Shadow Layer

Preview Background

CSS Output

Generate Beautiful Layered CSS Shadows 🎨

Craft realistic CSS box-shadow effects with intuitive sliders. Stack multiple layers to create the soft, modern depth that makes professional UI elements pop. 🚀

💡 Why Layered Shadows?

Single-line CSS shadows often look flat and "muddy." Modern UI design uses "Layered Shadows" to mimic how light behaves in the real world, resulting in a more polished, high-end aesthetic.

  • Stack Multiple Layers: Add as many shadow layers as needed to build complex, natural effects.
  • Preview in Real Time: See your changes instantly on a customizable UI component.
  • Control Color & Opacity: Fine-tune your look with an integrated RGBA workflow.
  • Test Across Themes: Toggle background and element colors to ensure your shadows work on any interface.

📘 Pro Tips for Better Shadows

  • Master the Three-Layer Rule: 1. A tight, dark shadow for definition. 2. A mid-range soft shadow for body. 3. A large, faint shadow for ambient occlusion. ✨
  • Shrink with Negative Spread: Use a negative "Spread" value to make the shadow slightly smaller than the object. This creates a clean "lift" effect common in Apple-inspired designs.
  • Add Inner Depth: Toggle the "Inset" setting to create pressed button states or realistic input fields.
  • One-Click Export: Copy the optimized CSS code directly into your stylesheet.

🧐 Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use multiple shadows? In nature, light fall-off isn't linear. Layering shadows simulates physics, preventing your UI from looking "flat" and helping elements stand out without looking blurry.

Is this compatible with all browsers? Yes. The generated box-shadow syntax is a core CSS property supported by all modern browsers, including Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

Do I need vendor prefixes? No. Modern web standards have made -webkit- and -moz- prefixes for box-shadow obsolete. This tool generates clean, standard CSS.

📚 Box-shadow vs. Drop-shadow

Use box-shadow for standard UI components like cards and buttons—it offers better performance and "Spread" control. Use the CSS filter: drop-shadow() property when you need the shadow to follow the specific outline of a transparent PNG or an SVG shape.