prefers-contrast

This is an experimental technology
Check the Browser compatibility table carefully before using this in production.

The prefers-contrast CSS media feature is used to detect if the user has requested that the web content is presented with a higher (or lower) contrast.

Syntax

no-preference
Indicates that the user has made no preference known to the system. This keyword value evaluates as false in a Boolean context.
more
Indicates that user has notified the system that they prefer an interface that has a higher level of contrast.
less
Indicates that user has notified the system that they prefer an interface that has a lower level of contrast.

User preferences

Various operating systems do support such preferences and user agents are likely to rely on the settings provided by the operating system.

Examples

This example has an annoying low contrast by default.

HTML

<div class="contrast">low contrast box</div>

CSS

.contrast {
  width: 100px;
  height: 100px;
  outline: 2px dashed black;
}

@media (prefers-contrast: high) {
  .contrast {
    outline: 2px solid black;
  }
}

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Media Queries Level 5
The definition of 'prefers-contrast' in that specification.
Editor's Draft Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
prefers-contrast media feature
Experimental
Chrome No support NoEdge No support NoFirefox No support NoIE No support NoOpera No support NoSafari No support NoWebView Android No support NoChrome Android No support NoFirefox Android No support NoOpera Android No support NoSafari iOS No support NoSamsung Internet Android No support No

Legend

No support
No support
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.

See also