Skip to content
Accessibility
  • Home
  • Why Accessibility
    • Understanding Disability
    • Inclusive Design
    • Laws and Policies
  • Digital Accessibility
    • Courses
    • Documents
    • Websites
    • Procurement
    • Accessibility First Aid Kit
  • Get Involved
    • 10-Week Accessibility Challenge
    • Course Accessibility Challenge
    • Five Core Skills
    • Digital Accessibility Grants
    • Trainings
    • Groups
  • Get Support

Color contrast

Posted on March 31, 2023 (November 15, 2024) by amycarss

Issue

the words "weak contrast hides information" in light blue on a slightly darker blue background
the words "strong contrast makes content legible" in dark text on off-white background

A combination of foreground and background colors that’s difficult to read because of a lack of contrast (ie. light gray text on white background)


What to do

If you change the foreground (text) or background color of an element, make sure the color contrast is 4.5:1 or greater.

Note if you’re using the Michigan Engineering Forty-Two theme: Elements in the Forty-Two design system will have accessible levels of color contrast in their default state. (There are some exceptions and variance around logos, decorative elements and large text. Check with C&M if you’re unsure)

Recommended tools

  • University of Michigan brand color palette color contrast chart
  • TGPi Colour Contrast Analyzer (also available through U-M managed software)
  • WebAIM color contrast checker (see our How To: post)
  • Also see: How to: Color contrast checker

Who’s affected

People with:

  • Low vision or color deficiencies

WCAG standard

  • Guideline 1.4.1 Contrast (minimum) 

Find more: Courses, Documents, Email & Social, Online meetings, Websites,
Core skills

Post navigation

Alternative (Alt) text 

Accessibility

Michigan Engineering Accessibility Team

[email protected]

Michigan Engineering

1221 Beal Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2102

+1 (734) 647-7000

Contact the College

Engineering Intranet

© 2025 The Regents of the University of Michigan | Safety and Security | Acceptable Use |Privacy Policy |U-M Main

Login