Web Interactive Colors

All Stanford websites should meet WCAG AA color contrast standards of a minimum 3.0 color contrast ratio for headings/bold text and 4.5 color contrast ratio for paragraph text. To use colors in an accessible way, pair light text on dark backgrounds or dark text on light backgrounds. 

Digital red is not a replacement for Cardinal red—it can be used as an accent color on digital communications to add energy and emphasis. The light version can be used for interactive elements over dark backgrounds for contrast. The dark version can be used for smaller text over light backgrounds.

Use digital blue for links over light backgrounds, the dark version for link hover/focus states, and the light version for links over dark backgrounds. Do not use these shades of blue in contexts other than links.

Use digital green for things such as form validation, the dark version for link hover/focus states, and the light version for links over dark backgrounds.