Ordinary

An ordinary is one of the simple geometric charges in heraldry, usually a broad band that runs from edge to edge of the shield. The main ordinaries are the chief, fess, pale, bend, chevron, cross and saltire. Narrower versions are called diminutives, such as bars and bendlets.

Ordinaries are some of the oldest charges, and many early arms use nothing else. The Stafford family bore Or, a chevron gules, and the margraves of Baden bore Or, a bend gules. Writers disagree on exact widths, but a band is usually drawn between a fifth and a third of the shield wide.

In the coat of arms maker, the Shield tab has a row of ordinaries: Chief, Fess, Pale, Bend, Bend sinister, Chevron, Cross, Saltire, Pall, Pile, Bordure and Canton. Pick one, click it to set its tincture, then add charges on top. The heraldic divisions and ordinaries guide draws each one.