CSS Box Shadow Generator

Create beautiful, multi-layered box shadows with our intuitive visual editor. Perfect for modern web designs with real-time preview and instant CSS export.

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Shadow Layers

Preview Settings

Box Color

Background Color

Live Preview

CSS Code

box-shadow: none;

Why Use Our Shadow Generator?

Multi-Layer Support

Create complex shadows with multiple layers for depth and sophistication.

Live Preview

See your changes instantly with our real-time preview system.

One-Click Copy

Copy your generated CSS code with a single click. Ready to use!

Understanding CSS Box Shadows

Box Shadow Syntax

The CSS box-shadow property follows this syntax pattern:

box-shadow: [inset] [x-offset] [y-offset] [blur-radius] [spread-radius] [color];

Parameters Explained:

inset - Optional keyword for inner shadows
x-offset - Horizontal shadow position
y-offset - Vertical shadow position
blur-radius - Shadow blur amount
spread-radius - Shadow size expansion
color - Shadow color (rgba recommended)

Example:

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);

Creates a subtle drop shadow below the element

Types of Box Shadows

Drop Shadow

Classic shadow below element for depth

Inset Shadow

Inner shadow for pressed/recessed effect

Glow Effect

Colored glow using large blur radius

Multi-Layer Shadows

Why Use Multiple Layers?

• Create more realistic depth and lighting
• Combine different shadow types
• Add color gradients and effects
• Simulate complex lighting scenarios

Example Multi-layer:

box-shadow:
  0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.12),
  0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.24);

Multi-layer shadow combining depth and color

Box Shadow Best Practices

Do's

✓
Use subtle shadows for most UI elements
Low opacity (0.1-0.3) creates elegant depth
✓
Consider light source in your design
Consistent shadow direction improves realism
✓
Layer shadows for complex effects
Combine close and far shadows for depth
✓
Use RGBA colors for better control
Alpha transparency allows fine-tuning

Don'ts

✗
Overuse heavy shadows
Too much blur creates messy, unprofessional look
✗
Use too many layers unnecessarily
More than 3-4 layers can impact performance
✗
Mix conflicting light sources
Inconsistent shadow directions look unnatural
✗
Ignore accessibility
Ensure sufficient contrast for all users

Common Use Cases

Cards & Panels

Subtle shadows lift content off the page background

0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)

Buttons

Medium shadows suggest clickable interaction

0 10px 15px -3px rgba(0,0,0,0.1)

Modals & Overlays

Heavy shadows create clear layer separation

0 25px 50px -12px rgba(0,0,0,0.25)

Form Inputs

Inset shadows create recessed input feeling

inset 0 2px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.06)

Accent Elements

Colored glows for highlights and focus states

0 0 20px rgba(236,72,153,0.3)

Layered Effects

Multiple shadows for complex, realistic depth

Multi-layer combination