Published October 22, 2026

WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color, Level A

Does WCAG allow color alone to show an error?

No. Success criterion 1.4.1 Use of Color is Level A, so it is also required at Level AA. Color cannot be the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element. A field that turns red, with no text that says what is wrong, fails. The text is in the W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation.

What has to accompany the color?

Another visual cue that still works if someone cannot tell the colors apart. For an error, that is text that names the field and the problem, such as “Email must include an @.” An icon can help, and the text still has to be there. The W3C explanation is in Understanding Success Criterion 1.4.1. Identifying a required field or an error with color differences only is failure F81. What the error text has to include is on the error identification page and the accessible forms page. Announcing that error without moving focus is covered on the status messages page.

Does a red asterisk fail?

It fails when the red color, or the asterisk alone, is the only way to know the field is required. Put “required” in the label or in the instructions at the start of the form. A text cue for a colored label is technique G205. The same rule covers a link that is identified only by color. Underline it, or give it another visible difference, so the link is still evident without color vision.

How is this different from contrast?

Contrast asks whether the text is dark enough or light enough against its background. Use of color asks whether color is the only signal. Red error text can pass 1.4.3 at 4.5:1 and still fail 1.4.1 if nothing except the color says that the field failed. The ratios are on the color contrast page. A scanner can measure a ratio. It often cannot tell that a red border is the only error cue. A person checks that, which is why a passing score is not conformance, as covered on the scanner page.

Does the Title II web rule include use of color?

Yes. The Department of Justice rule for state and local government websites names WCAG 2.1 Level AA. That level includes 1.4.1, which is Level A. Governments with a population of 50,000 or more have until April 26, 2027. Smaller governments and special districts have until April 26, 2028. Who must comply is on the Title II web rule page. Adding the text cue next to the color is remediation.