1.4.1 Use of Color (A)

The objective of this criterion is to ensure that when color is used to convey meaning (for instance, to distinguish valid and erroneous form fields in a submitted form, to denote selected and non-selected items in a list, to indicate if a message displayed to the user is a confirmation - using green text - or an error - using red text), this meaning is also conveyed in an alternative visual way which does not rely on the user's ability to perceive color. This could include an additional icon, underline, border, visible text.

Note: the information conveyed by the use of a particular color must be accessible to all users, even if they cannot perceive color (for instance, visually impaired users with a screen reader). Providing a separate explanation or legend of the colors used is not an acceptable method of passing this success criterion.

Note: this success criterion is concerned solely with the visual aspect of color use, and whether or not additional visual cues not reliant on the user's color perception are present. Whether or not meaning (particularly for interactive elements such as form controls) is also conveyed programmatically (rather than in a visual way) is covered by separate success criteria such as 1.1.1 Non-text Content (level A), 1.3.1 Info and relationships (level A), 2.4.4 Link purpose (in context) (level A), and 4.1.2 Name, role, value (level A).

Note: if the page does not use any form of color as a means of conveying information, indication an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing visual elements, then this criterion is marked as a pass.