| OTHER CONSIDERATIONS | |
| A rectangle is the standard flag shape. Keep the width/length proportions between 1:1.5 and 1:2. Canadian flags are usually 1:2; U.S. flags are usually 1:1.5 or 1:1.67. Square flags are unusual in North America. Abandon such rectangles only when meaningful. | |
| Flags wear. By retaining a rectangular shape and avoiding symbols at the fly end, a flag can be hemmed repeatedly and given a longer life. | |
| The point of honor is the "canton" area—the upper left corner. This corresponds to the part of the flag that is seen when it hangs limp from a flagpole. The center or left-of-center position is the most visible spot for a symbol when the flag is flying. | |
| Consider the fabrication methods. Curved lines add to the cost of sewn flags. Holes or "negative space" hurt a flag’s fly-ability and wear-ability. "Swallow-tail" shapes fray more easily. | |
 Colorado (USA) |
 Maryland (USA) |
| All rules have exceptions. Colorado’s "C" is a stunning graphic element. Maryland’s complicated heraldic quarters produce a memorable and distinctive flag. But depart from these five principles only with caution and purpose. | |
| Don’t allow a committee to design a flag. Instead, empower individuals to design flags, and use a committee to select among them. | |
| An old rule of heraldry has images of animals look toward the hoist. | |
| And most of all, design a flag that looks attractive and balanced to the viewer and to the place, organization, or person it represents! | |