Access Lens: Color Compare
A color blindness simulator that compares an original image with simplified color-vision and visual-filter approximations, side by side.
Overview
Access Lens lets you compare an original image with simplified color and visual approximations, side by side. Use the live camera, choose a photo, or start with one of five built-in samples, then drag the vertical divider to reveal more of the original or the filtered side.
The color approximations cover Type 1 (P), Type 2 (D), and Type 3 (T), plus grayscale, using a published research method (Machado 2009). Visual filters include blur and cloudy view, narrow field and center spot, and low contrast, with adjustable strength where supported.
The app is built for awareness and accessibility discussions. The results are approximations: they do not exactly reproduce any individual experience, and Access Lens is not a medical tool. Saving and sharing happen only when you choose them, and every feature is free.
Who It Is For
- Designers and developers doing quick accessibility and readability checks
- Teachers and students exploring visual accessibility topics
- Accessibility advocates preparing awareness demonstrations
- Anyone curious how colors, signs, text, and layouts may look with color vision differences or reduced vision
Main Features
- Side-by-side comparison with a draggable vertical divider
- Live camera, photo selection, or five built-in samples (no camera needed)
- Color approximations: Type 1 (P), Type 2 (D), Type 3 (T), and grayscale (Machado 2009 method)
- Visual filters: blur and cloudy view, narrow field and center spot, low contrast
- Adjustable strength where supported
- Original-only and filter-only buttons
- VoiceOver can adjust the divider in 10% steps; layouts adapt to the largest Dynamic Type sizes
- Save or share a result, only when you choose
How to Use
- Open Access Lens and choose the live camera, a photo, or one of the five built-in samples.
- Select a color approximation (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, or grayscale) or a visual filter (blur, narrow field, low contrast).
- Drag the vertical divider to reveal more of the original or the filtered side, or use the original-only and filter-only buttons.
- Where supported, adjust the strength of the effect.
- Optionally save or share the result.
Pricing
Access Lens is free on the App Store and every feature is free; there are no ads and no account is needed. App Store pricing and availability can change, so check the store listing for current details.
Privacy
Camera frames and selected photos are processed on your device. Access Lens has no account, no analytics, no ads, and no server. Saving and sharing happen only when you choose them.
Screenshots
FAQ
Is Access Lens free?
Yes. Every feature is free, with no ads and no account. App Store pricing can change, so check the listing for current details.
Are my camera images or photos uploaded anywhere?
No. Camera frames and selected photos are processed on your device. Access Lens has no server, no analytics, and no account, and saving and sharing happen only when you choose them.
Do the filters accurately reproduce vision conditions?
No. The results are approximations for awareness and accessibility discussions. They do not exactly reproduce any individual experience, and Access Lens is not a medical tool.
What filters are included?
Color approximations for Type 1 (P), Type 2 (D), Type 3 (T), and grayscale, plus visual filters for blur and cloudy view, narrow field and center spot, and low contrast. Strength is adjustable where supported.
Can I use it without a camera?
Yes. You can choose a photo or start with one of the five built-in samples instead of using the live camera.
Can I save or share the result?
Yes. Saving and sharing happen only when you choose them.