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Box Shadow Generator

Generate CSS box-shadow code for depth and elevation effects. Create multiple shadows with custom blur, spread, and color.

Use Box Shadow Generator to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.

Your results will appear here.

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About this tool

Box shadows add depth and elevation to UI elements. Our Box Shadow Generator creates CSS code for single or layered shadows with precise control.

Material Design uses shadows to indicate elevation. Subtle shadows for cards, stronger shadows for modals. Layer multiple shadows for realistic effects.

Usage examples

Soft Card Shadow

Material Design elevation

box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);

Raised Button

Interactive element shadow

box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);

How to use

  1. Enter "Horizontal Offset" (x-axis) in pixels.
  2. Enter "Vertical Offset" (y-axis) in pixels.
  3. Set "Blur Radius" for shadow softness.
  4. Set "Spread Radius" and "Shadow Color".
  5. Click "Generate" to get CSS box-shadow code.

Benefits

  • CSS box-shadow code
  • Multiple shadow layers
  • Material Design presets
  • Precise pixel control
  • RGBA color support
  • Copy-paste ready

FAQs

What is CSS box-shadow?

box-shadow CSS property adds shadow effects to elements. Syntax: box-shadow: h-offset v-offset blur spread color inset; Example: box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); Values: horizontal (x), vertical (y), blur radius, spread radius, color, optional inset keyword.

How do I create realistic shadows?

Realistic shadows: use soft blur (4-20px), small offset (2-10px), semi-transparent black (rgba(0,0,0,0.1-0.3)), layer 2-3 shadows (ambient + directional), match light source direction, increase with elevation. Study real-world shadows for reference.

What is Material Design elevation?

Material Design uses shadow depth to indicate elevation (0-24dp). Resting elements: 2dp, Raised cards: 8dp, Dialogs: 24dp. Higher elevation = stronger/larger shadow. Formula: more vertical offset, more blur, darker color. Consistent elevation creates hierarchy.

How many shadows should I layer?

Best practice: 2-3 layered shadows. Layer 1: Ambient shadow (no offset, soft blur), Layer 2: Key light shadow (offset, medium blur), Layer 3: Optional accent. Example: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.12), 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.24); Too many layers hurt performance.

Do shadows affect performance?

Yes, complex shadows impact rendering performance. Optimize by: using box-shadow (not filter: drop-shadow), limiting number of shadows, avoiding shadows on animated elements, using will-change: transform for animated shadows, testing on lower-end devices.

Can I animate box-shadow?

Yes, but expensive. Animating box-shadow triggers repaints. Better: animate opacity of pseudo-element with shadow, or use transform: translateY() to fake shadow change. For hover effects, transition box-shadow is acceptable if not many elements. Use sparingly.

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