Box Shadow Designer

What is a CSS Box Shadow Generator?

A CSS box shadow generator is a visual tool for creating and previewing CSS box-shadow declarations. The box-shadow property adds shadow effects around an element's frame, and its syntax: offset-x, offset-y, blur-radius, spread-radius, color, and inset: can be tricky to write by hand without seeing the result.

CodeHelper's Box Shadow Designer gives you interactive sliders for every parameter, a live preview on a real element, and a one-click copy of the final CSS code.

Box Shadow Parameters

• Offset X / Y: Move the shadow horizontally and vertically relative to the element.
• Blur Radius: Soften the shadow edges: higher values create a more diffuse, realistic shadow.
• Spread Radius: Expand or contract the shadow size beyond the element's bounds.
• Color: Set shadow color with opacity (rgba) for subtle, layered depth effects.
• Inset: Render the shadow inside the element, creating a pressed or embossed appearance.

How to design a CSS box shadow

1. Adjust the offset sliders to position the shadow.
2. Set blur and spread to control shadow softness and size.
3. Pick a shadow color with the color picker.
4. Toggle inset for an inner shadow effect.
5. Copy the generated CSS and paste it into your stylesheet.

Common box-shadow patterns

• Subtle card shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.12): a light elevation for cards and panels.
• Material elevation 4dp: 0 4px 6px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.1), 0 2px 4px -1px rgba(0,0,0,0.06): Tailwind's shadow-md.
• Neumorphism: Two shadows with opposite offsets: one light, one dark: to simulate a raised or pressed surface.
• Focus ring: An inset shadow with a vibrant color to replace outline for accessible focus indicators.
• Glow effect: A blurred shadow with a colored (not black) value to create a neon glow around an element.

Whether you are creating Material Design elevation shadows, subtle card lifts, neumorphism effects, or deep dramatic shadows, this free CSS box-shadow generator makes it visual and effortless.