In this paper we describe a heuristic approach to the problem of identifying a pattern embedded within a figure from a predefined set of patterns via the utilization of a genetic algorithm (GA). By applying this GA we are able to recognize a set of simple figures independently of scale, translation and rotation. We discuss the fact that this GA is, purportedly, the best among a set of alternatives; a fact which was previously proven appealing to statistical techniques. We describe the general process, the special type of genetic algorithm utilized, report some results obtained from a test set and we discuss the aforementioned results and we comment on these. We also point out some possible extensions and future directions.