Color Contrast Best Practices

Colorblindness impacts approximately 8.5% of adults worldwide.

To ensure that everyone has access to our webpages, emails and electronic files, it is important to have sufficient color contrast between the color of the font and the color of the background. To meet Texas Administrative Code 206 and 213, the color contrast ratio between the color of the font and the color of the background must be at least 4.5:1.

If we do not provide sufficient color contrast, those with colorblindness will not be receiving the same information as someone with full color vision. In UTA’s desire to be diverse, inclusive and accessible, color contrast is an important part of the process.

Electronic Accessibility Volume 1 Spring 2024 Flyer

Color Contrast Tools

There are many free color contrast tools available on the internet. Here are a few that I’ve used that you may find helpful:

UTA’s official color identity information is readily available. The official UTA orange does not provide sufficient contrast with white; Marketing, Messaging and Engagement has specified color code C45517 as the approved orange alternate for electronic body text or EF6E0B for electronic large text for webpages. Note, these are not approved for print materials. 

Contact University Communications for assistance with printed materials, as color contrast may continue to be an issue.

Whenever possible, we suggest that you use orange only as decorative elements. The same would hold true for the use of green, yellow or red, as these are particularly difficult for those with colorblindness. If you must use a shade of orange, green or red, be extra careful to ensure that you are reaching the required contrast ratio.

If you need any assistance with determining if you have reached sufficient contrast, please contact us at accessibility@uta.edu. We will be glad to assist you!

Accessibility – habit, not hindsight!