AccessibleColor.design
What it is
AccessibleColor.design is a free, open-source web tool for designers and developers assessing whether palette colors meet accessible contrast targets. Enter individual colors or a list using hex or rgb() values, or upload an image to create a palette for evaluation. The tool reports comparisons against WCAG 2.1 Level AA and AAA targets, using light, dark, or another color from the supplied palette. It identifies the most legible pair in the list, though that pair may still fall short of minimum requirements. HSL controls let you adjust saturation and lightness while aiming to preserve hue and brand intent. The interface includes palette history, a Clear All control, and settings for default light and dark colors. Progressive Web App features provide an app-like experience and offline use. The project uses an MIT license. Its visual tool is not optimized for screen readers, and its results do not guarantee compliance. The GitHub repository is archived and read-only as of May 6, 2026; its README directs contributors to GitHub issues and pull requests.
For and against
For
- Accepts hex and rgb() colors and palettes created from uploaded images.
- Checks color pairs against WCAG 2.1 AA and AAA targets.
- HSL controls adjust saturation and lightness while retaining hue intent.
- Palette history and settings for default light and dark colors are provided.
- Progressive Web App features support offline use.
Against
- The visual tool is not optimized for screen readers.
- Results do not guarantee accessibility compliance.
- The GitHub repository is archived and read-only.
Who it suits
AccessibleColor.design suits designers and developers who want to evaluate brand palettes against WCAG contrast targets and adjust colors. It also fits users who want an open-source tool that can work offline.
Getting started
- Visit https://accessiblecolor.design/.
- Enter colors or a list in hex or rgb() format, or upload an image.
- Review contrast results against WCAG 2.1 AA and AAA targets.
- Use HSL controls to adjust saturation or lightness as needed.
- Use palette history, settings, or Clear All in the interface.
The verdict
Choose AccessibleColor.design if you want a free web tool for checking palette contrast, adjusting colors, and working offline. Look elsewhere if you need screen-reader-optimized visual controls or an actively writable project repository.
Questions
Does AccessibleColor.design cost anything?
It is described as free and open source under the MIT license.
What color inputs does it accept?
You can enter individual colors or lists in hexadecimal or rgb() format, or upload an image to create a palette.
Which accessibility targets does it check?
It reports contrast results against WCAG 2.1 Level AA and AAA targets.
Can it guarantee that a palette is compliant?
No. The project says its results are not a guarantee of compliance, and the most legible pair it identifies may still fail minimum requirements.
Can I use it offline?
Yes. Progressive Web App features provide an app-like experience and offline use.
Is the source repository still active?
The GitHub repository was archived and made read-only on May 6, 2026.
Facts on the record
- Accepted colors
- The tool accepts individual colors as hex or rgb() values, entered on separate lines.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Accessibility limitation
- The site says the visual tool is not optimized for screen readers and its results are not a guarantee of compliance.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Color adjustment
- Users can adjust colors with HSL controls to change saturation or lightness while retaining the hue and color intention.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Color input
- It accepts individual colors or lists in hexadecimal and rgb() formats.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Contrast checks
- It compares colors against light, dark, and other colors in the supplied palette using WCAG 2.1 AA and AAA contrast targets.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Contrast targets
- It reports contrast results against WCAG 2.1 Level AA and AAA targets, using light, dark, or another supplied palette color.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2017accessiblecolor.design · read 28 Sept 2026
- HSL adjustment
- Its HSL controls let users adjust saturation and lightness while aiming to preserve a color’s hue and brand intent.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Image palettes
- Users can upload an image to create a palette for evaluation.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The tool is aimed at designers and developers assessing brand color palettes for accessibility.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- License and support
- The project is open source under the MIT license, and its repository invites users to submit issues and pull requests.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Maintenance status
- The GitHub repository was archived by its owner on May 6, 2026, and is read-only.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- The project uses Progressive Web App features to provide an app-like experience and function offline.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Open source
- The site describes the tool as an open-source project with an MIT license.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Palette comparison
- It identifies the most legible color pair in the provided list, while warning that this pair may still fail minimum requirements.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The GitHub repository is archived and read-only as of May 6, 2026.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- AccessibleColor is a tool for designers and developers that evaluates color palettes and helps adjust colors to meet accessible contrast ratios.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Saved history
- The interface includes a History tab for palettes and a Clear All control.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Settings and history
- The interface provides palette history and settings for changing the default light and dark colors.accessiblecolor.design · read 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project README directs contributors to review or create GitHub issues and submit pull requests.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026