How to check the contrast or legibility of a figure

📝 Note: This article reflects the new, updated BioRender canvas. For guidance on the older, Classic canvas, check out this article. 

BioRender includes a built-in View in Grayscale feature that helps you assess the contrast of your illustration. This ensures your figure is easily understandable across various formats and audiences. High-contrast visuals improve accessibility and readability, especially for:

• Low-resolution screens
• Black-and-white printing
• Color-blind viewers

Use grayscale preview to verify that all icons, text, and objects remain visible and do not blend into the background.

For example:

How to View Your Illustration in Grayscale

You can toggle grayscale mode directly from the Canvas using multiple options:

Using keyboard shortcuts

• Press Alt+G (Windows) or Option+G (Mac) on your keyboard.
• Repeat the shortcut to disable grayscale preview.

Using the “View Canvas in Grayscale” button

• Click the View canvas in grayscale button located on the Canvas.
• Click it again to turn grayscale mode off.

Previewing in grayscale during export

1. Click the blue Export button in the top-right corner of the Canvas.
2. In the export pop-up window, find the Preview in grayscale switch in the bottom-left corner.
3. Toggle the switch to enable or disable grayscale preview.

Troubleshooting

Grayscale preview isn't appearing?

• Make sure you're in the Canvas view with an active illustration open.
• Check if the feature is enabled from one of the methods listed above.
• Refresh your browser if the toggle is unresponsive.

Want to learn more about this feature?

• Hover over the View in Grayscale button and click Learn more about grayscale or the question mark icon that appears.

Related articles

• Exporting illustrations
• Use color presets for shapes with text
• Aligning and distributing objects on the canvas

Need help?

1. Email: support@biorender.com
2. Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.