Document colors

Document colors (PDF-2)

Color contrast ratio (PDF-2-1)

The visual presentation of text and images of text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. However, if the text is 18pt or 14pt bold or larger, a lower ratio of 3:1 is acceptable.

How to test

Tool: WebAIM Color Contrast Checker

1. Use the CCA tool (or any similar tool) to analyze the color contrast ratio between text and its background, as well as images of text against their backgrounds.
2. Make sure the contrast ratio is at least 4.5:1. However, if the text is 18pt or 14pt bold or larger, a lower ratio of 3:1 is acceptable.

Test outcomes

• Pass: Text meets the required minimum contrast ratio.

• Fail: Text doesn’t meet the minimum required contrast ratio.

• NA: Text is part of an inactive UI component or purely decorative.

Related WCAG criteria

• WCAG 2.2 AA - 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)
• PDF-U/A-1 - 7.1 General

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Non-text contrast ratio (PDF-2-2)

All significant user interface elements and graphics have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors including the background and other non-text objects.

How to test

1. Use the CCA tool (or any similar tool) to analyze the color contrast ratio between all significant user interface elements and graphics against the background.
2. Verify that there is a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors including the background and other non-text objects

Test outcomes

• Pass: All significant elements of the user interface and graphics maintain a 3:1 contrast ratio with surrounding colors.

• Fail: Important user interface elements or graphics don’t maintain a 3:1 contrast ratio with the colors around them.

Related WCAG criteria

• WCAG 2.1 AA - 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast
• PDF-U/A-1 - 7.1 General

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Not only color (PDF-2-3)

Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

How to test

1. Perform a visual inspection of the document.
2. Verify that whenever a difference in color is used to convey information, that information is also available in text or through some other alternative method.

Test outcomes

• Pass: A non-color alternative is presented along with color.

• Fail: Only color is used to indicate meaning.

• NA: Color is not used to convey meaning.

Related WCAG criteria

• WCAG 2.2 A - 1.4.1 Use of Color
• PDF-U/A-1 - 7.1 General