Color Contrast in 2 Minutes: The Rules Most Designers Need to Learn

Why does color contrast matter?

Good color contrast makes text easy to read and elements easy to distinguish. It helps users with visual impairments or color blindness navigate your UI effectively. Even users with perfect vision benefit from clear contrast, especially in low-light or high-glare environments.

Rule 1: Stick to WCAG minimum contrast ratios

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide minimum contrast ratios to ensure text is readable:

• Normal text: At least 4.5:1

• Large text (18pt+ or 14pt bold+): At least 3:1

• UI elements and graphics: At least 3:1 against adjacent colors

You don’t need to memorize these. Use free tools like Contrast Checker or built-in accessibility features in Figma to verify your design.

Rule 2: Using pure black with pure white

Pure black text on a pure white background or vice versa can create high contrast that strains the eyes and leads to visual fatigue, especially when users spend prolonged periods interacting with the interface.

Pure white backgrounds can produce excessive glare, particularly in low-light environments, while pure black can create a harsh contrast when combined with other colors.⁠

To ensure optimal UX, use slight variations of white or black that balance readability, aesthetics, and visual comfort.⁠

Rule 3: Avoid color-only distinctions

Using color in UX/UI design is beneficial, but you must ensure there are other essential elements, such as adequate messaging and icons, that will alert the user and convey the message even without color.

Rule 4: Grayscale it to test contrast

A quick trick that works like magic: turn your design into grayscale.

In Figma, you can apply a grayscale filter or use a plugin. This helps you focus purely on visual weight and balance, without being distracted by hues.

In Summary

By mastering just these few simple rules, your designs will instantly become more readable, inclusive, and professional-looking.