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Design

CSS Shadow & Gradient Generator

Visually design custom CSS box shadows and gradients with real-time preview and one-click copy.

Preview
365utils
Controls
CSS Output

Color Picker & Converter

Pick and convert colors between HEX, RGB, HSL, CMYK →

All CSS generation and preview rendering happens locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server. Copy the generated CSS directly into your stylesheets.

A CSS generator is a visual tool that helps web developers and designers create complex CSS declarations without memorizing syntax. Our free CSS Shadow & Gradient Generator lets you design box shadows and gradients with real-time preview, then copy the generated CSS code instantly. All processing runs client-side with zero server uploads.

What Are CSS Shadows and Gradients?

CSS box-shadow adds depth and dimension to elements by casting shadows. The property accepts offset X, offset Y, blur radius, spread radius, color, and an optional inset keyword for inner shadows. CSS gradients are smooth transitions between two or more colors. linear-gradient() transitions along a straight line (controlled by an angle), while radial-gradient() radiates from a center point outward in a circle or ellipse. Both properties are essential for modern UI design, enabling depth, texture, and visual interest without images.

How to Use the CSS Generator

  1. Choose a mode — Select Box Shadow or Gradient from the mode toggle at the top.
  2. Adjust controls — Use sliders, color pickers, and dropdowns to fine-tune your design. The preview updates in real-time.
  3. Watch the preview — The preview panel shows exactly how your CSS will look on an element.
  4. Copy the CSS — Click Copy CSS to copy the generated declaration to your clipboard.
  5. Add color stops (Gradient) — Click + Add Stop to add intermediate colors. Drag sliders to adjust each stop's position.

Key Features

  • Box Shadow Designer

    Control offset X/Y, blur, spread, color, opacity, and inset with real-time sliders.

  • Linear & Radial Gradients

    Create linear gradients with angle control or radial gradients with shape and position.

  • Multi-Stop Editor

    Add up to 8 color stops, reorder by position, and adjust colors individually.

  • Live Preview

    See your changes instantly on a sample element with smooth transitions.

  • One-Click Copy

    Copy the generated CSS declaration directly to your clipboard.

  • 100% Private

    All rendering runs client-side. Nothing is sent to any server.

Common Use Cases

  • UI Design: Create elevated cards, floating buttons, and depth effects with custom box shadows for modern interfaces.
  • Brand Backgrounds: Design gradient backgrounds for hero sections, headers, and landing pages that match brand color palettes.
  • Button Styling: Generate hover and active shadow states for interactive elements with inset shadows for pressed effects.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Experiment with visual styles visually without writing CSS by hand, then copy the final code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between box-shadow and shadow?
box-shadow creates a rectangular shadow behind an element's entire box, including padding and borders. It does not follow the element's content shape (e.g., it won't match transparent PNG images). filter: shadow() follows the element's alpha mask, making it ideal for shaped elements, logos, and transparent images. Use box-shadow for UI elements and cards; use shadow for irregular shapes.
Can I create multiple shadows or layered gradients?
Yes! CSS supports comma-separated multiple box-shadows and multiple background gradients on a single element. This tool generates a single shadow or gradient per mode. For multi-layered effects, combine multiple declarations in your stylesheet. For example: box-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.2), -2px -2px 4px rgba(255,255,255,0.1); creates a layered neumorphism effect.
What gradient directions are available?
For linear gradients, you control direction with the angle slider (0-360 degrees). Common presets: 0deg (top to bottom), 90deg (left to right), 180deg (bottom to top), 270deg (right to left), 45deg (diagonal). You can also use keywords like to right, but the angle in degrees gives you precise control. For radial gradients, choose between circle (even spread in all directions) and ellipse (stretches to match element proportions), plus position control.
How do color stops work in gradients?
Color stops define the colors in your gradient and where they appear. Each stop has a color and a position (0-100%). The gradient smoothly transitions between adjacent stops. For example, a 3-stop gradient at 0%, 50%, 100% transitions from color A to color B in the first half, then color B to color C in the second half. You can create hard edges by placing two stops at the same position. Our tool supports 2-8 color stops with pixel-level position control.

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