10 Tips for Better Color Contrast in Web Design

Quick Contrast Tips

• 1. Use slate-700 or darker for body text on white backgrounds
• 2. For colored backgrounds, jump at least 6 shade steps (e.g., blue-600 text on blue-100 bg)
• 3. Avoid gray text on colored backgrounds - use tinted neutrals instead
• 4. Test with grayscale filter to check value contrast
• 5. Reserve low contrast for decorative elements only

Safe Color Combinations

<!-- High contrast - always safe -->
<p class="text-slate-900 bg-white">Black on white</p>
<p class="text-white bg-slate-900">White on black</p>

<!-- Medium contrast - good for most text -->
<p class="text-slate-700 bg-slate-50">Dark gray on light gray</p>
<p class="text-blue-900 bg-blue-50">Dark blue on light blue</p>

<!-- Accent text that works -->
<p class="text-blue-600 bg-white">Blue link on white</p>
<p class="text-emerald-600 bg-white">Green success on white</p>

More Tips

• 6. Increase font weight for low-contrast text (font-medium or font-semibold)
• 7. Make small text higher contrast than large text
• 8. Add borders or shadows to low-contrast buttons
• 9. Use focus:ring for keyboard navigation visibility
• 10. Test in bright sunlight simulation for mobile apps