CSS Drop Shadow Generator Online
Create beautiful CSS drop shadows with our free drop shadow generator. Generate custom filter drop-shadow CSS code with live preview & instant CSS drop shadow code.
Live Preview
Drop Shadow Configuration
Shadow Settings
Quick Colors
Grayscale
Vibrant
CSS Code
filter: drop-shadow(10px 10px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5));
Tailwind CSS
filter-[drop-shadow(10px_10px_0px_rgba(0,_0,_0,_0.5))]
What is CSS Drop Shadow?
The drop-shadow() filter function in CSS creates shadows that follow the shape of an element, including transparent areas. Unlike box-shadow, drop-shadow respects the alpha channel of images and elements, making it perfect for creating shadows on images, icons, and text with transparent backgrounds.
Key Uses of CSS Drop Shadow
Images & Icons
Drop shadow is ideal for adding shadows to images, logos, and icons because it follows the actual shape of the element, including transparent areas. This creates more realistic shadows compared to box-shadow.
Text with Transparent Backgrounds
When working with text that has transparent backgrounds, drop-shadow creates shadows that match the text shape perfectly, providing better visual depth and readability.
Complex Shapes
For elements with complex shapes, SVG graphics, or irregular borders, drop-shadow provides accurate shadow rendering that follows the element's outline.
Performance
Drop-shadow can be more performant for certain use cases, especially when working with images, as it's optimized for shape-based shadow rendering.
Difference between CSS Box Shadow vs Drop Shadow
Understanding the differences between box-shadow and drop-shadow() is crucial for choosing the right shadow effect for your design. Both create shadows, but they work differently and are suited for different use cases.
Shape Following
Box Shadow: Creates shadows around the element's rectangular box, regardless of the element's actual shape. It doesn't follow transparent areas or complex shapes.
Drop Shadow: Follows the actual shape of the element, including transparent areas. Perfect for images, icons, and elements with irregular shapes or transparent backgrounds.
CSS Property
Box Shadow: Uses the box-shadow CSS property directly on the element.
Drop Shadow: Uses the filter property with the drop-shadow() function. Multiple drop shadows can be chained together.
Properties Supported
Box Shadow: Supports offset-x, offset-y, blur-radius, spread-radius, color, and inset keyword.
Drop Shadow: Supports offset-x, offset-y, blur-radius, and color. Does NOT support spread-radius or inset keyword.
Best Use Cases
Box Shadow: Ideal for cards, buttons, containers, and rectangular elements. Great for creating depth and elevation in UI components.
Drop Shadow: Perfect for images, logos, icons, text with transparent backgrounds, SVG graphics, and elements with complex or irregular shapes.
Performance Considerations
Box Shadow: Generally performs well for rectangular elements and is widely supported across all browsers.
Drop Shadow: Can be more performant for images and complex shapes as it's optimized for shape-based rendering. However, using multiple filter effects can impact performance.
Visual Example
When applied to an image with a transparent background, box-shadow creates a shadow around the entire rectangular bounding box, while drop-shadow creates a shadow that follows the actual shape of the image, ignoring transparent areas. This makes drop-shadow ideal for creating realistic shadows on logos, icons, and images.
How to Use This CSS Drop Shadow Generator
This drop shadow generator makes it easy to create perfect drop shadows. Follow these steps to generate professional drop shadows in seconds.
Choose a Preset or Start Fresh
Browse our curated "Effects & Presets" section and click any preset to instantly apply professional drop shadow effects. Or start with the default shadow and customize every aspect using the controls.
Adjust Shadow Position
Use the X (horizontal) and Y (vertical) sliders to position your shadow precisely. Positive X values move the shadow to the right, while positive Y values move it downward.
Control Shadow Softness
Adjust the Blur slider to control how soft or sharp your drop shadow appears. Higher blur values create softer, more diffused shadow effects.
Pick Your Shadow Color
Choose from our quick color palette or use the color picker for custom colors. Adjust the Opacity slider to control shadow transparency.
Copy Your Drop Shadow Code
Once satisfied with your drop shadow, scroll to the code section. The generator provides both standard CSS filter code and Tailwind CSS configuration. Click "Copy" to instantly copy the generated code to your clipboard.
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