Text is easier to read when there is contrast between its colour and the background upon which it appears. Avoid using foreground and backgrounds that are similar, such as light colour text with light backgrounds, or dark coloured text against dark backgrounds. To improve readability, use either dark text against a light background; or light text against a dark background. Avoid very dark backgrounds with light type. The dark background tends to ‘bleed’ into the light text, making it fainter and thus harder to read. Pure white backgrounds can also be problematic. Some people get eye strain from staring at a pure white screen for extended periods. An off-white color can minimize this.