Colour Contrast in Dark Mode
A practical guide to colour Contrast in Dark Mode — tips, best practices, and real-world examples.
# Colour Contrast in Dark Mode
Dark mode requires different contrast considerations than light mode.
## The Challenge
WCAG contrast ratios assume light backgrounds. Dark mode flips this:
- Text becomes light
- Backgrounds become dark
- Colors behave differently
## Recommended Ratios
- **Text**: 4.5:1 minimum
- **Large text**: 3:1 minimum
- **UI components**: 3:1 minimum
## Testing Tools
```css
/* Use CSS custom properties */
:root[data-theme="dark"] {
--text: #f4f4f5;
--bg: #09090b;
--accent: #dc2626;
}
```
Use tools like:
- Contrast Checker
- Stark (Figma plugin)
- Accessible Colors
## Best Practices
1. Test both themes
2. Avoid pure white/black
3. Reduce saturation in dark mode
4. Use system preferences
## Conclusion
Dark mode contrast requires careful testing. Don't just invert colors!
Dark mode requires different contrast considerations than light mode.
## The Challenge
WCAG contrast ratios assume light backgrounds. Dark mode flips this:
- Text becomes light
- Backgrounds become dark
- Colors behave differently
## Recommended Ratios
- **Text**: 4.5:1 minimum
- **Large text**: 3:1 minimum
- **UI components**: 3:1 minimum
## Testing Tools
```css
/* Use CSS custom properties */
:root[data-theme="dark"] {
--text: #f4f4f5;
--bg: #09090b;
--accent: #dc2626;
}
```
Use tools like:
- Contrast Checker
- Stark (Figma plugin)
- Accessible Colors
## Best Practices
1. Test both themes
2. Avoid pure white/black
3. Reduce saturation in dark mode
4. Use system preferences
## Conclusion
Dark mode contrast requires careful testing. Don't just invert colors!
Accessibility
CSS
Design Systems