WCAG Color Contrast Testing Tool
Developed by The Paciello Group for WCAG color contrast compliance
Color Contrast Analyzer (CCA) is a free desktop application developed by The Paciello Group that helps designers and developers test color contrast ratios to ensure WCAG compliance. It's one of the most trusted tools for verifying that text and UI elements meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA and AAA contrast requirements.
The tool allows you to sample colors from your screen using an eyedropper tool, then calculates the contrast ratio between foreground and background colors. It instantly shows whether the color combination meets WCAG requirements for normal text (4.5:1 for AA, 7:1 for AAA) and large text (3:1 for AA, 4.5:1 for AAA).
Color Contrast Analyzer also includes color blindness simulation, allowing you to see how your color combinations appear to users with different types of color vision deficiencies. This is invaluable for ensuring that information isn't conveyed by color alone.
The tool is available for Windows and macOS, making it accessible to designers and developers on both platforms. It's particularly useful during the design phase, allowing you to test color combinations before implementation.
Using Color Contrast Analyzer is straightforward:
Color Contrast Analyzer tests against WCAG 2.1 contrast requirements:
Most organizations aim for WCAG Level AA compliance, which is the standard referenced in most accessibility laws and regulations.
Color Contrast Analyzer is essential in several scenarios:
Looking for accessibility jobs that require color contrast? Browse our latest opportunities.
Last Updated: January 2025