Distinction Without Color for Digital Accessibility
Weekly Accessibility Tips
Dear Colleagues,
Use the Distinction Without Color Tip Sheet to learn how to make your use of color accessible to people who are colorblind or have other visual disabilities.
What is distinction without color?
The term "Distinction Without Color" comes from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) in Criterion 1.4.1: Use of Color. The WCAG defines the term as ensuring that "color is not the only way of distinguishing information."
When you use color to convey meaning, you must add an alternative method of conveying meaning or assigning value that does not rely solely on color. This additional method ensures that people who are colorblind can still understand your message.
Common instances where you may use color to convey meaning:
- Graphs and charts
- Hyperlinks
- Flagging important information or prompting specific action
For the visual examples and full tip sheet, open the Distinction Without Color Tip Sheet.
If you have any questions or require additional support, you can drop in during an Accessibility Specialist office hours or submit a support ticket.