Red has always been the go-to choice for warnings, errors, and urgent highlights. But not all reds are created equal. If the contrast between text and background isn’t strong enough, the information can easily be missed.

Microsoft has updated its default “standard red” in Microsoft 365 to improve accessibility by increasing its contrast ratio. This isn’t about changing the look of a product for style’s sake—it’s about ensuring information remains clear and legible for everyone.

 

Why Contrast Ratios Matter

Contrast ratio is the measure of difference in brightness between text and its background. The higher the ratio, the easier it is to read. Accessibility guidelines such as WCAG recommend minimum contrast ratios so that content is legible across a wide range of vision.

When reds or other colors fall short, warnings and important notes can fade into the background. By improving the default red’s ratio, Microsoft ensures that emphasis remains visible in documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

 

Accessibility in the Details

This change reflects a broader principle: accessibility often comes from fine-tuning the smallest details. Just as Microsoft has added features like Immersive Reader in Word and live captions in Teams, adjusting a single color value demonstrates a commitment to inclusive design at every level.

These decisions don’t grab headlines, but they reduce everyday barriers. A red that meets contrast standards doesn’t just look better—it functions better.

 

What Others Can Learn

The update is also a reminder for anyone designing documents, apps, or websites: don’t assume default colors are accessible. Always check the contrast ratio and pair color with another indicator such as icons, labels, or patterns.

Accessibility isn’t achieved through color choice alone but through layered signals that work across different contexts and conditions.

 

Closing Thoughts

Microsoft’s refresh of standard red in 365 shows how small changes can deliver outsized impact. By raising contrast ratios, content becomes easier to perceive and more reliable as a way of communicating urgency.

Accessibility isn’t a one-off project. It’s a practice that shows up in details as small as a hex code and as significant as the ability for someone to do their work without unnecessary barriers.

Are your Brand Guidelines and Document Templates accessible?