CSS Clip Path Generator
Create custom shapes and clipping paths for modern web design. Generate CSS clip-path properties with visual editing tools for circles, polygons, and complex geometric shapes.
CSS Clip Path Generator
Create custom shapes and clipping paths for modern web design
Shape Previewcircle
Live preview of your clip path
Shape Controls
Understanding CSS Clip Paths
CSS clip paths allow you to create custom shapes by defining which parts of an element should be visible. Unlike traditional rectangular layouts, clip paths enable designers to create circles, triangles, complex polygons, and organic shapes that break free from the constraints of the box model.
How Clip Paths Work
- Coordinate System: Uses a coordinate system where (0,0) is top-left and (100,100) is bottom-right
- Shape Definition: Defines visible areas using geometric functions like circle(), polygon(), or path()
- Non-destructive: The original element remains intact; only the visible portion changes
- Animatable: Clip paths can be smoothly animated between different shapes
Shape Types Available
- Basic Shapes: circle(), ellipse(), inset() for simple geometric forms
- Polygons: polygon() for triangles, hexagons, stars, and custom multi-point shapes
- SVG Paths: path() for complex curves and organic shapes (limited browser support)
- URL References: Reference external SVG clip paths for maximum flexibility
Browser Support & Compatibility
CSS clip-path is well-supported in modern browsers, with basic shapes having excellent support across Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. For older browsers, consider using the -webkit-clip-path prefix and providing fallbacks. The path() function has limited support, so test thoroughly when using complex SVG paths.
Design Applications & Creative Uses
Clip paths open up endless creative possibilities for web design, from subtle shape modifications to dramatic visual effects that create unique user experiences.
🖼️ Image & Media Styling
Transform rectangular images into circles, diamonds, or custom shapes that align with your design aesthetic and brand identity.
🎨 Layout & Composition
Break free from rectangular layouts with diagonal sections, curved edges, and overlapping geometric elements that create visual hierarchy.
⚡ Interactive Elements
Create engaging hover effects, animated transitions, and interactive elements that respond to user actions with shape transformations.
🏢 Brand Expression
Incorporate brand-specific shapes, logo elements, and geometric patterns that reinforce brand identity throughout the user interface.
📱 Responsive Design
Adapt clip paths for different screen sizes and orientations while maintaining design integrity across all devices.
🎯 Performance Benefits
CSS clip paths are hardware-accelerated and more performant than image-based solutions for creating custom shapes.
Technical Implementation Guide
Implementing clip paths effectively requires understanding coordinate systems, browser compatibility, and performance considerations.
Basic Syntax Examples
Advanced Techniques
Animation Support
Clip paths can be smoothly animated using CSS transitions or keyframes, but both shapes must have the same number of points.
Responsive Coordinates
Use percentage values for responsive shapes that adapt to different container sizes and screen resolutions.
Fallback Strategies
Provide graceful degradation for older browsers using feature queries and alternative styling approaches.
Performance & Optimization
GPU Acceleration
- • Clip paths are hardware-accelerated
- • Combine with transform3d() for optimal performance
- • Avoid frequent clip path changes
- • Use will-change property when animating
Complex Shapes
- • Limit polygon points for better performance
- • Use SVG clip paths for complex curves
- • Consider shape complexity vs. performance
- • Test on lower-end devices
Browser Testing
- • Test across different browsers
- • Verify mobile browser support
- • Check rendering consistency
- • Implement feature detection
Related Design Tools
SVG Pattern Generator
Create scalable patterns to use within your clipped shapes.
CSS Box Shadow Generator
Add shadows to your clipped elements for depth and dimension.
Gradient Generator
Create beautiful gradients to fill your custom shapes.
Border Radius Previewer
Combine rounded corners with clip paths for unique effects.
Color Palette Generator
Generate color schemes for your clipped design elements.
Neumorphism Generator
Create soft, modern effects for your custom shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between clip-path and mask?
Clip-path creates hard edges by defining visible areas, while mask allows for gradual transparency using images or gradients. Clip-path is better for geometric shapes, while mask is ideal for soft edges and complex transparency effects. Clip-path also has better browser support and performance characteristics.
Can I animate between different clip-path shapes?
Yes, but with limitations. You can animate between clip paths of the same type (e.g., polygon to polygon) as long as they have the same number of points. You cannot animate between different shape types (e.g., circle to polygon). For complex shape morphing, consider using SVG animations or JavaScript-based solutions.
How do clip paths affect accessibility?
Clip paths are purely visual and don't affect screen readers or keyboard navigation. However, ensure that clipped content remains readable and that important interactive elements aren't accidentally clipped. Test with screen readers and consider providing alternative text for decorative clipped elements.
What happens to content outside the clip path?
Content outside the clip path is hidden but still exists in the DOM. This means it can still be accessed by screen readers and affects layout calculations. The clipped content is not removed, just visually hidden, similar to overflow: hidden but with custom shapes instead of rectangular boundaries.
Are there performance concerns with complex clip paths?
Complex clip paths with many points can impact performance, especially when animated. Stick to simpler shapes when possible, and test on lower-end devices. Clip paths are hardware-accelerated, so they're generally performant, but excessive complexity or frequent changes can cause issues. Consider using CSS transforms alongside clip paths for optimal performance.
Can I use clip paths with responsive design?
Absolutely! Use percentage values for responsive clip paths that adapt to different container sizes. You can also use CSS custom properties (variables) to adjust clip paths based on media queries. Consider how shapes will look at different aspect ratios and provide alternative clip paths for mobile devices if needed.