What is Color Contrast?
Color contrast refers to the difference in light between two colors – typically between text and its background. Proper contrast is essential for readability and ensures that people with various forms of color blindness or visual impairments can easily read your content.
Why Color Contrast Matters
- Accessibility Compliance: Meeting WCAG guidelines is often a legal requirement for many websites
- Improved User Experience: Better contrast benefits all users, not just those with visual impairments
- Broader Audience Reach: Accessible design ensures your content is available to everyone
- SEO Benefits: Accessibility can positively impact your website's search engine rankings
Understanding WCAG Contrast Requirements
WCAG Level AA Requirements
- Regular text: Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1
- Large text (18pt or 14pt bold): Minimum contrast ratio of 3:1
- UI components and graphical objects: Minimum contrast ratio of 3:1
WCAG Level AAA Requirements
- Regular text: Minimum contrast ratio of 7:1
- Large text (18pt or 14pt bold): Minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1
How to Use Our Contrast Checker
- Select Background Color: Choose your background color using the color picker or enter a hex code
- Choose Text Color: Pick your text color using the same methods
- View Results: Check the contrast ratio and WCAG compliance indicators
- Adjust as Needed: Make adjustments until you achieve the desired accessibility level
How to Use Our Contrast Checker
- Start with your brand colors and find complementary colors that meet contrast requirements
- Consider using darker shades of your existing colors for better contrast
- Test your color combinations across different screen sizes and devices
- Remember that patterns or textures behind text can affect readability
Common Color Contrast Mistakes to Avoid
- Using light gray text on white backgrounds
- Placing text over busy images without proper contrast
- Assuming that bright colors automatically provide good contrast
- Forgetting to test contrast for interactive elements like buttons and links
