NationStates Jolt Archive


The Original NationStates Flag Faq.

1 Infinite Loop
02-08-2004, 08:21
As the original Sticky is lost to time now, I shall repost this one.
if anyone wants to Sticky it again please do.

Please Post all Flag Requests in the EP offsite Forum located here.
The EP forum (http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_East_Pacific/index.php?)

Flag FAQ
v 1


Introduction

Greetings since you are reading this, I will assume you are interested in learning more about Flags here on Nationstates, First of let me say, this, I have made nearly a thousand Flags as of the writing of this Faq, for those who are keeping count or score.in this post I will try to cover, general flag guidlines, tips and hints on making flags, general information, and a list of folks who are willing to help ya out.

Contents
> Introduction
> NS flag guidlines
> how I do it
> Known Flag Artisans
> Flag Ownership
>Browser and OS issues.
>Conclusion & Version Updates



NS Flag Guidelines

You can create an image on your computer and upload it as your nation's flag.

The image must be in JPEG (.jpg) format, 107x71 pixels in size, and no larger than 10KB. Images that don't conform will either not display properly or cause an error when you try to upload them.

Non-flag-like or inappropriate images are not permitted. Please don't post them.

First thing, Jpg only, doesn't matter, it will accept Gif. The sizes that this quotes are the default sizes, used to be you always saw your own flag as this size regardless of the size it actually is,and everyone else would see it as its actual size, this was changed in late fall, and now flags show up at actual size to even the owner.so while it is a moot point, I will leave it in here as it is part of NS history.
Also, the limit of 10k is a bit misleading as the server will read a flag as being too big if it is over 9.5k while this seems a bit small, it is easy to work with once you get used to it.
When I make flags, I will make them from between 107x71 to 300x200 with the latter being the largest I will make in standard flag shape, in special circumstances, I will make them taller.
The Flag upload page also states this (added recently to slow the tide of related forum post querries).

Please Note: You are replacing one uploaded flag with another. Your browser may not realize the image has changed and show you the old version it has cached instead. If you still see the old flag after uploading, refresh the page to clear your browser's cache.

This is important, also you must click the Update Settings button on the settings page or nothing will happen.

Inappropriate stuff
As the Flag uploads page says, Non-flag-like or inappropriate images are not permitted. Please don't post them.
Inappropriate is defined as
Swastikas, Don't even try to argue with the mods about this one, [violet] put the ban into effect on orders of Max, Max owns the site and the game, He lets you play, Max says No swastikas, and yes we know the reversed Swastika, or Manji is used in certain Eastern, European and American Aboriginal religions (it is also a prevalent image on quilts in the Appalachians, usually on childrens quilts), it don't matter it is too similar, and the Nazis caused you to loose your Manji priviliges.
Also we know that Stalin did worse stuff than Hitler, and you will immeadiatly say, Why is the Soviet flag allowed, Because Max allows it, the Commies may have done a lot of bad stuff I agree, but unlike the Nazis, they did do some good. You may also ask why the Confederate States of America's flag is allowed, well Owning and advocating the ownership fo Slaves, is a lot different than enslaving all the Jews you can find, working them till they drop and burning them and burning all the ones you cannot work to death.
Goatse, If you dont know what it is, count yourself lucky, if you do, you know why it is banned, as I recall the posting of the Image is a Immeadiate IP ban, consider your self warned.
Tub Girl, this is one like the above, see its description, Ditto on it here.
Nudity, ther is no reason for it, there are children in elementary school playing this game, you dont wnat to get a coruption of a minor charge, so dont do it, also ti dont matter if it is obscene, ot tasteful, or even artistic nudity, it is banned.
Also, you put a nekkid chid on your flag, and not only wil you get IP banned, [violet] WILL report you to authorities.
You have been warned.
Impersonating a mod If a Mod has a custom flag, especially one I have made, it is their flag, Do not use it, especially if you are impersonating them as it is. You will be banned most likely.
Illegal Stuff: Drugs** Things such as Drugs which are Illegal are Deemed Innapropriate for flags the cannibas leaf is exempt as it is legal in a large part of the world and is used Medicinally. References to other drugs are not appropriate and I personally will not make a flag with any drug references.
*Note this is all I have for now, expect this part to expand as more and more folks abuse various flag related privilages.
This should cover the basics or the rules side of flags, now into the technical part.
** Ruling by Myrth on 9/9/2k4 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=355740)


How I do it.

