What is recommended when using shading behind text?

Using solid backgrounds that meet the minimum contrast ratio is essential for ensuring text readability and accessibility. A solid background provides a consistent and clear visual contrast with the text, which is crucial for users with visual impairments. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend specific contrast ratios to ensure that text stands out against its background, which enhances visibility and legibility for all users.

In contrast, overlaying text on a patterned background can lead to confusion and reduce legibility, especially if the contrast between the text and the pattern is insufficient. Using only light shades for backgrounds may not provide adequate contrast with the text, particularly if the text color is also light. Transparent backgrounds, while they may seem visually appealing, can complicate readability by creating varying levels of visibility depending on what is displayed behind the text, often resulting in unclear or hard-to-read content. Focusing on solid backgrounds that meet established contrast criteria supports better accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their visual abilities.