Colour Contrast

What to Check

Text and links

• Use dark text on light backgrounds (or the reverse). Avoid pale text.
• Make links stand out: underline or use a strong visual style (not just colour).
• Avoid very thin fonts for small text; pick a readable weight and size.

Backgrounds and images

• Do not place text on busy photos or patterns. If you must, place the text in a solid or shaded box.
• Avoid watermarks/patterns behind body text.
• Check captions, footnotes, page numbers, and table headers—not just body text.

Charts and data

• Choose colours that are easy to distinguish.
• Don’t rely on colour alone. Add labels, patterns, or distinct marker shapes.
• Include a simple data table when people need exact values.

How to check Colour Contrast

The Colour Contrast Analyzer Tool

For precise contrast checking, you can use the Colour Contrast Analyser tool (available from the National Service Desk Application Catalogue)

To use the Colour Contrast Analyser tool, follow these steps:

1. Use the color picker to test your text and background colors

Aim for at least 4.5:1 ratio for normal text (11 pt or more), 3:1 for large text (18 point or more)

2. Make adjustments based on the results

Use the Accessibility Assistant

1. In Word, PowerPoint, or Outlook, go to the Review tab.
2. Click Check Accessibility .
3. Look for warnings about "Hard-to-read text contrast"
4. Click on any contrast issues in the results panel.
5. Follow the suggested fixes to improve contrast.

Fixing common issues

Text colour

1. Select the text → Home → Font Color .
2. Darken text on light backgrounds, or lighten text on dark backgrounds.
3. Avoid grey on white for body text.

Backgrounds and images

1. If text sits on an image, add a solid background (e.g., Insert → Shapes for a text box).
2. Or use Text Highlight Color to add shading behind text.
3. Pick background colours that create strong contrast with your text.

Link visibility

1. Select your link text.
2. Ensure links are underlined (Home → Underline ).
3. Pick link colours that stand out from body text.
4. Quick test: can you spot links when scanning the page?