Accessible Text Color Combinations
Use of the MU gold #F1B82D and other variations of gold on white background and white text on gold background presents an accessibility concern specified in Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) 2.0 1.4.3 Contrast Minimum AA.
This quick guide contains alternative color choices you can use to ensure accessibility while following the Mizzou branding standards.
Rules of Thumb
MU gold #F1B82D (or variations of gold) text on a white background - doesn’t pass color contrast for accessibility.
The inverse, white text on a MU gold background - doesn’t pass color contrast for accessibility.
Below are alternative accessible colors commonly used by Marketing and Communications or colored text:
Use Accent Colors
- Red #900000
- Orange #BD4D1F
How can you use more Gold in your designs?
You can use gold in rules, borders, backgrounds, behind black text, and as text on black backgrounds.
MU gold variations
- #FFF4D6
- #FEE8B6
- #FBD986
- #F1B82D (MU gold)
- #D79900
- #AF7C00
Note:
#F1B82D is MU gold.
Only #AF7C00 passes the color contrast test on large text (14 point and bold or larger, or 18 point or larger). Also this particular color looks pretty brown or coppery and isn’t very appealing as text. It’s best for borders and shadows on other gold objects. Do not use it for text. It’s best to stick with dark grays or an accent variation that does pass.
