The shield (or escutcheon) in a coat of arms is almost like a canvas or blank piece of paper. It's where the most important elements of the design go, and it's where your viewer will focus most of their attention. The shield can come in all kinds of shapes: some are pointed on the bottom, some are round, and some even have scrolls or other details around their edges.

When picking the shield you want to use, think about the tone you want your coat of arms to convey. An aggressive, combative heraldry will look best with sharp lines and corners. A coat of arms that focuses on wisdom and industry will go well with scrolled edges or detailed lines. A family crest that is peaceful and generous should probably have a smooth, curvy escutcheon.

Click on any of the images buttons below to download high resolution templates for you to use when making your coat of arms.

The field is the main background color of your shield. Like just about everything else in heraldry, each color has rich meaning and symbolism associated with it. While there are many exceptions, the primary colors of classical heraldry consist of only seven main shades: two "metals" and five "tinctures." Check out each color below, and study its symbolic meaning.

	One of the two so-called metals, or, or gold, represents the highest virtues, including majesty, generosity, respect, and friendship.
	The other heraldic metal, argent can be painted as either silver or white. It represents purity, cleanliness, peace, and innocence.
	Called gules in heraldry, red is a very common color. It symbolizes a willingness to fight, and honors those who have died in battle.
	Blue, also known as azure, stands for fierce strength, a commitment to the truth, and eternal loyalty. It's no wonder that blue figures prominently on many coats of arms and national flags.
	Vert, or green, is a color associated with nature, love, freedom, health, and beauty. It adorns the flags of many countries, including Brazil, Pakistan, and Zambia.
	Long associated with royalty, purple, or purpure, is somewhat rare in heraldry. It stands for justice, sovereignty, and divine leadership.
	Black, or in heraldry, sable, is connected to grief and struggle. Therefore, it is not very common for fields and background. Black is more likely to be the color of choice for animals and ornaments on a coat of arms.

When choosing your colors, think carefully about what they represent. Avoid conflicting messages: for example, if your coat of arms is supposed to represent optimism and peace, designing a red and black shield (which suggests war and struggle) would confuse your overall message.

A motto is like a bumper-sticker for your coat of arms. It broadcasts to the world how your family sees things, what they value in life, and where they come from. One motto of the United States is E Pluribus Unum, Latin for "Out of many, one." It communicates the idea that America is made up of many different people and nationalities, all united in a common country. Every state in America has an official motto too, such as: Salus populi suprema lex esto (Missouri's motto, which translates to "The Welfare of the People is the Highest Law"), Dum spiro spero (the motto for South Carolina, meaning "While I breathe, I hope"), and Eureka! (California's motto, Greek for "I found it!").

While the motto you choose for your coat of arms can be original, or based on a quote you identify with, using a classic motto gives your crest a sense of history and seriousness-- especially if it's written in Latin.

A motto can go either above or below your shield, but it should be written on a scroll or banner. You can use the following templates in your design, or draw one of your own. Click on each image for a high-res version suitable for editing.

In heraldry, a charge is any object or element placed on the field of your shield. Charges come in hundreds of forms, from mythological creatures to natural wonders to torture devices. When a charge is a decorative geometric shape, it's called an ordinary. Each ordinary not only adds a distinctive look to a coat of arms, it also has a strong symbolic meaning. Shields can also be divided into multiple areas to help separate areas or concepts. Check out these ordinaries and divisions, and consider which ones you'd like to use for your design.

	This charge is called a chief. It represents authority and rule. Credit Odejea via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	This charge is called a bend. It represents protection and defense. Credit Ipankonin via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	This charge is called a pale. It represents bravery and strength on the battlefield. Credit Jimmy44 via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	This charge is called a fess. It represents honors or awards received from military service. Credit Ipankonin via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	This charge is called a chevron. It represents protection.
	This charge is called a cross. It represents protection and faith. Credit Manassas via Wikipedia CC BY SA-3.0

Once you've picked your colors, selected a motto, and designed your shield, it's time to decorate it with the symbolic charges that will personalize your design and represent your family's heritage. There are thousands of charges to choose from, but you don't want to clutter up your field with too much distracting art. Just like in flag design, choose only the most powerful, recognizable objects to adorn your coat of arms.

Here are a handful of heraldic charges, and a quick explanation of their meanings. Make sure to research more before you commit to any of these elements to give your coat of arms a distinctive look.

	Birds of all kinds play a large role in heraldry, but none so much as the eagle. It represents a clear vision of the future, high intellect, and fearsome commitment Often seen with two heads, symbolizing even greater vigilance. Credit Shadowxfox via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	Mythological creatures like unicorns, griffins, and mermaids are common in heraldry. This fire breathing dragon represents bravery and the ability to protect vast fortunes. Credit Tadeusz Gajl via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	Another star of classical heraldry is the lion, which can be seen striking many different meaningful poses. Lions represent courage, strength, and victory in battle.
	Keys are used to show guardianship of treasure or knowledge and are often associated with the church. Two keys crossed, as in this example, signify the keys to the gates of heaven. Credit Sodacan via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	Weapons and war have always played a large part in heraldry design-- that's why they call it a "coat of arms." You're likely to see arrows, spears, daggers and cannons in many layouts, like the two swords shown here. Credit Angelus via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0
	Heraldry is not all about ancient battles and aggressive animals. Its is a living art form that has adapted to many modern interests, such as sports, music, and even the Internet. This symbol of an atom represents scientific progress and unlimited power. Credit Madboy74 via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0