CSS Box Shadow Generator

What is a CSS Box Shadow?

The CSS box-shadow property adds one or more shadows to an HTML element. Shadows can be used to create depth, emphasis, and visual hierarchy on your web page. You can customize the shadow’s position, blur, spread, color, and opacity to achieve the exact effect you want.

How to Use This Generator

1. Adjust Controls: Use the sliders or number inputs to modify the horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur radius, and spread radius of your shadow.

2. Pick a Color: Click the color picker to choose your shadow color.

3. Set Opacity: Adjust the opacity slider to control the shadow’s transparency (0% to 100%).

4. Toggle Inset: Switch between outset (default) and inset shadows using the shadow type buttons.

5. Add Layers: Use the layer buttons to add up to 4 shadow layers and combine them for complex effects.

6. Copy Code: Click the “Copy” button to copy the CSS code to your clipboard, then paste it into your stylesheet.

Common Use Cases

Cards & Panels: Create depth and separation on card-based layouts with subtle shadows.

Buttons & Interactive Elements: Add shadows to buttons to indicate interactivity and depth.

Navigation & Headers: Use shadows to visually separate navigation bars from page content.

Floating Effects: Apply multiple shadow layers to create floating or elevated effects.

Neumorphic Design: Combine inset and outset shadows to achieve modern neumorphic UI styles.

Glowing Effects: Use colored shadows with blur to create neon or glow effects around elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use negative values for offsets?

Yes! Negative horizontal and vertical offset values allow you to position the shadow in different directions. For example, a negative X value places the shadow to the left, while a negative Y value places it above the element.

What’s the difference between blur radius and spread radius?

Blur Radius controls how soft or blurred the shadow edges are. Higher values create softer shadows. Spread Radius enlarges or shrinks the shadow. Positive values expand the shadow, while negative values shrink it.

How do I create an inset shadow?

Toggle the “Inset” button to switch your shadow type. Inset shadows appear inside the element rather than outside, creating a recessed or embossed effect. You can combine inset and outset shadows on the same element using multiple layers.

Can I add multiple shadows to one element?

Yes! This generator supports up to 4 shadow layers. Click the Layer buttons to switch between layers, adjust each one independently, and they’ll automatically combine in the output CSS code using comma-separated values.

What’s the best way to optimize shadow performance?

Keep blur and spread values moderate (typically 0-20px) and avoid excessive shadows on large elements. Use hardware acceleration by ensuring the element has a transform or will-change property. Test on mobile devices to ensure smooth performance.

How do I export this shadow to my project?

Click the “Copy” button to copy the entire box-shadow property. Then paste it directly into your CSS file or inline style. You can also manually type it into your stylesheet using the syntax shown in the output.