First off, I use Google Image Search to locate the parts of the flag, Then I use Photoshop 7 to assemble the flags, I open a window, 600x400 pixels at 72 dpi resolution, this will help keep the resolution decent by allowing you to save at higher quality.
You now assemble your images and do whatever you need to make the flag look the way you want it to look. This is the hardest part, as you may have guessed.
Now, if your image is realistic stuff or really complex, convert the mode to jpg, this will keep it looking good, if it is realy simple, say 32 ot less total colors, make it a gif, the server dont care, even though it says Jpg only.
Next, you Must use the Save for Web option in your saving of the image, as it gives you ability to adjust the quality on a scale of 0 to 100. your best option is to now use the Optomize to file size ability, and set it to 5.5k, this will automatically adjust the quality to the best for the desired file size. if the quality is too low, just make the image smaller I use incriments of (width) 300, 275, 250, and 200. Photoshop will automatically adjust the Height to match the width.
lastly I upload the image to my Invision forum, and tell the person who wants it it is ready.
If you don't want to use a Invision forum, you can try, Photobucket.com, they have a free temporarty hosting place as well, or a Geocities website, however if you plan on hotlinking after you upload the file to the Geocities server you must rename it to whatever it is.txt as Geocities doesnt allow hotlinking of images, however you can hotlink text all day long.


Known Flag Artisians
We like to be called Flag Artisians, it just sounds more professional, and well this will be the hardest part of this faq to write,
First off there is me,
Loop, I work out of the thread,
NS Flag Service, it is here.
On the EP Forum (http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_East_Pacific/index.php?showforum=150)
Also if you ahve a request for me, Please post it either in the EP offsite forum, if you TM it to me, I will most likely Not see it.

Qaaolchoura Not sure how to submit requests,

PRD ditto on the above.

Myrth ditto on the above.

If you want to be a Flag Artisian, just let me know. and I will add you here.
to see examples of my work you can visit these threads.
Links may be dead
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39061
and
http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75398
you can also see the East Pacific Ofsite forum.

Flag Ownership
Ok, the Images I make for requests ar as I see it Jointly owned, with the requester owning the flag, however I reserve the right to post it as a refernce to my work, should you see an image on a nation that you like, ALways ask the nation before you use it as using it will most likely result in a Cloning accusation.

Browser and OS issues
When downloading a flag via your browser alway right click (or for one button Mac users either click and hold or Control click) and selets Save Image as, or whatever your browser's equivalent is.
Most importantly, in Windows, when you save an image, the OS for some reason Automatically converts the Image to a BMP, or Bitmap format, you will need to remedy this or you will never be able to save a custom flag. I don't know how to do it, you will need to ask a Windows person.

Conclusion & Version Updates
thsi Faq will most likely change, as more is added to it, and all, so please watch it.
Also , Please Do Not post flag requests in this Thread. They will be ignored.
If there are any topics You feel I should add to this, please post here.

Version 1, 12/14/2k3: Covered the basics.
Version 1, 08/02/2k4: Reposted as original FAQ was lost to time.
Version 1, 08/27/2k4: Updated new Flag size limit (10k YAY!)
Version 1, 09/09/2k4; Updated Flag Apropriate material. No Longer Beta faq.
Version 1, 04/01/2005; Updated appropriate links, removed Photoisland link
=-=-=
Loop
My current flag
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/1_infinite_loop.jpg
Midgar and Junon
02-08-2004, 15:21
just out of interest...

I've seen at least one ANIMATED flag. Surely that's not allowed?

And plenty of people make flags that are NOT exactly flaglike - my own included.

