Basic Flag Patterns and Flag Elements
The illustrations below show common terms and patterns as they are applied to flag designs.
BICOLOR
A flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically or diagonally into two different colors.
BORDER
A wide band surrounding a field of a different color.
CANTON
A rectangular area in the top corner of a flag near the staff.
COUNTERCHANGED
Having two colors alternating on either side of a line drawn through a flag.
CROSS THROUGHOUT
A cross extending to the full length and width of a flag.
FIELD
The background color of a flag.
FIMBRIATION
A relatively narrow band or line of color separating two areas of either the same or different colors.
GREEK CROSS
A cross with equal arms.
GYRONNY
Divided into triangles whose apices meet at the center of the flag.
QUARTERLY
Divided into four equal segments crosswise.
SALTIRE
A diagonal cross whose arms extend to the edges of a flag.
SCANDINAVIAN CROSS
A cross with the vertical arm set closer to the hoist than to the fly.
SERRATION
A jagged or saw toothed edge or division on a flag.
TRIANGLE
Commonly a horizontal charge on a flag whose apex lies along the vertical center of the flag. The base of the triangle frequently extends the full width of the hoist.
TRICOLOR
A flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically or diagonally into three different colors.
Back to top
