heraldic rules

Heraldic rules govern the design and use of coats of arms, ensuring consistency and clarity. They specify how colors (tinctures), metals, and symbols (charges) are combined to prevent confusion—for example, avoiding placing a color on another of the same color. Shields are divided using specific patterns (e.g., per pale, per fess), and elements are arranged in a balanced, harmonious manner. Additionally, heraldry uses precise terminology and hierarchies to describe designs. Overall, these rules maintain order and meaning, allowing symbols to be recognized and distinguished across different families, institutions, or regions.