Contrast (Minimum) ensures that text and background colors are different enough to make everything easy to read, no matter the user’s vision or environment.
Who this impacts
- People with low vision: They need a higher contrast to clearly see and engage with content.
- People with color blindness: Distinguishing between colors can be difficult, so strong contrast helps provide clarity.
- People using mobile devices: Glare, poor lighting, or small screens can make reading low-contrast text even more difficult.
- Everyone: Good contrast improves readability for all users, especially in challenging viewing conditions.
How to meet Contrast (Minimum)
- Meet the 4.5:1 ratio for regular text: This is the minimum acceptable contrast for “normal-sized” text.
- Ensure 3:1 for large text: For text 18pt or larger (or 14pt bold), maintain a contrast ratio of at least 3:1.
- Consider text in images: While text in images is a bad thing and you shouldn’t do it, if you have done it, it needs to meet the contrast ratio requirements.
- Test using contrast checking tools: Ensure that your design meets the enhanced contrast requirements with Silktide’s free browser extension.
Practical example
Exceptions
Logos, branding, and decorative text are exempt from this contrast requirement.
Top tips
- Choose high-contrast colors: Dark text on a light background, or vice versa, generally provides the best readability.
- Use software: Free online tools like the Silktide Browser Extension are available to help you test the contrast ratio of your text and background, and can even simulate glare on the screen.
- Regularly review your design: As styles or colors change, make sure to check that new designs maintain the proper contrast ratios.