Motto

A motto is a short phrase shown with a coat of arms, usually written on a ribbon or scroll. In most heraldry it goes below the shield. In Scottish heraldry it normally goes above the crest. Mottos can be in any language, and Latin, French and English are all common.

The motto of the UK monarch is Dieu et mon droit, French for God and my right, shown on a scroll beneath the shield. Many families and schools pick a Latin phrase, and the Latin mottos guide has ideas with translations.

The Motto tab in the coat of arms maker adds a scroll with curved text in one click. Choose a font such as Cinzel, Blackletter or Uncial Antiqua, then use the Curve slider to bend the words to the ribbon. Drag the scroll above the crest if you want the Scottish style.