How to Create a Custom Coat of Arms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a custom coat of arms is easier than you might think. You don’t need a noble title or a grant from a heraldic authority. You only need a clear idea of what you want to say about your family or yourself. This guide walks you through a simple process from idea to finished design.

Start with your story

Before you pick symbols or colors, think about what you want your coat of arms to represent. Your heritage, your job, your values, or a mix of all three. Write a few sentences: where your family comes from, what matters to you, and any images that feel right (animals, objects, landscapes). That description becomes the brief for your design. The more specific you are, the more personal the result.

Choose meaningful symbols

In heraldry, every symbol can carry meaning. Lions often stand for courage, eagles for strength and vision, oak trees for endurance. Anchors and ships suggest a connection to the sea or travel. Books and quills point to learning. You don’t have to follow old rules exactly, but borrowing from tradition gives your design depth. Pick one or two main symbols that fit your story, and keep the design simple so it stays readable at different sizes.

Decide on colors

Classic heraldry uses a limited palette: red, blue, green, black, gold, and silver (or white) are common. Each color had a traditional meaning (for example, red for courage, blue for loyalty). You can use those meanings or simply choose colors you like. Limit yourself to two or three main colors so the design stays clear and bold.

Describe it in plain language

You don’t need to learn heraldic terms to get a custom coat of arms. Describe your idea in everyday language. For example: "Our family is from Ireland and we’ve always been farmers. I’d like a shield with green hills, a shamrock, and a horse." Or: "I want something nautical: an anchor, a compass, and blue and white colors." That kind of description is enough for an artist or a design tool to create a unique coat of arms for you.

Get your design and use it

Once you have a design you like, you can use it in many ways. Print it and frame it for your home. Put it on a gift for a wedding or retirement. Use a simplified version (for example, just the crest or the shield) on a ring, a stamp, or stationery. If you use an online service, make sure you can download a high-resolution file so it looks good at any size.

At mycoatofarms.com, you describe your family or your idea in a few sentences. We generate a unique design based on your description. You can preview it for free and only pay when you’re ready to download or order a print. No account or credit card is required to try. If you’ve read our guide to what a coat of arms is, you’re ready to create your own.