The Royal Crown is a restricted emblem. Each new use requires the permission of His Majesty The King. Requests must be addressed to the chief herald of Canada, at the Canadian Heraldic Authority (armorial@gg.ca).
Once permission has been granted to use the Royal Crown, the following basic guidelines must be observed:
- All newly-created emblems and new artistic renditions of existing emblems will incorporate the Canadian Royal Crown, as per His Majesty’s wishes.
- All uses of the Royal Crown must be made in a way that respects its dignity, that of the Canadian monarchy, and all parties involved.
- The trademark of the Royal Crown belongs to the Government of Canada and cannot be appropriated.
- The Royal Crown is to be used in its entirety, unaltered, and distinct from other marks or symbols. It may not be integrated into another logo, emblem, symbol or design, except by specific permission of The King.
- The Royal Crown may not be used in a partisan fashion by political parties or interest groups.
Bodies that have received authorization to use the Royal Crown within their emblems may contact the Canadian Heraldic Authority to obtain the necessary files.
Several versions of the Canadian Royal Crown exist:
1. Full-colour illustration |
This image is of the original painting. It is suitable for more formal printed and digital applications, where a traditional look is desired. In order to maintain image quality, uses of this image should be no smaller than 16 mm high, and no larger than 250 mm high. For images larger than 250 mm high, it is recommended to use the vector art (see version 2). This version must only be used in full colour. It is not to be used in greyscale. |
2. Full-colour in vector art |
This image is for use when a full-colour version of the Royal Crown is desired, but where industry processes require a vector format. Reproductions of the emblem larger than 250 mm high should use this version, and it must be used for flags and banners where the emblem is larger than 75 mm high. This version must only be used in full colour. It is not to be used in greyscale. |
3. One-colour in vector art |
This is a vector art rendition of the Royal Crown reduced to a single colour against a contrasting background (presented here as black on white). This version is to be used when a full-colour application is not appropriate or desired for the selected media. The design may be printed in a dark colour on a white or light-coloured background, or conversely in white or a light colour on a dark-coloured background. Both the Royal Crown and the background should be printed in solid, single colours. The Royal Crown may also be foil-stamped or printed in metallic silver. This is also the version to use if the design is to be embossed. This version should be used for applications no smaller than 14 mm high (20 mm high for embossed designs). |
4. One colour in vector art for extreme reduction |
This is a vector art rendition of the Royal Crown reduced to a single colour against a contrasting background (presented here as black on white), with details further simplified for applications at an extremely reduced size. This version should only be used for very small applications, no larger than 16 mm high, and no smaller than 10 mm high. |
CONSIDERATIONS ON COLOUR AND PRINTING
Full-colour versions of the Royal Crown are to be used only in their full, original colours. Versions with altered colours are not acceptable. If a full-colour version is not required, the one-colour, high-contrast version is to be used instead.
When using the one-colour, high-contrast versions, colour choices for the Royal Crown and background should be kept simple, harmonious and with adequate contrast.
Certain colour combinations should be avoided. In general, gold or yellow should not be used for the background.
The Royal Crown may not be overprinted with text or with another image or design. Similarly, it may not be superimposed over text or another image.
Incorrect usage of the Royal Crown
Do not remove any elements |
Do not alter any elements |
Do not distort |
Do not rotate or shear |
Do not recolour |
Do not use on patterned background |
SPACE AND SIZE REQUIREMENTS
When printing the Royal Crown on its own, a minimum clearance space is required on all sides. This is calculated as 1/5 of the total vertical height of the emblem, measured from top to bottom.
Note that in certain heraldic designs, such as military or police badges and flags, the above dimensions of the “exclusion area” vary.
Minimum clear space measurements |
Exclusion Area |
POSITIONING AND CENTERING
When positioning the Royal Crown, note that its “centre of gravity” is below the central maple leaf. The crown is not to be placed in the true centre, but above. The minimum acceptable centre standard is the bottom of the central maple leaf.
AVOID: True centre |
Minimum centre standard |
Optimal centre standard |
Questions regarding the use of the Royal Crown should be directed to the Canadian Heraldic Authority at armorial@gg.ca.