Working with High Contrast Mode
summary
Windows High Contrast Mode works on Windows 7+ and Edge/IE10+ and exposes four built-in themes with six configurable properties (text, links, disabled text, selected text, button text, background). Use semantic HTML, the CSS media query -ms-high-contrast: active and high-contrast keywords (windowtext, buttonface, highlight) to let themes drive colors; inline SVG with currentColor updates automatically. Practical tricks that work: add borders (even transparent) so controls remain visible, avoid relying on CSS background images, and test on a Windows VM or remote workspace.
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chapters (14)
- 0:00Introduction and context
- 2:00The need for contrast
- 5:30User accessibility needs
- 8:08Windows high contrast mode
- 11:16Customizing themes
- 13:48Business case and browser support
- 17:18CSS implementation techniques
- 22:54Optimizing forms and inputs
- 25:56Buttons and ARIA roles
- 27:37Handling images and media
- 33:57Advanced tips and tricks
- 37:27Future CSS media queries
- 39:30Testing and concluding
- 42:29Q&A and closing remarks
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