WCAGkontrasti

WCAGkontrasti is a free, open-source web tool designed to assist developers and designers in evaluating the contrast ratio of text and graphical elements against their backgrounds. It adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), specifically focusing on **Success Criterion 1.4.3: Contrast (Minimum)**, which ensures that text and graphical elements are sufficiently distinguishable for users with visual impairments. The tool simplifies compliance checks by providing real-time feedback on contrast ratios, helping users meet accessibility standards without requiring extensive manual calculations.

Developed as a lightweight browser extension, WCAGkontrasti integrates seamlessly with web development workflows. It scans web pages for text, links, and interactive elements, then calculates their contrast ratios against background colors using the relative luminance formula defined in WCAG. Users receive visual indicators—such as color-coded warnings or success messages—highlighting elements that fail or meet accessibility thresholds. The tool supports both the WCAG 2.1 AA and AAA standards, offering flexibility for different compliance levels.

Unlike standalone contrast checkers, WCAGkontrasti operates directly within the browser environment, allowing developers to test live websites or prototypes without exporting code. It also provides detailed reports, including specific contrast values and WCAG compliance status, which can be useful for documentation or accessibility audits. The tool is particularly valuable for teams working on responsive designs, as it evaluates contrast across various screen sizes and color schemes.

WCAGkontrasti is maintained by an open community, with contributions from accessibility advocates and developers. It is distributed under an open-source license, ensuring transparency and encouraging collaboration. While it does not replace comprehensive accessibility testing, it serves as a practical first step for identifying and addressing contrast-related issues early in the development process. For advanced users, it can be extended or customized through its open-source codebase.