# Box Shadow Generator

> Create smooth CSS box shadows visually. Customize offsets, blur, spread, and colors.

**Category:** Dev
**Keywords:** css, shadow, box-shadow, generator, design, ui, elevation
**URL:** https://complete.tools/box-shadow-gen

## How it works

The tool processes user inputs by first collecting the parameters: x-offset, y-offset, blur radius, spread radius, and color. These inputs are then formatted into the CSS box-shadow syntax. The formula used is: `box-shadow: [x-offset] [y-offset] [blur-radius] [spread-radius] [color];`. The tool ensures that inputs are validated for proper units (such as pixels or rems) and correct color formats. Once the inputs are validated, the tool outputs the complete box-shadow CSS code that can be copied and used directly in stylesheets.

## Who should use this

Web designers creating visually appealing interfaces may use this tool to quickly generate CSS box-shadow properties. Front-end developers looking to implement shadow effects in their projects would find this tool beneficial for rapid design iteration. UI/UX designers can utilize Box Shadow Gen to produce consistent shadow styles across different components in a design system. Graphic designers coding their web graphics can also leverage this tool for precise shadow effects.

## Worked examples

Example 1: A web designer wants to create a shadow for a button. They input an x-offset of 5px, a y-offset of 5px, a blur radius of 10px, a spread radius of 0px, and a color of rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5). The generated CSS code is: `box-shadow: 5px 5px 10px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);`. This creates a subtle shadow effect beneath the button, giving it a slight lift. 

Example 2: A front-end developer needs a shadow for a card component. They enter an x-offset of -3px, a y-offset of 2px, a blur radius of 15px, a spread radius of 5px, and a color of #ff5733. The resulting CSS is: `box-shadow: -3px 2px 15px 5px #ff5733;`. This configuration results in a vivid shadow that enhances the card's visibility. 

Example 3: A UI/UX designer wants to create a shadow effect for a modal dialog. They select an x-offset of 0px, a y-offset of 4px, a blur radius of 20px, a spread radius of -2px, and a color of rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8). The CSS output is: `box-shadow: 0px 4px 20px -2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.8);`. This gives the modal a floating appearance with a darker shadow around it.

## Limitations

Box Shadow Gen has specific limitations such as the inability to generate shadows for non-block elements like inline elements. The precision of shadow parameters may be affected by the rendering capabilities of different browsers, leading to potential inconsistencies. Additionally, the tool assumes that all input values are in pixels, which may not align with designs using relative units like ems or rems. Shadows may also appear differently based on the background color of the element, which the tool does not account for in its calculations.

## FAQs

**Q:** How does the blur radius affect the appearance of the shadow?


**A:** The blur radius determines how soft or sharp the edges of the shadow appear. A higher blur radius results in a more diffused shadow, while a lower radius creates a sharper edge.


**Q:** Can I use multiple box shadows on a single element?


**A:** Yes, multiple box shadows can be applied by separating each shadow definition with a comma in the CSS syntax, allowing for complex shadow effects.


**Q:** What happens if I set a negative spread radius?


**A:** A negative spread radius will reduce the size of the shadow, potentially making it appear smaller or even non-existent, depending on the other parameters.


**Q:** Are there any color limitations for the shadow?


**A:** The tool accepts various color formats, including HEX, RGB, and RGBA. However, the appearance may vary based on the transparency settings and background colors.

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*Generated from [complete.tools/box-shadow-gen](https://complete.tools/box-shadow-gen)*