Online Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms HME Publishing

Graphic Index

To find information on any of the 2,500 symbols contained in the encyclopedia, use this step-by-step guide. Specify the graphic characteristics of the sign you are looking for simply by answering the questions.

If you find it difficult to decode the characteristics of a sign, do not despair. Most of the time it helps to draw the sign you want to read about on a piece of paper. Then symmetries and other elements are easy to see. Help is also available.

1. Symmetry

Is the sign that you want information about single-axis symmetric, multi-axis symmetric, or asymmetric? [Help]

2. Open or closed

Is the sign open or closed? [Help]

3. Shape

Are the lines of the sign straight, curved or both straight and curved? [Help]

4. Crossing lines

Does the symbol contain lines that are crossing? If not, choose the category non-crossing. [Help]