- What is color contrast ratio?
- Color contrast ratio is a measure of the difference in perceived brightness between two colors. It's crucial for ensuring text is readable against its background. The ratio ranges from 1:1 (no contrast) to 21:1 (maximum contrast).
- What are the WCAG guidelines for contrast?
- WCAG 2.1 requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (Level AA). For Level AAA, the requirements are 7:1 for normal text and 4.5:1 for large text.
- What counts as large text?
- Large text is defined as 14 point (typically 18.66px) and bold or larger, or 18 point (typically 24px) or larger.
- Why is color contrast important?
- Good color contrast ensures content is readable by all users, including those with visual impairments. It's a fundamental aspect of web accessibility and improves the overall user experience.
- How do I know if my color contrast is ADA compliant?
- To be ADA compliant, your colors must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards at minimum. This means a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Use our contrast checker tool to verify compliance.
- Can poor color contrast affect SEO?
- Yes, poor color contrast can indirectly affect SEO. Search engines consider accessibility in their rankings, and poor contrast can lead to higher bounce rates and reduced user engagement, which can negatively impact SEO performance.
- What's the difference between WCAG Level AA and AAA?
- WCAG Level AA is the commonly accepted standard requiring a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text. Level AAA is more stringent, requiring a 7:1 ratio, providing better accessibility for users with severe visual impairments.
- How do I fix contrast issues on my website?
- To fix contrast issues, adjust either the foreground or background color until you achieve the required ratio. Often, darkening text colors or lightening background colors can help. Use our tool to test different color combinations until you meet WCAG standards.
- Do images need to meet contrast requirements?
- Text overlaid on images must meet the same contrast requirements. Additionally, important interface elements and graphical objects need a minimum 3:1 contrast ratio against adjacent colors to ensure visibility.