{ CSS Box Shadow Generator }

// create multi-layer box shadows visually

Create multi-layer CSS box shadows with sliders. Adjust offset, blur, spread and color visually with a live preview — copy clean CSS in one click, free.

// LIVE PREVIEW
px
// GENERATED CSS
// SHADOW LAYERS

HOW TO USE

  1. 01
    Adjust the sliders

    Use the X Offset, Y Offset, Blur Radius, and Spread sliders on the right to shape your shadow in real time.

  2. 02
    Stack multiple layers

    Click "+ ADD LAYER" to add more shadow layers. Each layer is independent — combine them for rich, multi-depth effects.

  3. 03
    Copy or download

    The live CSS updates instantly. Hit "Copy CSS" or "↓ Download" to grab the clean box-shadow declaration.

FEATURES

Live Preview Multi-layer Inset Toggle Color Picker CSS Export Free & No Signup

USE CASES

  • 🔧 Card and panel depth effects for UIs
  • 🔧 Neon / glow effects with colored shadows
  • 🔧 Inset shadows for pressed / neumorphic buttons
  • 🔧 Layered shadows for realistic elevation systems

WHAT IS THIS?

The CSS Box Shadow Generator is a visual, slider-based tool for building box-shadow declarations without writing CSS by hand. It supports multi-layer stacking, inset shadows, full RGBA color control, and live preview — all in the browser with no setup required.

RELATED TOOLS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does "Inset" mean?

Adding the inset keyword makes the shadow appear inside the element instead of outside it. This is commonly used for "sunken" or pressed states on buttons and input fields.

What is the Spread Radius?

The spread radius expands or contracts the shadow in all directions before blur is applied. A positive value grows the shadow; a negative value shrinks it below the element size.

Can I add multiple shadow layers?

Yes. CSS box-shadow accepts a comma-separated list of shadow definitions. This tool lets you add as many layers as you need — each with its own offset, blur, spread, and color.

Why use multiple shadow layers?

Stacking layers creates more realistic depth. For example, Material Design uses three layers at different blurs and opacities to simulate how real light falls on elevated surfaces.

What is the Blur Radius?

The blur radius controls how soft the shadow edge is. A value of 0 produces a sharp, hard shadow. Higher values spread the blur further and make the shadow look more diffuse.

Does box-shadow affect layout?

No. Unlike outline or border, box-shadow does not affect the document flow or element dimensions. It is purely visual and safe to use without worrying about layout shifts.

CSS Box Shadow Generator — Build Shadows Without Writing Code

The box-shadow property is one of the most versatile in CSS. A single element can carry a stack of shadows, each with its own position, blur, spread, and color — enabling everything from subtle card elevation to dramatic neon glows. This generator makes all of that visual and instant.

Understanding the box-shadow Syntax

The full syntax is: box-shadow: [inset] offset-x offset-y [blur-radius] [spread-radius] color. Every parameter is optional except the offsets and color, and you can chain as many definitions as you like with commas. This tool generates the correct shorthand automatically as you drag the sliders.

Practical Shadow Techniques

Performance Note

Box shadows are composited by the browser on the GPU, so they are generally inexpensive. However, animating them on large elements can cause layout repaints. For animated shadows, consider using a filter: drop-shadow() alternative or animate opacity on a pseudo-element instead.