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CSS Box Shadow Generator

Create layered CSS box-shadow effects with a live preview and easy copy-to-clipboard

Updated

What is the CSS Box Shadow Generator?

The CSS Box Shadow Generator lets you visually create, layer, and customize complex box-shadow values for your web projects. Mix multiple shadow layers with different offsets, blur, spread, colors, and inset/outset modes — all with a live preview.

Why it matters

  • Multi-layer shadows — Stack shadows like a pro (CSS paints the first layer on top)
  • Instant visual feedback — See your shadow change as you tweak parameters
  • Copy-ready CSS — Get production-ready box-shadow declarations with one click
  • Preset library — Start from subtle cards, elevated panels, floating elements, inner glows, or hard offsets

Tip: Layer order matters — the first layer you add is painted on top. Use the Up/Down buttons to reorder.

How it works

This tool builds CSS box-shadow declarations by composing individual shadow layers.

Steps

  1. Pick a preset — Choose a starting style like "Subtle card" or "Elevated"
  2. Set a base color — All layers will use this color with their own alpha
  3. Tweak layers — Select a layer and edit its offset, blur, spread, and alpha, or use the draft editor to build a new layer and add it
  4. Reorder & remove — Use the Up/Down buttons to change paint order, Remove to delete
  5. Copy the CSS — Grab the generated box-shadow declaration for your stylesheet

Behind the scenes

  • Each layer is rendered as: {inset?} {x}px {y}px {blur}px {spread}px rgba({r}, {g}, {b}, {alpha})
  • Layers are joined with commas into a single box-shadow value
  • Colors are converted from hex to rgba() for precise opacity control
  • The preview element applies the computed shadow in real time

Examples

Subtle card shadow

Create a gentle two-layer shadow perfect for UI cards.

Preset: subtle-card, Color: #000000
box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08), 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);

Floating elevation

A deep multi-layer shadow that makes an element appear to float above the page.

Preset: floating, Color: #1a1a2e
box-shadow: 0 8px 18px rgba(26, 26, 46, 0.22), 0 24px 40px rgba(26, 26, 46, 0.20);

Frequently asked questions

What is CSS Box Shadow Generator?

A visual tool for creating layered CSS box-shadow effects. You can combine multiple shadows with different offsets, blurs, spread radii, and opacities, then copy the generated CSS directly.

Why does layer order matter?

CSS paints the first shadow in the list on top. If you want a smaller tight shadow to sit above a broader diffuse shadow, make sure the tight shadow is first (top of the list). Use the Up/Down buttons to reorder.

What does "inset" do?

Inset shadows are drawn inside the element's border, creating an inner depth effect. Outset (default) shadows are drawn outside the element and create a lift/drop effect.

Can I use different colors per layer?

The tool currently uses a single base color across all layers (each with its own alpha). To simulate different colors, add multiple layers with varying alpha values.

Is CSS Box Shadow Generator free?

Yes, it runs entirely in your browser with no server calls. No data is sent anywhere.

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