Lastly, would a flag depicting a destroyed/broken Swastika (as an ANTI-Nazi symbol) be allowed?
Nothingg
03-08-2004, 02:51
Animated flags are allowed as long as they're within the file size limit. I have an animated one I use from time to time.
1 Infinite Loop
03-08-2004, 07:42
As Long as they fit under 5.5. k they are groovy, bear in mind, 5.5 for a animated gif is freekin tiny.
Badger poking
04-08-2004, 22:20
I made a custom flag out of bits and bobs of my comp, if some1 nicks that do I get to sue *Holds phones ready for the lawsuit....*
God Himself
11-08-2004, 19:02
Yo Loop, I figure I'm vaguely good at finding pics on the internet and changing them around, so if you want another Artisan, I can do anything simplistic. In other words, nothign where I myself actually have to draw. I can cut, turn, and do stuff like that (the mechanical stuff), but I'm horrible at free style drawing, even on or especially on computer.

Also, check my flag, and if you know of a way to clone the gray background of the original Michelangelo painting into the area where I removed Man, could you help me out? I'd kind of like to make it less obvious that I simply cut that section and filled it in with the closest matching color... :confused:
Spoffin
13-08-2004, 03:06
Yo Loop, I figure I'm vaguely good at finding pics on the internet and changing them around, so if you want another Artisan, I can do anything simplistic. In other words, nothign where I myself actually have to draw. I can cut, turn, and do stuff like that (the mechanical stuff), but I'm horrible at free style drawing, even on or especially on computer.

Also, check my flag, and if you know of a way to clone the gray background of the original Michelangelo painting into the area where I removed Man, could you help me out? I'd kind of like to make it less obvious that I simply cut that section and filled it in with the closest matching color... :confused:
I'm no Michel-mal-angelo but...
http://www.imagepilot.com/img.dll?x=20040812_22:05:31_God.bmp
Or
http://www.imagepilot.com/img.dll?x=20040812_22:06:14_God_2.bmp

Hows that?
God Himself
13-08-2004, 13:26
:eek: That's really good! I like it! it's one hell of a step up from my piddly use of "pick color" and "fill"! Thanks man! I'm gonna use those/one of!

Now, if you could make my God the Holy Spirit flag look better..... since as you can see all I did was find a corona pic and a dove pic and rotated the corona pic... unfortunately I do not have adobe photoshop installed at the moment or at the time of the pic's creation, so I had to make due with Paint, and you can only do 90 degree turns... can't give it any angle without skewing it.
Kedcre
14-08-2004, 11:09
ARHG!

Whats going on? Im trying to upload a flag, its normal sized. It wont work in .bmp, .jpg, OR .gif WHATS GOING ON!?
Ericadia
15-08-2004, 02:49
I'd like to be a flag artisian! I have made a few flags using ms paint (I have nothing better) and written a few national anthems even. This is my web page:
http://www.geocities.com/defsinfugi/Hurricane_Ed.html

