Aztec
General Information about #171D1D
The hex color #171D1D, sometimes referred to as "Aztec", is a very dark shade of gray, almost bordering on black. In the RGB color model, it's composed of 9.02% red, 11.37% green, and 11.37% blue. Its primary characteristic is its low luminance, making it a challenging color to work with in terms of accessibility and contrast. Colors close to black such as this one are often used to convey a sense of sophistication, mystery, or solidity. In web design and graphic design, it can be useful for creating a dark, modern aesthetic, but care must be taken to ensure readability. It's more common to use lighter elements on top of this color than the other way around. The color is mainly used as a decorative color, rarely as a central color.
The hex color #171D1D, often referred to as "Aztec", presents significant accessibility challenges due to its very low luminance. Its dark nature results in poor contrast against typical light backgrounds (such as white), making it difficult for users with visual impairments to discern text or interface elements using this color. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text against its background to ensure readability. #171D1D falls far short of these recommendations when paired with most background colors. To improve accessibility, consider using a much lighter foreground color or a significantly lighter shade as the background when employing #171D1D. Tools like contrast checkers can help determine if a specific color combination meets accessibility standards. Also, avoid using this color for critical interactive elements without clear visual cues.
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Digital Color Formats
Alternative colors
Applications
Web Design Accent
In web design, #171D1D can be used sparingly as a background color for specific sections to create a sense of depth or contrast. It's best suited for non-critical elements where readability isn't paramount. It can also serve as a muted highlight color when paired with lighter elements, but make sure to test the accessibility.
Interior Design Accent
In interior design, #171D1D can be incorporated into accent walls or furniture to add a touch of sophistication. It works well in spaces that aim for a modern or industrial aesthetic. When using it in a room, consider pairing it with brighter colors and textures to prevent the space from feeling too dark or gloomy. Think metal and wood.
Graphic Design Element
For graphic design, #171D1D offers possibilities for backgrounds or subtle textures. Because of it's dark nature, it adds a touch of mystery and quality to designs. For instance, it can be used for dark themed product design or used in combination with lighter elements.