1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum) [AA]
Description
The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, except for the following:
- Large Text
-
Large-scale text and images of large-scale text have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1;
- Incidental
-
Text or images of text that are part of an inactive user interface component, that are pure decoration, that are not visible to anyone, or that are part of a picture that contains significant other visual content, have no contrast requirement.
- Logotypes
-
Text that is part of a logo or brand name has no contrast requirement.
Sufficient Techniques
Sufficient Techniques for Success Criterion 1.4.3
Note: Other techniques may also be sufficient if they meet the success criterion. See Understanding Techniques.
Situation A: text is less than 18 point if not bold and less than 14 point if bold
- G18: Ensuring that a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 exists between text (and images of text) and background behind the text
- G148: Not specifying background color, not specifying text color, and not using technology features that change those defaults
- G174: Providing a control with a sufficient contrast ratio that allows users to switch to a presentation that uses sufficient contrast
Situation B: text is at least 18 point if not bold and at least 14 point if bold
- G145: Ensuring that a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 exists between text (and images of text) and background behind the text
- G148: Not specifying background color, not specifying text color, and not using technology features that change those defaults
- G174: Providing a control with a sufficient contrast ratio that allows users to switch to a presentation that uses sufficient contrast
Advisory Techniques
Advisory Techniques for Success Criterion 1.4.3
Failures
Failures for Success Criterion 1.4.3
- F24: Failure of Success Criterion 1.4.3, 1.4.6 and 1.4.8 due to specifying foreground colors without specifying background colors or vice versa
- F83: Failure of Success Criterion 1.4.3 and 1.4.6 due to using background images that do not provide sufficient contrast with foreground text (or images of text)