Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility

Drag-to-scan A11y contrast tool. Pixel analysis works reliably on images and gradients. Supports WCAG 2.1/2.2 and APCA.

As of June 2026, Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility has 101 users and a 4.50/5 rating from 2 reviews in the Developer Tools category.

Usersno change0%
101
101
Ratingno change0%
4.50
2 reviews
Reviewsno change0%
2
Version
1.3.0
Manifest V3
90-day change · In the last 90 days this extension 6 version updates.

History

9 snapshots

Tracking since Apr 23, 2026.

108.2563.799999999999997Apr 23, 2026Jun 11, 2026
View as table
DateUsersRatingReviewsVersion
Apr 23, 20261.0.0
Apr 28, 20261.0.0
May 5, 2026115.0011.0.1
May 11, 2026205.0011.0.2
May 16, 2026215.0011.1.0
May 22, 2026274.5021.2.0
May 29, 2026314.5021.2.3
Jun 5, 2026724.5021.3.0
Jun 11, 2026894.5021.3.0
Now1014.5021.3.0

Changelog

  • May 29, 2026
    description
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ One-Click Color Copy (v1.2.0)
    Copy foreground and background color codes instantly with the copy button for each color. Paste directly into your design tools or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    - Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ OKLCH Color Format Support (v1.3.0)
    View and copy colors in the OKLCH perceptual color space — a modern, human-friendly format increasingly adopted in CSS and design tools.
    
    ▪️ One-Click Color Copy (v1.2.0)
    Copy foreground and background color codes instantly with the copy button for each color. Paste directly into your design tools or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, HSL, or OKLCH.
    - Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
  • May 22, 2026
    short_description
    Drag-to-measure A11y contrast tool. Pixel analysis works reliably on images and gradients. Supports WCAG 2.1/2.2 and APCA.
    Drag-to-scan A11y contrast tool. Pixel analysis works reliably on images and gradients. Supports WCAG 2.1/2.2 and APCA.
  • May 22, 2026
    name
    Area Contrast Checker - Color Accessibility
    Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility
  • May 16, 2026
    description
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    - Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ One-Click Color Copy (v1.2.0)
    Copy foreground and background color codes instantly with the copy button for each color. Paste directly into your design tools or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    - Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
  • May 11, 2026
    description
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    - Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
  • May 5, 2026
    description
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    - Keyboard Friendly: Press 'Esc' anytime to cancel and return to browsing.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
    Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:
    
    1. Automated Scanners
    While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.
    
    2. Eyedropper Pickers
    These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.
    
    3. Element-Based Inspectors
    These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.
    
    Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
    By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.
    
    
    🔍 How to Use
    
    1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
    2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
    3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.
    
    
    ⭐ Key Features
    
    ▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
    Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.
    
    ▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
    Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).
    
    ▪️ APCA Support
    Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.
    
    ▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
    When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.
    
    ▪️ Built for Professionals
    - Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
    - Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
    - Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, or HSL.
    
    
    📊 Comparison with Other Tools
    
    Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.
    
    
    ⚠️ Disclaimer
    
    Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.
    
    
    🔒 Privacy
    
    We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.
  • Apr 28, 2026
    name
    Area Contrast Checker
    Area Contrast Checker - Color Accessibility

Permissions & access

Permissions
activeTabscriptingstorage
Host access
None declared

Screenshots

Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 1Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 2Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 3Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 4Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 5Area Contrast Checker - Drag to Scan WCAG & APCA Color Accessibility screenshot 6

About

Traditionally, there have been three ways to measure contrast ratios in web accessibility (a11y). However, each has its trade-offs:

1. Automated Scanners
While efficient for page-wide audits, these often struggle with images and gradients, leading to false positives or false negatives.

2. Eyedropper Pickers
These are accurate but tedious. Manually selecting color pairs one by one is time-consuming and prone to human error in high-volume tasks.

3. Element-Based Inspectors
These read computed HTML/CSS values directly. However, they often fail to account for the actual rendered visuals, such as overlapping elements, transparency, or complex layering.

Area Contrast Checker introduces a "fourth approach" to bridge these gaps.
By analyzing actual rendered pixels from a screenshot of the rendered page, it automatically identifies foreground and background colors. The result is a measurement based on exactly what the user sees.


🔍 How to Use

1. Click the extension icon to start the check.
2. Drag to select the area you want to inspect.
3. Contrast ratios and WCAG compliance results appear instantly.


⭐ Key Features

▪️ Area-Based Automated Analysis
Just drag to select. The tool analyzes pixels to identify foreground and background colors automatically. It works accurately on images, gradients, overlays, Canvas elements, and complex visual layers.

▪️ WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Compliance
Evaluate contrast based on Success Criteria 1.4.3 and 1.4.11. Get instant ratings for Normal Text (AA: 4.5:1, AAA: 7:1), Large Text (AA: 3:1, AAA: 4.5:1), and UI Components (AA: 3:1).

▪️ APCA Support
Go beyond WCAG 2.x with the Accessible Perceptual Contrast Algorithm (APCA) being considered for WCAG 3.0. Instantly see Lc values showing which font sizes meet the criterion.

▪️ Hue-Preserving Color Suggestions
When contrast falls short, the tool suggests WCAG-compliant alternatives while preserving the original hue. Copy the new color codes directly into your design or code.

▪️ OKLCH Color Format Support (v1.3.0)
View and copy colors in the OKLCH perceptual color space — a modern, human-friendly format increasingly adopted in CSS and design tools.

▪️ One-Click Color Copy (v1.2.0)
Copy foreground and background color codes instantly with the copy button for each color. Paste directly into your design tools or code.

▪️ Built for Professionals
- Retina/High-DPI Support: Automatically accounts for device pixel ratios for precise sampling on all screens.
- Manual Picker Mode: Need to fine-tune the results? Manually select specific pixels for complete control.
- Multiple Color Formats: View and copy colors in HEX, RGB, HSL, or OKLCH.
- Page Interaction Mode (v1.1.0): Hold Alt (Option on Mac) to temporarily interact with the page — click, hover, or navigate — without leaving the checker.


📊 Comparison with Other Tools

Area Contrast Checker combines the precision of pixel-level sampling with the speed of area selection. There is no need to pick colors manually or hunt through the DOM. It transforms accessibility audits, design reviews, and inclusive design workflows into a faster, more reliable process.


⚠️ Disclaimer

Color detection is an estimate based on pixel distribution within the selected area. Complex background patterns or subtle color combinations may produce results that differ from the intended colors. For precise measurements, use Manual Picker Mode to re-select colors. This tool does not guarantee final accessibility compliance decisions.


🔒 Privacy

We do not collect any data. The tool makes no network requests. Screenshots are processed entirely within the browser's memory and are never saved or transmitted externally.

Technical

Version
1.3.0
Manifest
V3
Size
43.86KiB
Min Chrome
88
Languages
2
Featured
No

Metadata

ID
kjemflinmhiljcdnngbacdddbhappdkg
Developer ID
ub756834b5c2ec5bab543c840e935d061
Developer Email
[email protected]
Created
Apr 22, 2026
Last Updated (Store)
May 29, 2026
Last Scraped
Jun 11, 2026
Support URL
Privacy Policy

Data sourced from the Chrome Web Store · last verified Jun 11, 2026.