The difference in lightness between text or an icon and the color behind it. Enough contrast makes words easy to read; too little makes them hard to see, especially for people with low vision.
Synonyms
- contrast ratio
- colour contrast
Related terms
- wcag
- legibility
- readability
- focus indicator
In plain words
- how much the text stands out from its background
- text being dark enough against the background to read
Usage example
The pale grey text failed the color contrast check, so they darkened it to meet the minimum ratio.
Don't confuse with…
- hueTwo colors can differ a lot in hue yet still have poor contrast if they're similarly light or dark; contrast depends mainly on lightness, not the color itself.
Categories
- Accessibility