Color accessibility ensures content is usable by everyone, regardless of visual abilities.
WCAG requirements
- Contrast ratios:
- Normal text: 4.5:1 minimum (AA), 7:1 enhanced (AAA)
- Large text (18pt+): 3:1 minimum (AA), 4.5:1 enhanced (AAA)
- UI components: 3:1 minimum
Color blindness types
- Protanopia: Red-blind (1% of men).
- Deuteranopia: Green-blind (most common, 6% of men).
- Tritanopia: Blue-blind (rare, <1%).
- Achromatopsia: Total color blindness (very rare).
Best practices
- Never use color alone to convey information.
- Add patterns, icons, or text labels.
- Test with color blindness simulators.
- Provide high-contrast mode.
- Use accessible color palettes.
Tools
- Contrast checkers (WebAIM, Stark).
- Color blindness simulators.
- Browser dev tools (Chrome, Firefox).
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