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Text shadows can make text pop but do not make text more readable.

I'll concede that adding text shadows around white text on a white background will make the text more readable since anything is more readable than invisible. I disagree, however, that using text shadows around black text on a white background is more readable than simply black text on a white background.

Proper contrast is the key to readable text

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then adding text shadows can accomplish that. If you are just trying to have the most readable text, however, then high contrast without text shadows is the way to go. For example, some version of black text on a white background.

If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then the server room guy will thank you for using some version of light text on a dark background.

Text shadows can make text pop but do not make text more readable.

I'll concede that adding text shadows around white text on a white background will make the text more readable since anything is more readable than invisible. I disagree, however, that using text shadows around black text on a white background is more readable than simply black text on a white background.

Proper contrast is the key to readable text

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then adding text shadows can accomplish that. If you are just trying to have the most readable text, however, then high contrast without text shadows is the way to go. For example, some version of black text on a white background.

If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then the server room guy will thank you for using some version of light text on a dark background.

Text shadows can make text pop but do not make text more readable

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then that is one thing but if you are just trying to have the most readable text then use high contrast. For example, some version of black text on a white background. (see link below)

What is the best color combination for on screen reading?

If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then the server room guy will thank you for using some version of light text on a dark background. (see link below)

White text on black background

Text shadows can make text pop but do not make text more readable.

I'll concede that adding text shadows around white text on a white background will make the text more readable since anything is more readable than invisible. I disagree, however, that using text shadows around black text on a white background is more readable than simply black text on a white background.

Proper contrast is the key to readable text

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then adding text shadows can accomplish that. If you are just trying to have the most readable text, however, then high contrast without text shadows is the way to go. For example, some version of black text on a white background.

If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then the server room guy will thank you for using some version of light text on a dark background.

If text shadows are required to make text readable then something else is wrong.

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then that is one thing but if you are just trying to have the most readable text then use black text on a solid white background. -- What is the best color combination for on screen reading?

This provides the most contrast with minimal eye strain in most environments. If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then reverse the colors so you don't blind the poor server room guy -- White text on black background

Text shadows can make text pop but do not make text more readable

If you want the text to stand out because it is special then that is one thing but if you are just trying to have the most readable text then use high contrast. For example, some version of black text on a white background. (see link below)

What is the best color combination for on screen reading?

If you know the environment is going to be a dark server room or something then the server room guy will thank you for using some version of light text on a dark background. (see link below)

White text on black background