So what do you say?
Rat Fink
15-08-2004, 18:37
Hey, I have a mac, and I created my flag using appleworks paint. One problem, I keep on trying to figure out how to transfer it to .jpg, but no matter what I do, it stays as .cwk format. Someone help me please.
1 Infinite Loop
16-08-2004, 00:46
Ericadia, just hop by the Ep forums, and you can help fill the ones there,
also, Rat, I havnt used Appleworks in a few years, I gave it up for Photoshop.
if you want post a description on teh EP and I can give it a try.
Rat Fink
16-08-2004, 02:13
my flag description? and what're you going to give a try, recreating it? i'm confused
Rat Fink
19-08-2004, 18:10
Hey Loop, I need all the help I can get, If you want to give my flag a try just say so, what's there to lose?
1 Infinite Loop
20-08-2004, 06:46
just post a description of what you want in the EP and Ill be happy to give it a go.
Rat Fink
22-08-2004, 18:16
Umm, this probably sounds really stupid, but what's the EP? And as soon as I find out I will post the description. thanks
Unfree People
22-08-2004, 18:49
Umm, this probably sounds really stupid, but what's the EP? And as soon as I find out I will post the description. thanks
the region The East Pacific. loop probably means their off site forums, http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_East_Pacific
The Bottle and Hammer
27-08-2004, 02:55
Well, I just used the pic of a banner I created myself for another game I play. To my knowledge it fits all the criteria listed. I didn't find anything on the internet, I just made it myself on MS Paint.
Jack Hearer
01-09-2004, 01:17
i thought of using a cannabis-leaf in my flag. i couldnt find a hint that it would be offending, neither in the faq nor in this thread.
anyway, i don´t want my nation to be deleted, because of my little hobby ;)
so just gimme a "noway, dude" and i´ll think of something else, though it would be sad =)
1 Infinite Loop
01-09-2004, 08:59
Hmm, I have seen several with the devil weed on it, so if you want ask a mod and if they say no post here and Ill add it to the Faq.
Jack Hearer
02-09-2004, 03:00
i just tried to follow your advice, and contact that mod... Menelmacar ...right?
but when i want to enter the 'Private Messages' page im told that i dont have the permission to enter that page... so where´s the trick? ;)
i know, this doesn´t belong here, but i´d be pleased if someone could help me.
Gemonania
05-09-2004, 21:26
Hey, I have a mac, and I created my flag using appleworks paint. One problem, I keep on trying to figure out how to transfer it to .jpg, but no matter what I do, it stays as .cwk format. Someone help me please.
OH! mac user YAY ^^ anyways, you have to use the drop-down list thingie when you're saving and change the file type to .jpg and then you could leave it like that, or I put .gif on the end ^^ and my flag won't upload anyway, file size too big :(
Goobergunchia
05-09-2004, 22:03
i just tried to follow your advice, and contact that mod... Menelmacar ...right?
but when i want to enter the 'Private Messages' page im told that i dont have the permission to enter that page... so where´s the trick? ;)
i know, this doesn´t belong here, but i´d be pleased if someone could help me.

You should probably ask in the Moderation forum.
Spira_1
25-09-2004, 07:43
hey loop, do you reckon you could make a decent ffx/ffx-2 flag for me? Infact, just about anything to do with FF wpuld be great
Saint Babylas
03-10-2004, 20:35
woot. Awsomeness
North Island
07-10-2004, 01:20
Hey,
I need a flag for my nation and I heard you can make them.
If thats true please send me a telegraf.

The Kingdom of North Island
1 Infinite Loop
08-10-2004, 07:40
This is the thread for the Faq,
Please if you have a request start a new topic.
cause I need this one to stay open so I can edit the faq as necessary.
New Kiev
30-10-2004, 20:38
It is ok if I keep a real world flag right?
1 Infinite Loop
31-10-2004, 01:39
It is ok if I keep a real world flag right?
Of course, Real world flags are perfectly fine,
Me Personally I make my own cause I want to make my nation different and unique, although if you feel another real flag suits you by all means use it.
EOEN
02-11-2004, 23:55
I've just started and could really do with an impressive flag but im useless on photoshop or anythin else. If anyone is willing to help me out and make me a flag, send me a telegram. Thanks.

The Peoples Republic of EOEN
1 Infinite Loop
05-11-2004, 09:40
I've just started and could really do with an impressive flag but im useless on photoshop or anythin else. If anyone is willing to help me out and make me a flag, send me a telegram. Thanks.

The Peoples Republic of EOEN

come by the EP and Ill see what I can do,
the forum address is in the world factbook entry.
The Phoenix Milita
25-11-2004, 23:26
[quote]If you want to be a Flag Artisian, just let me know. and I will add you here.
to see examples of my work you can visit these threads.[/quote i am a good flag maker =/ add me plz contact me by telegram for flag or on forum :P
1 Infinite Loop
26-11-2004, 06:52
Hey Phoenix, just come by the East Pacific offsite forum,
http://invisionfree.com/forums/The_East_Pacific/index.php?
register up and you can use the Flag service category there,
pleanty of space to stretchyour legs and place to host your flags for folks.
Siope
23-01-2005, 18:22
My flag uses the 'metal hand' popularised by Ozzy ;) and also used by fans of the Texas Longhorns. However I recently learned that in some places this is considered a rude gesture (e.g. Norway)....should I change my flag or no?
Adamsgrad
17-02-2005, 18:25
What I want to know is, how do I upload flags? I got a JPEG image I want as my flag, but don't know how to upload it.
Tiborita
17-02-2005, 19:51
My flag uses the 'metal hand' popularised by Ozzy ;) and also used by fans of the Texas Longhorns. However I recently learned that in some places this is considered a rude gesture (e.g. Norway)....should I change my flag or no?
Your flag is probably fine. If you are concerned, ask a mod to review it.


