Accessible Canvas: Color

Color can be an effective method to communicate ideas and draw attention to information. Ensuring there is sufficient contrast as well as using color in combination with text formatting can support a variety of visual needs. For additional guidance on using color and accessibility, please review the information on Color.

Contrast

When choosing colors to present text information in documents, avoid pastel colors or the "light" version of a particular color. Such color options do not provide sufficient contrast against a white background. Contrast ratios should be the following:

• 4.5:1 for regular text
• 3:1 for 18 point font and larger, or 14 point font and bold

Contrast ratios may be evaluated using tools such as:

• WebAIM Contrast Checker
• The Paciello Group Color Contrast Analyser

Color and formatting

When using color to indicate a specific condition or state, include text formatting to provide a distinguishing characteristic. For example, if a list of vocabulary words were identified only in red text, this could present difficulties for an individual who has a type of color-blindness.

Use color and formatting to support accessibility, such as:

• Red text with Bold formatting
• Using an asterisk, brackets, or other annotation symbols in addition to color