CSS Shadow Generator · Free Text & Box Shadow Tool 2026
Create stunning text shadows and box shadows with live preview. Adjust offset X/Y, blur, color opacity, and more. Copy CSS code for your website. 100% free.
How it works: Switch between Text Shadow and Box Shadow. Adjust offset, blur, spread (box only), color opacity, and inset (box only). Copy the generated CSS.
🎯 Why Use a CSS Shadow Generator?
CSS shadows (text-shadow and box-shadow) add depth, emphasis, and modern aesthetics to web design. However, remembering the exact syntax (offset-x, offset-y, blur, spread, color, inset) and fine-tuning values can be time‑consuming. Our Shadow Generator provides a visual interface where you can adjust parameters with sliders and see the result immediately. You can switch between text shadow (for headings, buttons, logos) and box shadow (for cards, containers, modal windows). The tool handles color opacity automatically and generates clean, ready‑to‑use CSS code. No more trial‑and‑error in DevTools – copy the code directly into your stylesheet.
Whether you need a subtle shadow for a flat design or a dramatic neon glow, this tool gives you full control. The text shadow mode applies to the demo text inside the preview box; box shadow mode applies to the container itself. The generated CSS is cross‑browser compatible and works on all modern websites. Best of all, the tool is 100% client‑side, so your settings stay private.
📘 How to Use
- Select Text Shadow or Box Shadow using the tabs.
- Adjust horizontal and vertical offset (positive values move shadow right/down).
- Set blur radius (higher = softer shadow).
- For box shadow, adjust spread (positive enlarges, negative shrinks).
- Pick a color and opacity percentage.
- Optional: toggle inset (box shadow only).
- Copy the CSS code and apply to your element.
✨ Powerful Features
⚙️ How the Shadow Generator Works Under the Hood
We maintain two separate state objects for text and box shadows. When you switch tabs, the tool updates the visible controls (spread and inset appear only in box mode) and applies the stored values. Each slider and color picker event triggers a function that constructs the CSS property string: for text shadow, the syntax is `text-shadow: offsetX offsetY blur color;`; for box shadow, `box-shadow: offsetX offsetY blur spread color inset;`. The color value is converted to rgba using the opacity slider. The preview element updates its `textShadow` or `boxShadow` property accordingly. The CSS output textarea shows the exact CSS rule for the active shadow type. The copy button uses the Clipboard API. All changes are debounced to ensure smooth performance, and a usage counter persists in localStorage.
🌟 Benefits for Web Designers
Faster prototyping: Experiment with shadow styles without writing code. Education: Understand how each parameter affects the shadow. Consistency: Generate repeatable CSS values for your design system. Accessibility: Ensure shadows don't reduce readability (use opacity wisely). Plus, the integrated rating system and share buttons help spread the tool.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between text-shadow and box-shadow?
Text‑shadow applies to text characters only. Box‑shadow applies to the entire element's bounding box (including background).
2. Why does the spread control disappear in text shadow mode?
Spread is a feature of box‑shadow only. Text‑shadow does not have spread.
3. Can I create multiple shadows?
This tool generates a single shadow. For multiple shadows, you can manually combine them (e.g., `text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3), 4px 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);`).
4. Does the tool support inset shadows?
Yes, for box‑shadow only. Toggle the "Inset" checkbox.
5. How do I use the generated CSS on my website?
Copy the CSS rule and paste it into your stylesheet. For text shadow, apply it to the desired text element; for box shadow, apply to the container.
6. Is the CSS compatible with older browsers?
Box‑shadow and text‑shadow are supported in all modern browsers. For very old browsers (IE9), consider graceful degradation.
7. Can I save my shadow settings?
The tool does not have permanent save, but you can copy the CSS code and store it elsewhere.
8. How can I help improve this tool?
Use the star rating, like/dislike buttons, and share the tool with fellow developers.
🔗 Related CSS Tools
💡 Pro tip: Combine text shadow with a subtle box shadow on the same element for a layered 3D effect. Use low opacity (20-40%) for natural shadows.