Is there any way for a user to increase the contrast between the background color and the dimmed words for unselected properties in the Properties Panel (other than choosing the Light appearance scheme in Preferences, which I find overwhelmingly bright)? For me, it’s difficult to quickly identify which settings I’d like to activate or modify due to lack of readability. On a smaller monitor or with increased viewing distance from a large monitor this becomes an even more of an issue– it’s possible to read, but it requires extra focus and a effort, even with 20/20 vision.
I did find an 8 year old post about this same issue, but hoped there might be some current work-around or development since that time. I’ll be really grateful for anyone to point out some feature or control I’ve been overlooking. In that previous thread there was mention of Dorico’s aim to adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines as part of interface design. I applaud that effort– Dorico’s design team has done a wonderful job about being thoughtful and intentional with UI choices, and truly, I find the design of even this interface element to be beautiful. I just wish, for my eyes, I could slightly tweak the difference between those colors.
(Technical Sidenote: On a new factory spec Apple laptop and using Apple’s digital color meter, I get a color reading of 1F2429 for background color and 7D8287 for text, (a contrast ratio of 4.03:1; a minimum ratio of 4.5:1 is recommended). This passes the WCAG 2.0 luminosity contrast algorithm at level AA for large text only (at least 18pt text or 14pt bold text). However, this text appears much smaller than 14 point, is not bold, and screen aliasing can affect how light or dark edge pixels appear. For aliased letters at this size I show a contrast ratio closer to 2.54:1 which falls short of the recommended contrast. I still think it’s a beautiful and functional design– and components that are part of an inactive user interface have no contrast requirement.)