Who it helps
Website accessibility for people with low vision
One-click profile
Low vision
Larger text, clearer contrast and a big cursor. Visitors turn it on with one click from the panel.
- Text size
- Line height
- Smart contrast
- Highlight links
- Big cursor
The barriers
What makes websites hard to use?
Common problems for low vision visitors, and the reason the tools below exist.
Text that is too small or breaks when enlarged
Small, fixed text sizes are hard to read. When people zoom in, some layouts cut text off, make it overlap or force them to scroll sideways to read each line.
Low contrast
Light gray text on white, thin fonts and text over photos can fade into the background, especially for people whose eyes are less sensitive to contrast.
Losing your place
At high zoom only a small part of the page fits on screen. Pop-ups that open out of view, a small mouse pointer and moving content make it easy to get lost.
Links and controls that are hard to spot
Links marked only by color, small icons without labels and faint focus outlines are hard to find, even when the text itself is readable.
The tools
Which tools help?
Each one is a tile in the panel. Visitors switch it on, and it stays on as they browse.
- Text sizeMakes text larger at three levels: 120%, 140% and 160%. It works on top of browser zoom, so visitors can combine the two.120%140%160%
- Smart contrastFinds text that is too faint against its background and turns only that text black or white. The rest of the design keeps its colors, so the page still looks familiar.On
- ContrastSwitches the whole page to a dark or light high-contrast color scheme, or inverts its colors, for visitors who need strong contrast everywhere.DarkLightInvert
- Text magnifierShows the text under the pointer in a large box next to it, so visitors can read small print without zooming the whole page.On
- Big cursorReplaces the mouse pointer with a much larger one that is easier to find and follow across the screen.On
- Highlight linksGives every link a yellow background, an underline and an outline, so links are easy to spot at any zoom level.On
For site owners
What should you fix in your own code?
The tools help visitors adapt your pages, but they can't fix how your site is built. These changes make the biggest difference.
- Make sure text can be zoomed to 200% with nothing cut off or overlapping, and that pages fit a 320-pixel-wide screen without sideways scrolling (WCAG 1.4.4 and 1.4.10).
- Set font sizes in relative units like rem or em, and avoid fixed-height boxes that clip larger text.
- Give normal text at least 4.5:1 contrast, and large text, icons and form borders at least 3:1. Check your colors with our free contrast checker.
- Use real text instead of images of text, so it stays sharp when enlarged and can be restyled.
- Underline links in body text, and give every link, button and field a clear, high-contrast focus style.
- Respect visitors' own settings, such as a larger default text size or dark mode, instead of overriding them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
About low vision, the tools and how they work.
Still have a question?
We read every message and reply as soon as we can.
support@example.comContact usWhat is low vision?
Low vision is a vision problem that makes everyday tasks hard and can't be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery. It can mean blurry or hazy vision, loss of central or side vision, or trouble seeing in low light. The US National Eye Institute says it is more common in older adults.
How do people with low vision use websites?
Many use screen magnifiers, browser zoom or a larger default text size, and some change fonts and colors to suit their eyes. Some also use a screen reader. Websites work best for them when text can grow without breaking the layout and colors have strong contrast.
Does an accessibility widget replace a screen magnifier?
No. Screen magnifiers and browser zoom work on every site and app, and many people with low vision already rely on them. A widget adds extra options, such as larger text, stronger contrast and a big cursor, on the sites that offer it.
What does the Low vision profile turn on?
It turns on five tools at once: Text size at 140%, Line height at 1.5×, Smart contrast, Highlight links and Big cursor. Visitors can change or turn off any of them, and their choices are saved in their own browser.
Other visitor needs
Give every visitor the tools they need
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