By ColorblindSimulator Team7/5/2024 • 5 min read

How to Choose Accessible Color Palettes for Your UI

Choosing the right color palette is crucial for creating accessible and inclusive user interfaces. With millions affected by color blindness, your palette choices can make or break usability. Here’s how to select colors that work for everyone.

1. Understand Color Blindness Types

• Protanopia, Deuteranopia, Tritanopia, Achromatopsia are the most common types.
• Each affects color perception differently—test your palette for all.

2. Prioritize Contrast

• High contrast between text and background is essential.
• Use Palette Checker to measure contrast ratios or preview in real time with the Live Webcam Simulator.
• Follow WCAG color contrast guidelines.

3. Avoid Problematic Color Pairs

• Red/green, blue/purple, and green/brown are hard to distinguish for many.
• Use color blind simulators like Color Blind Simulator or try the colorblind test to preview your palette.

4. Use Tools to Test and Refine

• Try online tools and browser extensions to check your palette.
• Palette Checker lets you see how your colors appear for different types of color blindness, or preview in real time with the Live Webcam Simulator.

5. Provide Alternatives

• Use patterns, textures, or icons in addition to color.
• Label important elements directly.

Key Takeaways

• Accessible palettes benefit all users.
• Test your colors with Palette Checker, Color Blind Simulator, Live Webcam Simulator, and Colorblind Test.
• Follow WCAG guidelines for best results.