What makes a good flag?

A good flag is simple enough for a child to draw from memory, uses symbols that mean something, sticks to two or three basic colors, avoids lettering and seals, and is distinctive. Those are the five principles in "Good" Flag, "Bad" Flag, a booklet published by the North American Vexillological Association.

Ted Kaye compiled the booklet, and NAVA published it in 2006. The fifth principle in full is "Be Distinctive or Be Related": avoid copying other flags, but borrow from them on purpose when you want to show a connection. The booklet allows exceptions when there is a reason.

Flags are usually seen from a distance and often while moving, so fine detail and small text get lost. Two colors and one strong charge hold up better. The how to design a flag guide goes through each principle, and the flag maker lets you test a design at small sizes.