Clear answers · No crest-factory myths

Frequently asked questions

Herald Lab delivers researched surname history and coats of arms associated with a last name as gift-ready digital PDFs. Nothing is mailed. Custom research is typically completed within 24 hours of a paid order. If we cannot research the name, we refund 100%.

Ordering and delivery

How does an order work?

Choose a pack, enter the surname (both surnames for Dual), optionally note a country of origin, and select the language of the document. After payment, a specialist researches the name and emails a printable PDF — typically within 24 hours. Template products (family-tree or DIY arms) are instant downloads. See How it works.

Is anything shipped in the mail?

No. All products are digital. You receive a PDF by email and/or a Shopify download link. There is no parchment in the post, no frame, and no tracking number. Shopify may still label a policy page “Shipping”; our delivery is digital only — read the digital delivery policy.

How fast is delivery?

Custom surname research: typically within 24 hours of a paid order. Instant-download templates: available immediately after checkout. If research takes longer, we notify you by email.

What size is the PDF?

Files are designed for standard letter 8.5×11 inches and A4. Print at home or at a local print shop. Print size describes the layout — not a physical item we mail.

What must I enter at checkout?

Last name is required. Country/region is optional but helpful. Choose the PDF language. For Dual documents, enter both surnames. No shipping address is needed for digital delivery.

What you receive

What is in the Standard Digital Pack ($49)?

A researched last-name origin PDF: surname history, spelling variants, geographic origin when sources allow, and — on variants that include arms — a high-resolution image of arms associated with the surname. Order Standard →

What is in the Executive Digital Pack ($99)?

An extended surname-history narrative plus a high-definition full-achievement artistic rendering. When the source tradition includes them, the achievement may show helm, crest, and supporters, presented on a parchment-style printable PDF. Family reorders of the same surname stay visually consistent. Order Executive →

What is the Anniversary Dual Pack ($89)?

Enter Last Name 1 and Last Name 2. We research arms associated with each surname and place both achievements on one printable PDF — a wedding or anniversary gift, delivered digitally. Order Dual →

How is the PDF structured?

Surname identification, origin narrative, heraldic section (when included), parchment-style layout, and an honesty disclaimer on every document.

Which should I choose as a gift?

Standard ($49) is a complete, elegant origin document — the most chosen pack. Executive ($99) is the fuller presentation: more history and richer artistic achievement. Dual ($89) suits weddings and anniversaries. All are digital and gift-ready.

Research and sources

Who does the research?

A person. Custom packs are not auto-generated instant templates. That is why delivery is measured in hours, not seconds — and why the result is a researched document, not a random crest.

What sources do you use?

Historical and heraldic reference works, onomastic dictionaries, and archival summaries for surname origin, variants, geographic notes, and arms recorded for families of the name or commonly associated with the surname.

Why is this not a random clip-art crest?

We research the surname you enter and prefer documented associations. We do not mass-assign one generic shield to unrelated customers. Artwork is prepared for print quality; Executive packs use full-achievement renderings when tradition supports them.

Heraldry honesty and quality

Do I get “my official family coat of arms”?

No. A coat of arms is not an entitlement of everyone who shares a last name. We present arms historically recorded for some families of this name, or arms commonly associated with the surname. If none can be documented, we provide a clearly labeled decorative reconstruction. This is a commemorative digital heraldic document — not a grant of arms, noble title, or legal right.

Will a relative’s reorder match mine?

Yes. We keep surname artwork consistent so a later family order for the same last name matches the rendering you received.

What if you cannot find the name?

We refund 100% of the purchase price. Email info@heraldlab.com with your order number. Details: refund policy.

Languages and dual-name documents

Which languages can the PDF be written in?

English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, Romanian, and Swedish. The surname itself stays as you typed it.

How does the anniversary Dual PDF work?

Enter Last Name 1 and Last Name 2 at checkout. We research arms associated with each surname and compose both on one printable page. Digital delivery only — typically within 24 hours. Order Dual ($89) →

Files, gifts, and reorders

Can I print more than one copy?

Yes. The PDF is yours to print for personal and family use. Extra email deliveries are available as add-ons if you want us to send the file to additional addresses.

Is this a good gift?

Yes — birthdays, Father’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, reunions, and family archives. Recipients receive a calm, researched document rather than a tourist-trap “sale” crest. Digital means you can print locally or forward the file — no shipping deadline panic.

What is surname history research (vs a free crest generator)?

Surname history research looks at how a last name formed, spread, and was spelled in historical sources — and, separately, whether coats of arms were recorded for families of that name. It is not a click-to-generate “official family crest” for every spelling. Herald Lab delivers that research as a gift-ready printable PDF (digital only).

Still have a question?

Contact us, read How it works or About Herald Lab, or write to info@heraldlab.com.