What WCAG 1.4.11 Requires
Non-text elements that convey information, such as icons, form field borders, focus indicators and chart lines, need at least 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors.
Can AccessBell Test This Automatically?
Not fully. Like most WCAG criteria that depend on meaning or context, this one needs a person to judge. AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail automatically, so it never gets missed.
How to Test It by Hand
Sample the colors of icons, input borders and focus outlines against their background and check the ratio is at least 3:1.
Check any text and background pair in seconds with our free WCAG color contrast checker.
Common Failures
- A light gray input border is nearly invisible against a white background.
- A focus outline uses a color too close to the background to be seen.
Related Criteria in Distinguishable
WCAG 1.4.11 Questions
What does WCAG 1.4.11 require?
Non-text elements that convey information, such as icons, form field borders, focus indicators and chart lines, need at least 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors.
Can AccessBell test WCAG 1.4.11 automatically?
Not fully. This criterion needs a person to judge, so AccessBell's report lists it for manual review rather than marking it pass or fail on its own.
What level is WCAG 1.4.11?
Level AA, added in WCAG 2.1. Level AA is required to meet WCAG AA, the level referenced by the ADA, Section 508 and most accessibility laws.
Sources
- W3C: Understanding 1.4.11 Non-text Contrast (opens in a new tab)
- W3C: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 (opens in a new tab)
This page explains a technical standard and is not legal advice. See our disclaimer.