Shadow Layers
Edit Shadow
Horizontal Offset 0px
Vertical Offset 4px
Blur Radius 16px
Spread Radius 0px
Shadow Color
12%
Presets
Preview Background
Background color or
box-shadow: 0px 4px 16px rgba(0,0,0,0.12);

How to Use the Box Shadow Generator

Adjust the sliders to control each shadow's horizontal and vertical offset, blur radius, spread and color. Add multiple shadows by clicking "Add Shadow" and stack them for depth. Click a preset for instant styles, then copy the CSS to use in your project.

Layer Multiple Shadows

CSS box-shadow accepts a comma-separated list. Combine a large soft shadow with a small tight one for realistic depth.

Colorful Shadows

Matching the shadow color to your element's background adds vibrancy and a glowing effect without extra markup.

Inset Shadows

The inset keyword moves the shadow inside the element, perfect for pressed button states and sunken inputs.

Spread Radius

A negative spread value shrinks the shadow, letting you create a tight, precise shadow that doesn't bleed to the sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CSS box-shadow property adds one or more shadow effects to an element's frame. Each shadow is described by X offset, Y offset, blur radius, spread radius, color, and an optional inset keyword.
Separate multiple shadow definitions with a comma: box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.1), 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);. Use the "Add Shadow" button above to build them visually.
Adding inset to a box-shadow draws the shadow inside the element rather than outside. It's commonly used for pressed button states, inner glows, or recessed card effects.
Replace the shadow color from rgba(0,0,0,…) to any color you like, for example rgba(0,111,212,0.3) for a blue glow. This tool's color picker lets you choose any color and set the opacity separately.
Design Pro Tips

5 Things Experts Know

01
Use 60-30-10 Rule

Structure your palette: 60% dominant background, 30% secondary color, 10% accent. This ratio keeps designs balanced and hierarchy clear.

02
Layer Shadows, Not Just One

Real depth comes from 2–3 stacked box-shadows: a large soft outer glow + a tighter crisp inner shadow. Single flat shadows look artificial.

03
Never Use Pure Black (#000)

Instead of #000, use dark-saturated hues like #1a1a2e or #0d1117. Pure black creates harsh contrast that feels digital, not designed.

04
Consistent Spacing Tokens

Define a spacing scale (4px, 8px, 16px, 24px, 40px, 64px) and stick to it. Random spacing steps are the #1 reason designs feel "off" to designers.

05
Gradient Angle Trick

Gradients at 120–145° read as more natural than 90° or 180°. That slight diagonal mirrors how natural light falls on surfaces.