Feedback & FAQ

Please email support at inkwellideas dot com if you want to make suggestions, are having trouble with the software, etc.

We’re actively seeking feedback on the Coat of Arms Design Software and the information on the this website. However, please look over the list of upcoming features before sending a request for some new functionality. There are plans for many of the most obvious needs.

But if you see something that should be added that isn’t on the list, need your license/download link mailed to you, or you find a bug or you see an error on a page, please send that information to: support at inkwellideas dot com. You can also post comments on the website itself.  Thank you!

Words of encouragement are also very welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the copyright status of these graphics?

All of the graphics are in the public domain to the best of my expertise, but you must to confirm that for yourself if you wish to publish them.  Most of the graphics come from the book A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies and Illustrated by Graham Johnston, originally published 1909.  A few others were created by me (Joe Wetzel) and I declare them in the public domain. A few others were found elsewhere on the web where they were declared to be in the public domain or with a license that allows them to be republished without payment.  In each case, the Charges pages list each charge that is in the software and the source.

Regarding the Fox-Davies and Johnston book specifically, to the best of my knowledge these graphics are in the public domain because both the author and artist passed away over 70 years ago and the copyright limitations for works published in 1909 is 70 years after the death of the creator in the UK (where the book was first published) and 50 years.  Again, if you wish to reuse these graphics, confirm this information with an attorney.

Can I download the software to my computer so it can run without an internet connection?

The pro version allows for running off-line.

Comments

Feedback & FAQ — 31 Comments

  1. I’m interested in purchasing the software; but I need a couple questions answered.
    1. In your collection of Charges do you have a “reed” or “cane” (preferably a reed)?
    2. Do you have Dancette and Engrailed lines for the Ordinaries?
    3. Can you have two different Ordinaries on the Shield?

    Thank you.

  2. Hello! I bought the pro version of your program some time ago, and I really love it! I was wondering if you have gotten much traffic from an article that I posted about heraldry, where I included a link and recommendation to your site? I am getting about 70 hits a day to the article, so I’m hoping it has sent some traffic your way as well. Here is the link: http://sparrowlet.hubpages.com/hub/find-create-family-crest-coat-of-arms-heraldry

    Thanks for the wonderful program-

    Katharine Sparrow

  3. Hi I would like to download the free version as im new to heraldry but cant seem to find it on your site
    also is it ok for windows vista?
    Regards
    Sean.

  4. Double check you have Java installed and have it running in your browser. If so, it should appear after a minute or two of loading on the “Free Version” page. If not, try using Firefox if you aren’t already. You may need to tinker with which plugins are enabled.

  5. Katharine: Can’t say I’ve noticed a bump, but that’s for the link. Maybe in time it will grow.

  6. Donald: 1:No and no; 2: Yes (although not for all ordinaries–if it doesn’t have the combination you want I’ll add it or issue a refund); 3: yes.

  7. Joe, I purchased the pro version. I do enjoy the program very much, but I’m having problems with the rotation buttons. Also, the line feature does not appear to work either. I’m trying to get Dancette and Engrailed lines for the Ordinaries. I have not been able to modify the lines on the Ordinaries. I am trying to make a Coat of Arms for my son-in-law. All I have is this description: “Their coat of arms is of silver with three carricos of green placed where blue water comes from the earth. Their seal is unknown.” Anyway you see why I want the Dancette (Water) and Engrailed (Earth) lines for the Coat of Arms. Please help.

  8. Update

    Joe, I figured out how to modify the lines of the ordinaries. I didn’t select the correct ordinary to modify. However, I’m still unable to use the rotation feature. I’m trying to place a creature at about a 30 degree angle. With a few minor-minor problem, I love your program.

  9. Joe, I got the pro version. Love it. In trying to recreate historical arms, I notice a lot of them have perimeter borders, some simple, some decorative like the designs you’ve already got for the ordinaries. What are the chances of adding perimeters in a future update? I can scan or link examples if my request isnt clear. Keep up the great work.

  10. Hi

    I’ve been trying out your free version and it’s great, but it’s pretty slow in rendering the graphics. So I was wondering if the pro version is faster?
    (I know it could be my PC, but it would surprise me since I don’t have trouble running other graphics programs).

    kind regards

  11. Hello Joe, The previous line stile facility is no longer bthere I’m afraid. I wanted embattled, counter-embattled but the box was just blank altogether.

  12. Hi Joe

    I discovered your program and I’m considering purchasing the pro version. I noticed the absence of a “semé” pattern (as in Semé de Lys — the French royal arms). Apparently, symbols can be added singly or in specific groups, but not as a continuous pattern. Any plans to add that feature anytime soon? Thanks!

    Bruce
    07/14/2012

  13. Hi again — I couldn’t find options for borders along the edge of the shield. Is that a pro-version feature as well?

  14. I’ll put it high on my list of things to add, but I can’t commit to a particular timeframe. 🙁

  15. Borders (Engrailed, wavy, etc.) along the edge of the shield is not currently supported. I’d love to do it, but there are a number of other priorities at the moment.

  16. Sorry, the free and pro versions render the graphics the same way. The graphics are deceptively complex because they are vector based.

  21. It definitely runs on a Mac. It is Java, and I primarily use a MacBook at the moment. However, there is no shield like your example. There are about 10 built in: Traditional (the default), Lozenge (for ladies), Elegant, Iberean, Polish, German, French as well as a circle as a few Rectangles.

  22. i m a french teacher and i bought the pro version of your software.
    i want to use your software with in the multimedia classeroom.
    is it allow to install your software with many computers or i have to buy new licences for a multi computer use.

    thank you for your reply and sorry for my english

  25. I cannot find any link to download the free version. I downloaded Java and 7 zip (and got a few unwanted downloads as well).
    Is there really a ‘free’ version or not?

  26. The “Free Version” page (linked in the navigation near the top of the page) has the free version. It appears on the web page itself after a delay of a couple minutes. It takes a bit to download and start up. If it doesn’t appear after 2-3 minutes, you may not have Java, or it may not be configured to run within your web browser, or you may have a security setting to not run it. (It is now signed properly, so only the strictest security settings won’t run it. There is no need to use 7-zip. It is not a zip file.

  27. Hiya,

    This is a really nice piece of freeware, with lots of the stuff on there. The only requests I think would be handy on a basic level would be odd-numbered divides (for example a three way paly split) and the option to add a second escutcheon within the main shield, which would allow you to get close to some impressively complex designs, for example:

    http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Brasenose_College_Oxford_Coat_Of_Arms.svg

    Thanks again for developing this!

  28. I seem to be unable to export an image in Free mode. the program does not seem to actually select the export option.

  29. Thanks for the report. Yep, a bug got into the recent update. It is now fixed. You may need to restart your browser. Until then, it may not notice that there is a new version.

    Joe

  30. I have a question. I would like to buy the pro version but plan to get a new laptop in the fall. Would I have to buy the program again or could I transfer the license? Thanks

  31. You’re free to use the same license code on up to three computers at a time. If you have it on 3, and retire one, you can install it on a new third.