distilled from decades of flag design.

The essentials

1. Keep it simple enough for a child to draw from memory
2. Use elements, colours and patterns that relate to what the flag symbolises
3. Choose two or three basic colours from the standard set: red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, dark blue, purple, black and white
4. Choose colours that contrast well; yellow and white work with any other colour, and vice versa
5. Avoid whole coats of arms; instead use individual elements as symbols on the flag
6. No lettering, badges or seals
7. Don't duplicate other flags, but do use similarities to show connections
8. Remember the design must remain visible when flying at height, and in strong or light winds