box-shadow: 0px 10px 15px -3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15);How to Create CSS Box Shadows
- 1
Set Shadow Direction
Use the horizontal and vertical offset sliders to control where your shadow falls. Positive values push the shadow right and down, while negative values move it left and up. Start with small offsets like 2-4px for subtle, realistic shadows. - 2
Adjust Blur and Spread
Increase the blur radius to soften the shadow edges for a natural diffused look. Use the spread radius to expand or shrink the shadow area. A blur of 8-24px with zero spread produces the most realistic results. - 3
Choose Color and Opacity
Pick a shadow color that complements your design. For realistic shadows, use semi-transparent black or dark gray with 10-30% opacity. For decorative effects, try colored shadows that match your brand palette. - 4
Copy the Generated CSS
Once you are happy with the shadow, click the Copy CSS button to grab the ready-to-use code. Paste it directly into your stylesheet. You can also toggle the inset option to create inner shadows for pressed button or input field effects.
Common Use Cases
Card Elevation and Depth
Button and Interactive States
Modal and Overlay Backdrops
Inset Effects for Form Inputs
Why use box shadows?
The CSS Box Shadow Generator lets you visually design and fine-tune box shadows without writing code by hand. Adjust horizontal and vertical offsets, blur radius, spread, color, and opacity using intuitive sliders, then copy the generated CSS with one click. Whether you are building card layouts, styling buttons, or creating layered UI components, this tool gives you pixel-perfect control with instant live preview.
Box shadows are one of the most versatile CSS properties for adding depth and visual hierarchy to web interfaces. Combined with other design properties like CSS gradients and glassmorphism effects, shadows help you build modern, polished designs that feel tangible. You can also layer multiple shadows on a single element to create complex lighting effects or decorative borders that would be difficult to achieve with other techniques.
For a complete design workflow, pair this generator with the Color Palette Generator to pick harmonious shadow tints, use the Contrast Checker to ensure your shadowed elements remain accessible, and run your final styles through the CSS Minifier to optimize your production stylesheets. All processing happens in your browser with no data uploaded to any server.
How It Compares
Many CSS shadow tools online require sign-ups, show intrusive ads, or limit the number of shadows you can layer. The FindUtils Box Shadow Generator is completely free with no account needed, supports unlimited layered shadows, and runs entirely in your browser so your design work stays private. Unlike desktop design applications that cost hundreds of dollars per year, this tool delivers the same visual shadow editing experience at zero cost.
Compared to writing box-shadow values manually in a code editor, the visual approach saves significant time. You can experiment with dozens of shadow combinations in seconds instead of guessing pixel values and refreshing your browser. The live preview updates instantly as you drag each slider, giving you the same real-time feedback as tools like Figma or Sketch but without leaving your browser.