Enable High Contrast in Ubuntu: A Guide

High contrast mode in Ubuntu makes window borders, text, and buttons stand out against the background to help you read your screen much easier. This built-in accessibility setting shifts colors to improve visibility if you have low vision or find bright displays hard on your eyes.

Turning on high contrast in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS instantly sharpens text and window outlines without changing your overall screen brightness.

How to use high Contrast in Ubuntu Linux

Using high contrast in Ubuntu Linux makes text and images stand out. This is a big help if bright screens hurt eyes or if vision problems are a factor. High contrast activates directly from the login screen by clicking the accessibility icon and switching the High Contrast option to ‘on’.

Here’s how to do that.

The quickest way to use high contrast is through the accessibility feature on the login screen.

On the login screen, click the accessibility icon highlighted below and toggle the button to turn on High Contrast.

The Settings app offers another route for enabling the feature. Open the system menu in the top-right corner of the screen and select Settings.

System configurations and user accounts live inside this central control panel.

Another way to get there involves clicking the System menu in the top-right corner of the desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as shown below.

In the Settings app, click on the Accessibility tile to open its panel.

In the System Settings > Accessibility panel, under Seeing, toggle the switch for High Contrast to the On position.

To disable it, move the switch back to the Off position.

Toggling high contrast on and off works by clicking the accessibility icon on the top bar and selecting High Contrast.

Close the window once the switch is active. This high contrast mode provides a reliable option for anyone dealing with low vision or light sensitivity.

• The high contrast feature in Ubuntu Linux provides a valuable tool for users with low vision and light sensitivity.
• By adjusting the contrast of windows and buttons, users can distinguish between objects that differ only by color, offering improved clarity.
• Users can easily enable or disable high contrast through the accessibility feature on the login screen or via the System Settings panel.
• This feature enhances the user experience by offering a customizable interface and promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
• The high contrast feature can significantly improve visibility without impacting the overall screen brightness, providing a tailored solution for users facing visibility challenges.