How to create accessible color palettes in Figma?

Discover a simple guide to crafting accessible color palettes in Figma. Make sure designs are inclusive, meeting all accessibility standards. Dive in now!

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Overview

Creating color palettes in Figma with accessibility in mind means making designs that everyone can see, including people with different visual impairments. This involves thinking about color contrast, checking for color blindness, and following accessibility rules. Figma itself, its plugins, and other tools can help check and improve your color choices for better accessibility. Focusing on these aspects results in a user experience that's both beautiful and usable for everyone.

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How to create accessible color palettes in Figma?

Step 1: Open Figma and Create a New File

Fire up Figma and start a new file by hitting the "+" button or head to "File" -> "New File".

Step 2: Set Up Frames for Color Swatches

Press "F" or pick the frame tool from the left panel to create a frame.
Name this frame "Color Palette".
Inside this main frame, add smaller frames to use as color swatches.

Step 3: Select Base Colors

Pick your base colors, making sure they stand out and are vibrant.
Use the color picker or type in hex values to fill the swatches with your chosen colors.

Step 4: Check Color Contrast Using Plugins

Install the “Contrast” plugin by going to "Plugins" -> "Browse Plugins in Community" and search for "Contrast".
Run the plugin and test the contrast between your base colors.
Make sure the contrast ratio hits at least WCAG AA standards, which is 4.5:1 for normal text.

Step 5: Create Variations of Each Base Color

Make lighter and darker versions of each base color to keep things versatile.
Check the contrast ratios for each variation by running the “Contrast” plugin again.

Step 6: Label Each Color Swatch

Add text labels next to each color swatch showing the color name and its hex value.
Use the text tool (press "T" or select the text tool from the left panel).

Step 7: Organize Colors in a Grid

Arrange the color swatches in a logical order, usually from light to dark.
Make sure the layout is clean and easy to follow.

Step 8: Save as a Color Style

Select each color swatch and create a color style by clicking the “+” icon in the “Color Styles” section of the right panel.
Name the color styles properly, including color names and their hex values.

Step 9: Share the Color Palette

Share the file with your team by clicking the “Share” button at the top-right corner.
Make sure to give edit access if they need to make changes.

Step 10: Document the Color Palette

Create a separate frame for documentation.
Add notes on color contrast, color usage guidelines, and examples.
This helps keep accessibility standards consistent across the project.

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