Links contrast checker
Use our Links Contrast Checker to make sure your links are visible, clear, and meet accessibility guidelines.
Content Styling
Contrast Ratio
Navigating online content should be effortless. Ensuring that important links stand out makes it easier for users to find what they need.
Poor contrast can make critical information hard to spot, leading to frustration. Links should always be clear, whether inside a paragraph or on their own.
Need guidance? Use a links contrast checker and explore best practices to improve readability and accessibility.
WCAG Link Contrast Compliance
Ensuring link contrast is crucial for readability and accessibility. A links contrast checker can help evaluate multiple factors—like the contrast between background and text, background and link, and whether the link stands out with bold or underline.
Free Web Accessibility Checker
Check more than just contrast-scan your site for WCAG compliance issues instantly.
Common contrast mistakes in links
-
A link may look distinguishable, but low contrast can make it hard to see, especially for users with visual impairments. Always verify contrast against both the background and surrounding text. Links must have a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 against the background. If links rely only on color for differentiation, they must also have at least 3:1 contrast against surrounding text to remain readable.
-
Bold formatting enhances readability but does not replace contrast requirements. Even bold links need at least 3:1 contrast against surrounding text to ensure accessibility. If contrast is too low, consider adding underline or color adjustments to make the link more distinguishable.
-
Underlines improve visibility, but if links rely only on color, they require a 4.5:1 contrast ratio against surrounding text. Otherwise, they may blend in and become hard to spot. To avoid confusion, ensure links are either visually distinct by color and contrast or consistently underlined.
-
Hover states should not be subtle design elements that reduce visibility. Low-contrast hover effects can make links harder to recognize, especially for users with color blindness. Ensure that hover states maintain strong contrast, and avoid color changes that lower visibility when interacted with.
-
Designs that look good in bright environments can struggle in dimly lit settings. Ensure your text remains legible in various lighting conditions to avoid frustration for users in low-light environments.
Was this page helpful?