Color contrast is about how one color stands out from another color. It’s especially important to consider the color difference between text and the background, and between sections depicting meaning such as pie charts, maps, etc. Most people prefer good contrast – it’s easier for everyone to read. But poor contrast especially impacts people with low vision and with color blindness.

Best Practices

• Choose a color scheme that provides high contrast between the text and the background. If you have a dark background, the text should be light, and vice versa. (Black and white provide maximum contrast.)

• Avoid the following color combinations:

  • Green and red (or related colors)

  • Blue and yellow (or related colors)

• Use larger text and simple (not ornate) fonts. Sans serif fonts are preferable.

• Don’t rely on color as the sole means of conveying information. For example, don’t use color as your only method of indicating heading levels.

• Use bold instead of color for emphasis.

• Text can be difficult to read on photographic or gradient backgrounds. Be sure to set text against a solid background.