WCAG 2.0 · Level A · Perceivable
WCAG 1.4.1 — Use of Color
Color must never be the only way information is conveyed.
WCAG 1.4.1 at a glance
Level A · Principle: Perceivable · Added in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the minimum — failing it blocks some users entirely.
What it means
Color must never be the only way information is conveyed.
Who it helps
Colorblind and low-vision users.
Common failures
- Required fields shown only in red
- Links distinguished from text by color alone
- Chart series identified only by color
How to meet WCAG 1.4.1
- Add a second cue: text, icon, underline, or pattern
- Underline in-text links or otherwise mark them
How to test it
Manual — review in grayscale.