The illustrations below show common terms and patterns as they are applied to flag designs.

A flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically or diagonally into two different colors.

A wide band surrounding a field of a different color.

A rectangular area in the top corner of a flag near the staff.

Having two colors alternating on either side of a line drawn through a flag.

A cross extending to the full length and width of a flag.

The background color of a flag.

A relatively narrow band or line of color separating two areas of either the same or different colors.

A cross with equal arms.

Divided into triangles whose apices meet at the center of the flag.

Divided into four equal segments crosswise.

A diagonal cross whose arms extend to the edges of a flag.

A cross with the vertical arm set closer to the hoist than to the fly.

A jagged or saw toothed edge or division on a flag.

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.

A flag whose field is divided horizontally, vertically or diagonally into three different colors.