Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the High Resolution Flag Database?
A: There are three main reasons behind The High Resolution Flag Database.
- Because large images of flags are difficult to find, even on the Internet, this database exists so that anyone can have
free access to high quality images of flags.
- In order to use an image on a banner, poster, or similar media you need a very large image, or a vector image. This site
provides both for free so that you can use them in your own work.
- By making and maintaining the flag database it keeps me from going insane from boredom.
Q: Are all the flags here for free?
A: Because flags are viewed as global symbols, the United States does not allow flags or replicas of flags to be copyrighted. For US residents these flags are
in the public domain and may be distributed completely for free. You may wish to check your own country's laws regarding the copyrighting of flags if you live
in a country aside from the USA.
Q: Are these flags accurate to governmental standards?
A: While every attempt is made to make sure the flags are the proper color, size, and layout, as proposed by their respective governments, I do not guarantee
the authenticity of the flags presented here. If you do notice an inconsistency please notify
me and I will attempt to fix the problem.
Q: Why did you choose these image formats for the flags?
A: All of the flags in the database are listed in three formats PNG, SVG, and ICO. The choice of PNG and SVG was made because they are approved formats by the
W3C as well as open standards. Other formats have issues with copyrights, patents, and cross-platform dependencies. Detailed information can be read below.
- PNG (portable network graphic) is a raster format. Raster images store the pixels of an image. They are easy to work with
and can store any type of image. The problem with raster images is that they don't scale very well. If you adjust the size of a raster image it degrades the
quality of the image. PNG is included because not everyone has the ability to work with vector images. All the PNG images are scaled to a height of 1000 pixels
which should be large enough for basic needs.
- SVG (scaled vector graphic) is a vector format. Unlike raster images, vector images do not store pixels. Instead they
store shapes. By storing shapes, you can resize a vector image to any size without losing any quality. Because most browsers cannot open SVG files yet you'll
have to download them and you may need a special program to open these images like Corel Draw or Adobe Illustrator.
- ICO (Icon) is a raster format used by many GUI operating systems. All icons here are 32x32 and 8-bit limited palette color. You'll need the latest
version of IE 6 or any recent version of Firefox to see them.
Q: Your flags are huge, do you have anything smaller?
A: The flags here are primarily meant for use for people who couldn't find a large flag image. If you want a smaller flag image you can simply resize the
image in a graphics program or do a google search for smaller image. Be warned that most flags on the Internet are not draw to proper specifications.
Q: Can you supply flag images in different formats like EPS, GIF, or WMF?
A: Doubtful. I'll only add a new format if it gives something new to the images. SVG and PNG cover every needed use of the flags I can think of. ICO was added
for simplicity for GUI users. Any decent graphics program should be able to open these and convert them into any format you desire. We believe that in order for
technology to go forward, people need to start using it.
Q: Where did you get these flags?
A: I have personally handmade every flag on this site so far. For more complicated flags I'll accept flags from other artists who are willing to donate their
work.
Q: What do you get out of this?
A: The satisfaction of a job well done. I have always enjoyed looking at the flags of different countries and various ideals so I decided to create
my own collection of them. Since I'm making the flags anyway, I thought I might as well share with everyone else. I wouldn't mind a donation if you feel
my flags were worth money to you, but I'm not doing this to make a living.
Q: Are you really into vexillology (the study of flags)?
A: Not really. I like to make lists of things where lists can be made. Flags, obviously, can be made into a list, and so, I'm doing it. Some people
are fascinated with the deeper meaning behind the symbolism of flags, but I just think they look cool.
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