Ensure links are understandable and distinguishable from their surrounding text
Description
Rule ID: links-not-visually-evident-without-color-vision
This rule determines if the links are visually evident without color vision. This means that if links are solely identified through color differences without other visual cues, individuals with color blindness or other visual impairments might not be able to distinguish these links, thus failing the criterion that requires links to be easily identifiable regardless of color perception.
Purpose
WCAG 1.4.1 emphasizes the importance of designing web content so that it remains functional and understandable even if color cues are unavailable or perceived differently by users. This involves considering alternative ways to convey information and ensure visual distinction beyond just color.
How to fix it
To fix WCAG 1.4.1, follow these steps:
- Provide an additional visual cue besides just color, such as an underline, to make links clearly identifiable.
- Avoid using red/green or similar low-contrast color combinations that may be hard for color-blind users to distinguish.
- Good high-contrast link color combinations include blue/orange, blue/red, and blue/brown.
- Adjust your link colors if they are not sufficiently distinct from regular text for color blind users.
- Providing an additional visual cue, like underline on hover or focus, can further improve link accessibility.
Standard
Accessibility, WCAG 2.0, Success Criterion 1.4.1, Use of Color (Level A)