What is color contrast?
Color contrast is the difference between two colors. Online, color contrast refers to the difference between text color (or other important page elements) and the background color. Contrast and color might not seem critical at first glance, but for individuals who are colorblind or have other visual impairments, poor contrast can make important content nearly invisible. For example, what appears as highlighted text to some may look like plain gray text to others. When color alone is used to convey meaning, it can exclude users who perceive color differently. To ensure accessibility for all, it's important to use color thoughtfully and verify contrast using tools like contrast checkers or accessible color palettes.
Color Contrast Best Practices
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Check contrast ratios: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommends a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Icons and graphics also need to meet the 3.1 contrast ratio in order to be considered accessible.
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Use high contrast colors: Dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background usually works well.
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Avoid relying on color alone: Don’t use color as the only way to convey meaning — combine with text labels or patterns.
- Use a color contrast analyzer: Free tools like the TPGi Color Contrast Analyzer makes it easy to test your color combinations for optimal accessibility. Both tools are are based on established web accessibility standards, specifically the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Additional Resources
