[This is preliminary documentation and subject to change.]
Requirement (Designed for Microsoft® Windows® Logo)
Your application must be compatible with the High Contrast option, which indicates that the user wants a high degree of legibility. When this option is set, the application must use only system colors selected through Control Panel or other colors that the user can customize.
Because documents are typically shared, a user must not be required to alter a document to adjust the colors drawn on the screen; this may require the application to override formatting specified in the document. System colors must be used in their proper foreground/background combinations.
The application must omit background images or other complex backgrounds that overlap text. Any important information normally conveyed by color alone, or through complex backgrounds alone, must be available through another means.
Avoid using italic fonts, or allow the user the option of using non-italic fonts.
To determine how much space the tray takes up on the screen and how much is left over, use either the GetSystemMetrics function to query SM_CXFULLSCREEN and SM_CYFULLSCREEN or use the SystemParametersInfo function to query SPI_GETWORKAREA.
Animation, video, and graphic images may be exempted when the information content is available through other means.
Entire applications are exempted only when it can be shown that the application has no value without the use of color. For example, painting programs may be exempted, but drawing programs where the user manipulates shapes would not normally be exempted.
Games may be exempted from High Contrast requirements.
Reference and educational titles will not qualify for exemptions.
Requests for exemptions are judged on a case-by-case basis. You must detail these exceptions in your Vendor Questionnaire.
Exceptions may also be made for minor features that are not required for operation of the program, when the major features in the application support the High Contrast option. All major features or functional areas that do not support the High Contrast option should be explained in the Vendor Questionnaire.