What I want to know is, how do I upload flags? I got a JPEG image I want as my flag, but don't know how to upload it.
At your nations screen, click settings. Below your current flag, there will be the option to 'create your own flag'. Click that, and follow the instructions to upload your new flag. Make sure your flag conforms to NS technical and etiquette constraints.
Adamsgrad
18-02-2005, 16:23
Thanks, you have been of great help.
Harrylandia
18-02-2005, 21:19
my flag is a float left of the jolly roger, a burnt orenge skull with the flames of fury!
because i am a violent and currupt dictaor ofthe world
Harrylandia
18-02-2005, 21:20
another great flag is the flag of the phenix army- that country is really into it, it has a bright red pehinx on a black backround. IO must say thought that there are so many lazy countires that take a defult flag!!
Harrylandia
18-02-2005, 21:23
I love the phenox milita they make such great flags
Aultonia
21-02-2005, 19:39
I'm new here but i like the idea of becoming a flag artisan. I'm a graphic designer by trade, and am quite versatile with photoshop and illustrator. Just as an example, i pu my flag here. took three or four minutes to complete.
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/aultonia.jpg
telegram me if u need more info. :cool:
Tskoya
28-02-2005, 00:45
Just as an example, i pu my flag here. took three or four minutes to complete.
http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/aultonia.jpg
telegram me if u need more info. :cool:

Haha, power symbol flag! Splendiferous.
Sanadekke
11-03-2005, 21:07
My flag is of a Paratroopa (flying koopa) which is also my national animal
Cobdenia
16-03-2005, 22:09
I'm quite proud of my flag; a British blue ensign (which is the basis for most ex-Brtish colony, ect., flags) and the coat of arms of Sir Richard Cobden (after whom Cobdenia is named), plus the national motto: Copra Sanctum (the words Mary said unto Jesus when beholding him upon the cross. Probably). I also took pains to ensure a 2:1 ratio (which is the true ration of British ensigns and colonial flags)
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=cobdenia
Kirinn Forest
24-03-2005, 22:57
http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=display_nation/nation=kirinn_forest

The actual map was made for another game, with that location's (an open ended text based rpg, with game mechanics support a whole society simulation [@ http://www.cantr.net ] -if you're interested) map actually being made by another player of that game, who also plays NationStates.
1 Infinite Loop
26-03-2005, 08:41
I have reopened the NS Flag Service on the EP forums, at the time it is part of the category Market Square arcade, but I will warn ya Im not as actie at making them as I used to be, so your request may sit for a while.
Cool whites
30-08-2005, 18:59
how do I modify my custom flag?
Itinerate Tree Dweller
30-08-2005, 19:24
how do I modify my custom flag?

You modify it with an image editor and then reupload it via the custom flag field.
Cool whites
30-08-2005, 19:55
You modify it with an image editor and then reupload it via the custom flag field.
he excuses.. but the problem is that I had already put an and now he doesn't let to modify...
Neo-Athenia
20-01-2006, 10:21
I would like to put up a request for a custom flag, however I will warn anyone willing to try, I have a perfectly clear mental picture of the thing and I may tend to be, ah..... stringent at times.

It's a pretty straightforward flag, custom-drawn, could even be done with Paint, and I'd do it myself if my artistic talents didn't suck hiney. It's the upper half of an Ionian column, with capital, framed in a horizontal oval of a middling blue tint leaning towards lighter blue, with three thin borders; black, gold and black. On the sides of the oval are two laurel wreaths, like the ones on the UN logo but then green.

