- Success Criterion 1.4.3
- Conformance level AA
Body Text Contrast That Falls Below the 4.5:1 Minimum
1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum)
Scenario
Setting
An email client's compose window
What’s wrong
Normal text below 4.5:1 against its actual rendered background.
Example
An email client's compose window is a good example: normal text below 4.5:1 against its actual rendered background.
Why it matters
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen. On an email client's compose window specifically, they miss information conveyed only by color.
How to test
Measure body paragraph text against its actual background with a contrast checker: it needs at least 4.5:1.
How to fix
The text must meet at least 4.5:1 contrast (3:1 for large text) against its actual background in every state (default, hover, focus, selected).
Outcome
Fixed, a visitor to an email client's compose window can see the control's boundary and current state.
Who is affected
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Text Color Set Without a Matching Background Color
- Text Placed Directly Over a Photo With No Solid Backing
- Large Heading Text That Still Falls Below 3:1 Contrast
- Placeholder Text With Contrast Too Low to Read Easily
- Text on a Gradient Background Dropping Below Contrast Ratio
- Semi-Transparent Text That Fails the Contrast Minimum