Box shadows are the secret ingredient behind modern, layered UI design, but getting them right by hand is a frustrating cycle of tweaking values and refreshing the browser. Our free CSS Box Shadow Generator lets you design shadows visually with real-time preview and one-click code export.
The tool supports multiple shadow layers, so you can create the kind of nuanced, multi-layered shadows that make UI elements feel truly three-dimensional. Each layer has independent controls for offset (X/Y), blur radius, spread, colour, opacity, and inset mode. Add, remove, and reorder layers freely.
It's designed for front-end developers creating card components, designers prototyping elevation systems, and anyone who wants to add depth and polish to their web projects. Whether you need a subtle lift or a dramatic drop shadow, the visual controls make it intuitive.
To use it: start with a preset or add a new shadow layer. Adjust the sliders to dial in the exact shadow you want, the preview updates live. When you're happy, copy the generated CSS. The output is a clean box-shadow property ready for your stylesheet.
Shadow design tips: subtle shadows look more realistic than dramatic ones. Use a large blur with low opacity for soft elevation effects. Combine multiple layers, a tight, dark shadow for definition plus a wider, lighter shadow for ambient depth. Avoid pure black; use coloured shadows that pick up the tint of your background.
Pair this with our CSS Gradient Generator for gradient backgrounds behind your shadowed elements, our Colour Contrast Checker to ensure text on shadowed cards remains accessible, and our CSS Style Builder for complete component styling.
No sign-up, no data collection, no limits. Design, preview, and copy box shadow CSS as many times as you like, it's the fastest path from idea to implementation for one of CSS's most powerful properties.
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