Color & Contrast
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Topic
Technique
WCAG AA Requirement
Use of color
Use of color: Any information conveyed by color MUST be accompanied by a programmatically-discernible text alternative.
Required
Visible Alternative: Any information conveyed by color MUST be accompanied by a visible alternative (text, image, etc.) that does not depend on color for meaning.
Required
Color Contrast
Small Text Contrast: Small text (under 18 point regular font or 14 point bold font) MUST have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 with the background.
Note: The contrast rule also applies to images of text, even though images of text are discouraged.
Required
Large Text Contrast: Large text (at or over 18 point or 14 point bold) MUST have a contrast ratio of at least 3 to 1 with the background.
Note: The contrast rule also applies to images of text, even though images of text are discouraged.
Required
UI Component Contrast: The contrast of UI control boundaries compared to adjacent areas MUST be sufficient to distinguish the UI control from the adjacent areas.
Required (WCAG 2.1)
Visual Focus Indicator Contrast: The contrast of all visual focus indicators against the background MUST be at least 3 to 1.
Required (WCAG 2.1)
High Contrast Mode
Retain Visible Information: Web content SHOULD retain all essential visual information in Windows High Contrast Mode.
best practice
Don't Override: The design SHOULD NOT override Windows High Contrast Mode.
best practice