CrestImage

CrestImage is a software library and online service for creating and rendering heraldic crests and coats of arms. It offers vector-based generation, scalable outputs, and a declarative crest description language that encodes tinctures, divisions, charges, and supporters.

Core capabilities include a rendering engine that outputs SVG, PDF, and raster formats; a layered editor for composing elements; a catalog of heraldic charges; color management with standard tinctures like gules, azure, or bezants.

Architecture and API: The project comprises a core rendering library written in multiple languages, plus a web API and client SDKs for JavaScript, Python, and Java. It supports programmatic generation, batch rendering, and asset export. It is designed to be extensible with user-defined charges and tinctures.

Development and licensing: CrestImage is maintained in an open-source repository with community contributions. It is released under an open-source license and provides comprehensive documentation, a version history, and example coats of arms.

Usage and reception: It is used by hobbyists, heraldry enthusiasts, educational institutions, and design studios. Users value its accuracy, extensibility, and automation, though some note a learning curve for complex heraldic constructions.