Return to list of success criteria
1.4.6 The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 7:1, except for the following: (Level AAA)Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.6
Large Text: Large-scale text and images of large-scale text have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1;
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 minimum contrast requirement.
Note: Other techniques may also be sufficient if they meet the success criterion.
Using a higher contrast value for text that is over a patterned background (future link)
Using Unicode text and style sheets instead of images of text (future link)
Using a higher contrast values for lines in diagrams (future link)
Using greater contrast level for red-black text/background combinations
Using colors that are composed predominantly of mid spectral components for the light and spectral extremes (blue and red wavelengths) for the dark
Using a light pastel background rather than a white background behind black text to create sufficient but not extreme contrast (future link)
Making icons using simple line drawings that meet the contrast provisions for text (future link)
Providing sufficient contrast ratio in graphs and charts (future link)
Using a 3:1 contrast ratio or higher as the default presentation (future link)
Providing sufficient color contrast for empty text fields (future link)