I told you, stringent. Anyone willing to try putting up with it?
Itinerate Tree Dweller
04-02-2006, 22:14
YIKES! Shrink it down, man. It's resolution is way too big.
Lapse
05-02-2006, 02:47
Does anyone know how I can compress this GIF file? <IMG>http://homepage.eircom.net/~colmcahalane/meame_flag.gif</IMG>
1. Click Start
2. move cursor over all programs
3. move cursor over accessories
4. Click on paint
5. load image file.
6. move cursor over image on toolbar at top
7. click
8. move cursor over stretch/skew
9. click on the first text box.
10. delete the contents of thetext box
11. type in '10'
12. click on the second text box.
13. delete the contents of thetext box
14. type in '10'
15. Click OK
16. Save image file

That is assuming you have XP, if you do not, work it out for your self...
Irish Nations of Meame
05-02-2006, 13:41
1. Click Start
2. move cursor over all programs
3. move cursor over accessories
4. Click on paint
5. load image file.
6. move cursor over image on toolbar at top
7. click
8. move cursor over stretch/skew
9. click on the first text box.
10. delete the contents of thetext box
11. type in '10'
12. click on the second text box.
13. delete the contents of thetext box
14. type in '10'
15. Click OK
16. Save image file

That is assuming you have XP, if you do not, work it out for your self...

Thanks. I'll try it now...

EDIT: Done
Emperor Matthuis
05-02-2006, 14:20
I don't think Qaaolchoura is in the game anymore and you spelt 'want' wrong in the paragraph under nudity.
Tyras-Sueb
10-09-2006, 01:49
How do I get a flag that is on Paint to be jpg for the site?
The Most Glorious Hack
10-09-2006, 05:37
Save it as a .jpg.

File -> Save As

In the pulldown menu that says "BitMap *.bmp", change it to .jpg.
Vincenz
10-01-2007, 04:17
I use Gimp, and I'd be happy to make flags for those who want me to. However, I don't check the forums often, so please SEND A TELEGRAM TO VINCENZ INSTEAD.

Btw, I'd like to be added as an artisan if you're looking for another one.
Saint-Deons
13-06-2008, 13:57
This thread looks like a long-dead, but I have a problem. No matter what size/type flag I use it's always a red :x: for me. I even used a 2-color 1.4 kb size gif and it still doesn't upload as a valid image. Any help please?
Amastol
13-06-2008, 17:31
This thread looks like a long-dead, but I have a problem. No matter what size/type flag I use it's always a red :x: for me. I even used a 2-color 1.4 kb size gif and it still doesn't upload as a valid image. Any help please?Probably because it only accepts .jpeg format.

[/gravedig]
Saint-Deons
13-06-2008, 20:22
Nothing works for me. I even made it a yellow rectangle 107x71 in PAINT and saved as .jpeg, and it still doesn't want to be accepted as a flag. :mp5:
The Most Glorious Hack
14-06-2008, 06:23
More specifics would be good.

Also, it seems a red x would be an issue on your end, more than ours...
Saint-Deons
14-06-2008, 07:36
Red "x" in this case means that the file is not uploaded.
You can check my flag and it's currently missing.

I tried to upload this image:
http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/7071/flagdeonswt1.jpg

Jpg, 3 colors, 2.87 Kb
St Edmund
14-06-2008, 17:03
Probably because it only accepts .jpeg format.

[/gravedig]

Actually, it seems to accept .png as well...
The Most Glorious Hack
15-06-2008, 05:47
That's... weird. Try to re-upload it and let's see if it'll work now...
Saint-Deons
15-06-2008, 11:05
Did you fix something? Because if it's just a random suggestion, it is not helping. I tried again and failed again. I did it like hundred times :(.

Is there a way some of the staff or another member can help me to upload this thing?
The Most Glorious Hack
16-06-2008, 06:20
See where it says "NationStates Moderator Team" under my name? I'm trying to help you. And yes, I had done something. And, despite the snark, I've done something else.

Specifically, I linked your flag to a temporary puppet of mine. I wager the problem was that your filename started with "flag" which screwed things up. I would advise changing the name of your source file ("things.jpg" worked for me) and reuploading.
Saint-Deons
18-06-2008, 10:20
Chill, man, I didn't want to insult you saying "did you do something", it was just a question.

And now my flag is ok, thank you very much for your help.
It wasn't "flag" thing, I tried to use other users' existing flags and they didn't work too. I think it was someway related to my ISP (maybe uploaing images were blocked due some inter-provider problems).
Anyway, it's ok now. Thanks, again ;).