Create Accessible
COLOR CONTRAST
Goal
The purpose of color contrast for accessibility is meant to ensure that text, images, and interactive elements can easily be distinguished from its background for people who are blind, color blind or have other visual impairments and some cognitive challenges.
Benefits
Sufficient color contrast in your digital content makes for easy to read and distinguishable elements, which allows people of varying disabilities to interact with your content as expected.
What To Do
Choose high-contrasting brand colors
Test all color combinations using a tool like CCA to ensure they pass WCAG (headings and body text contrast ratio to background colors, link colors, button text to button background contrast, button color to site background color, form field input contrast ratio)
Test contrast ratios on any element that changes colors on hover
TIP: I suggest testing all color contrast combinations when setting up your website style guide so you can adjust where needed once and than know you are set!
WCAG Conformance Levels
Level A (Minimum)
Ensure a minimum contrast ratio for normal text of 4.5:1
Minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 for large text (18pt or larger) or 14pt bold and larger
Level AA (Standard)
Level A criteria PLUS
Graphical objects like icons and user interface components, such as buttons, links, form fields, accordion block icons, etc., require a contrast ratio of 3:1
Level AAA (Over Achiever)
Level A and AA criteria PLUS
The contrast minimum ratio for standard size text is 7:1
A contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is required for large text (18 pt or larger) or 14pt bold and larger
WCAG 2.2 Technical Guidelines & Success Criteria (SC)
PERCEIVABLE
SC 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
SC 1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced)
SC 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast
Recommended Digital Accessibility Resources
Web Accessibility Initiative
To geek out and go deep on the history and technical criteria for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) W3C is the resource for you.
Monthly Content Accessibility Checklist
Easy first steps to track and integrate accessibility into the digital content you create on a regular basis for your business.
Color Contrast Anylyzer
FREE easy to use tool that helps you verify the color contrast throughout your website.
Don’t See What You’re Looking For?
The accuracy of information on this website is subject to change. Implementing these accessibility tips by no means ensures your website is fully compliant with current guidelines or laws. You should consult with a professional to audit and/or remediate your site and obtain an accessibility statement.
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