Users should be able to quickly scan a page and locate its content. Clear differences in color help readers identify and understand information. Text must have enough contrast with its background to remain readable. In addition, color should never be the only way to show meaning, indicate actions, prompt responses, or distinguish elements. Relying solely on color can prevent people with color blindness or low vision from accessing the information.
Avoid using only color to show importance or status (combine color with bold and/or italic)
Apply emphasis consistently and sparingly
Ensure emphasis adds meaning or structure, not just decoration
Ensure high contrast between emphasized text and background
Use underline only for links — not for regular emphasis
Changing font size is not an accessible emphasis tool
Bold, italics and textual cues are often just as effective and avoid the numerous possible accessibility issues that color can create.
✅ Good Examples:
Field Trip: April 30
→ Uses bold for clear, scannable importance.
Please refer to the introduction before continuing.
→ Italics used for subtle emphasis.
Important: This week’s field trip is Tuesday, not Wednesday, as previously announced.
→ Use a textual cue like “Important” and bolding.
Using color is fine, but it’s not just about choosing nice-looking colors—it’s about contrast, clarity, and avoiding color as the only means of conveying information. Some users (like those who are colorblind) may not perceive color distinctions. Therefore, use bold and/or italics together with color.
✅This week’s field trip is Tuesday, not Wednesday, as previously announced. (Note bold and italics.)
❌ This week’s field trip is Tuesday, not Wednesday as previously announced.
Some users can’t distinguish subtle differences between text and background. High contrast makes text stand out clearly.
❌ This week’s assignment will be due Tuesday, not Wednesday, as previously announced
Only links should be underlined.
Resizing the font is not a substitute for the use of proper heading tags, which are required for screen readers. Changing default paragraph font size in Canvas is generally not recommended at all. Many readers, both with and without visual impairments often permanently adjust browser settings or use other technologies for readability. Increasing font sizes can complicate these. Enlarged text may also negatively affect users on mobile devices.
❌ Sample Header (paragraph text with font size increased to 18pt.)
More about this in the “Structured Headings” section of this document.
Use a tool described in the Accessibility Tools in Canvas.
As of Jan 1 2026, our team is still finding "false flags" in the Canvas and Ally Accessibility checkers. This has been reported to UW IT and the vendors who are working towards a resolution. Use high contrast always and if in doubt, we recommend the WebAim Contrast Checker. Contact us for help using if needed.