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Success Criterion · WCAG 1.4.1

Use of Color

Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

Level AWCAG 2.0Perceivable1.4 · Distinguishable

Success criterion

What WCAG 1.4.1 requires

Summarized directly from the official Understanding document so teams can quote the requirement accurately.

All non-text content that is presented to users must expose an equivalent text-based alternative unless a documented exception applies.

View Understanding 1.4.1 Open QuickRef techniques

Overview

Use this space to describe how your product interprets this success criterion, list ownership, and capture implementation decisions for future audits.

Reference: All summaries and highlights originate from Understanding WCAG 1.4.1 and the W3C quick reference.

Read the Understanding doc View sufficient techniques

Fast facts

Conformance level: Level A
WCAG version introduced: WCAG 2.0
Principle: Perceivable
Guideline: 1.4 · Distinguishable

Implementation checklist

Capture progress and blockers

Document how this criterion impacts your product and note any exceptions.
Describe the user experience goal in plain language for designers and engineers.
List the components, templates, or workflows that must meet this requirement.
Capture manual and automated testing steps for future audits.

Testing ideas

Prove conformance with evidence

Pair automated linting with human review to verify visual, auditory, or temporal aspects.
Use assistive technology walkthroughs (screen reader, keyboard, switch, voice) to validate behavior.
Capture screenshots or recordings that demonstrate pass/fail conditions.

Related success criteria

More from Distinguishable (1.4)

View all criteria

WCAG 1.4.2Audio ControlLevel A WCAG 1.4.3Contrast (Minimum)Level AA WCAG 1.4.4Resize TextLevel AA WCAG 1.4.5Images of TextLevel AA WCAG 1.4.6Contrast (Enhanced)Level AAA WCAG 1.4.7Low or No Background AudioLevel AAA WCAG 1.4.8Visual PresentationLevel AAA WCAG 1.4.9Images of Text (No Exception)Level AAA WCAG 1.4.10ReflowLevel AA WCAG 1.4.11Non-text ContrastLevel AA WCAG 1.4.12Text SpacingLevel AA WCAG 1.4.13Content on Hover or FocusLevel AA

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