- Success Criterion 1.4.3
- Conformance level AA
Placeholder Text With Contrast Too Low to Read Easily
1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum)
Scenario
Setting
A calendar app's event-creation form
What’s wrong
Placeholder text below 4.5:1 (it's still text content users must read).
Example
On a calendar app's event-creation form: placeholder text below 4.5:1 (it's still text content users must read).
Why it matters
Low-vision and older readers, plus anyone viewing a dim or sunlit screen. The practical effect on a calendar app's event-creation form: they can't perceive the control's boundary or state.
How to test
Click into an empty input and measure the placeholder text's contrast against the field background: it needs at least 4.5:1, same as normal text.
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
That one change on a calendar app's event-creation form means they read the text clearly against its background.
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
- Body Text Contrast That Falls Below the 4.5:1 Minimum
- Large Heading Text That Still Falls Below 3:1 Contrast
- Text on a Gradient Background Dropping Below Contrast Ratio
- Semi-Transparent Text That Fails the Contrast Minimum