Color contrast is critical for users with low vision, color blindness, or visual fatigue. High contrast between text and background ensures that all usersâregardless of ability or environmentâcan read your content clearly.
According to WCAG 2.1 AA, text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.
AI tools cannot directly check contrast in Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, or images, but they can help in three ways:
Explain how to check it
Interpret hex codes or color combinations
Guide users toward built-in contrast checkers
I am designing a presentation and want to ensure that my text color contrasts well with the background. Please explain how to check color contrast and tell me if the combination of #FFFFFF (white text) on #850928 (maroon background) meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Provide alternative suggestions if it fails.
The contrast ratio between #FFFFFF (white) and #850928 (deep maroon) is approximately 6.5:1, which meets the WCAG 2.1 AA minimum requirement of 4.5:1 for normal text.
â This is accessible.
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Use these free tools for checking color contrast in digital materials:
WebAIM Contrast Checker â test any two color values.
Microsoft Word & PowerPoint: Use the built-in Accessibility Checker under âReviewâ â âCheck Accessibility.â
Adobe Acrobat Pro: Use the Accessibility Checker to detect low-contrast text in PDFs.
Ally (in Canvas LMS): Flags low contrast in course content.
Google Docs: Currently does not have a built-in contrast checkerâuse external tools.
Go to the WebAIM Contrast Checker.
Enter your text and background colors (use hex or RGB codes).
Check whether your content passes normal and large text requirements.
Try asking ChatGPT or Claude for contrast-friendly color suggestions based on your schoolâs brand palette.
If you're unsure how to test reading order, or encounter issues, contact Instructional Accessibility Designer Terisa O'Dowd for support:
todowd1@twu.edu