WCAG Contrast Explained
Improve readability and accessibility with stronger colour contrast choices.
Practical use: Use this guide alongside the free ColourPickr picker when choosing colours for websites, brands, calls to action, palettes and accessibility checks.
Why this matters
Colour decisions affect readability, trust, visual hierarchy and conversion. A colour value is not just a code: it becomes part of how people experience a page, recognise a brand and decide what to do next.
How to use this in real projects
Start with the actual context. A website background, button, form label or printed asset each has different requirements. Check contrast, document the final values and keep a small set of approved colours rather than constantly inventing new ones.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is choosing colours as isolated swatches rather than testing them inside a real layout. Always review text, buttons, links, hover states, dark backgrounds and mobile screens.
Best practice
Build colour systems rather than single colours. Keep primary, secondary, accent and neutral colours clear. For each important brand colour, define accessible text combinations and lighter or darker variants.