Do logos need to follow the accessibility guidelines?

Question

Do logos need to follow the accessibility guidelines? Specifically color contrast, size, text, stuff like that.

Answer

Logos are meaningful images, but they are exempt from certain Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(WCAG) that apply to images and graphics. For a quick break-down:

  • Logos are required to have a text alternative, such as using the alt attribute.
  • Logos are not required to conform to color contrast requirements.
  • Logos are not required to conform to images of text success criteria.

Even though logos are exempt from the color contrast requirements under WCAG, it's a good idea to use colors in your branding that reach adequate contrast. That way, visual users can more easily perceive and read your logo.

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