Start with useful defaults
Choose body text at a size that works for the content, the typeface, and the viewing conditions. On this website, the main copy starts at 20–22 pixels, with 18-pixel navigation and supporting labels. Those are our design choices, not a claim that WCAG prescribes one universal font size.
Check the quiet parts of the design too: form hints, footer links, dates, button labels, and captions. If an instruction matters enough to display, it matters enough to read. Avoid shrinking essential words simply to preserve a particular arrangement.
Contrast is part of typography
WCAG’s minimum text contrast criterion generally calls for 4.5:1 for ordinary text and 3:1 for qualifying large text, with specified exceptions. “Large text” has a technical definition; it does not simply mean a heading. Read W3C’s contrast explanation for details.
Check the actual foreground and background combination, including hover states and text over images. A thin, pale font can still feel difficult to read even when the layout looks elegant. Give the words enough visual weight to do their job.
Leave room for a different reading preference
A narrow column, generous line spacing, and clear paragraph breaks can make a long page easier to follow. Watch for very long lines on a large monitor and cramped lines on a phone. The right measure depends on the content and typeface, so read the actual page rather than judging a blank template.
Use flexible containers. When text grows, cards should become taller, navigation should adapt, and buttons should keep their labels. A fixed height is a common reason larger text disappears. W3C’s guidance covers text resizing and reflow.
Offer choice after the foundation is sound
Different readers may prefer different fonts, spacing, and contrast. A user-controlled setting can help a website accommodate those preferences without forcing one presentation on everyone. That is where AbleBrowse’s reading tools fit.
Review the default page, then combine larger text with another setting and review again. Check the same content on a phone. Keep browser zoom available, preserve meaningful structure, and make Reset easy to find. The goal is a reading experience that remains understandable when the visitor makes it their own.