In order to design the best flag possible, you'll need to know the various parts of a flag. Flags are usually composed of some basic elements, the most basic of which is the field. Just like in a coat of arms, the field is the main color that acts as a backdrop for the rest of your design. Another holdover from heraldry is the canton, a rectangular charge that goes in the upper left corner of the flag. Flags possessing cantons include the United States flag, the Georgia flag, and the Hawaii flag.

When redesigning a state flag of your choice, look for connections between modern flag design and ancient heraldry practices. Here are some examples of popular design elements that have their origins in classic coats of arms.

Charge The flag of Albania shows the classic charge of a two-headed eagle against a red field. Bends, Fesses, Pales, and Chevrons Bends, fesses, pales, and chevrons can be seen in these modern flags. Credit M. W. Toews via Wikipedia CC BY 4.0 Badge Many flags display a coat of arms, like the badge seen on the Mexican flag. Fimbriation A fimbriation is a thin line used to separate elements in flag design. You can see an example here on the flag of South Africa, with yellow and white fimbriations separating the yellow, black, blue and green areas.