Visual contrast refers to the difference between elements on a web page, i.e., text, images, and background color. Visual contrast differentiates the elements so that the content stands out, and reading the text becomes more comfortable and easy. Good visual contrast in website design means the user won’t find it difficult to distinguish between elements. It's an essential element in building an inclusive and understandable experience. Visual contrast also plays a vital part in guiding user interaction and designing an appealing website.

How visual contrast works

Good visual contrast works by creating a clear difference between elements using differences in color, brightness, and saturation. This way, users process information more quickly and navigate your website easily. The following is how you achieve good contrast in web design.

• Color contrast. Ensuring that the color of the text has good contrast with the background color so that text is visible on all screen types.
• Brightness contrast. The use of dark and light values to separate elements. Dark lettering on a light background, for example, is typically more readable.
• Saturation contrast. Adjusting the saturation of colors can also cause certain elements to stand out and be noticed.

Examples of visual contrast 

A great example of using visual contrast is a call-to-action button on a website. If the button's color has high contrast with the background and the surrounding text, it will grab the user's attention, and they will be prompted to take action. For instance, a bright orange button on a white or dark background makes the button very noticeable in relation to the rest of the content.

Another instance is on websites like Amazon and Apple, where they use high contrast on the prices and descriptions of their products to help important information pop out at a glance, making online shopping more enjoyable.

How to check if your website has good visual contrast

In case you're unsure whether your website effectively utilizes visual contrast, here is how to test it.

• Use a color contrast analyzer. There are web-based tools where you can check if the text color has enough contrast with the background color to ensure it's accessible to everyone.
• Test on different devices. Test your site on different screens to ensure that the contrast is still working on different devices with differing display qualities.
• Assess readability. Question whether the text is readable or if critical items such as CTAs are prominent. Adjust contrast accordingly to make it clear.

FAQs about visual contrast

Why is visual contrast important? 

Visual contrast is essential for usability and accessibility.It ensures that your website is readable for people with varying abilities, including those with visual impairments. Strong contrast improves the overall usability of your website, especially for users with low vision or color blindness.

How does visual contrast affect web accessibility? 

Visual contrast directly impacts how easily users can read text and differentiate between elements. By following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you can ensure that your site is accessible to people with visual impairments, helping meet accessibility standards and providing a more inclusive experience.

What are the best practices for visual contrast?

• Use high contrast between text and background. Text should be dark on light backgrounds or light on dark backgrounds.
• Avoid using color alone. Color can be a helpful contrast tool, but don't rely on it alone. Combine it with other forms of contrast like size, shape, and layout.
• Check with contrast ratios. Ensure your color choices meet WCAG's recommended contrast ratios for accessibility.

How do I improve the visual contrast on my website?

You can improve visual contrast by adjusting the text color, background color, and using spacing effectively. Make sure your CTAs, headlines, and important information stand out with a clear contrast from surrounding content. Additionally, consider testing with different users to see how they interact with the website and adjusting accordingly.

Build an accessible website with B12 

With B12’s easy-to-use website builder, you can create a site that looks great and is accessible to all users. Our tools help you maintain strong visual contrast across different devices, ensuring your site is readable, usable, and ready to meet accessibility standards. Start designing your website today!