Multi-layer Shadow Builder

Shadows communicate structure. They indicate which surfaces float, which elements are interactive, and how components relate spatially. A single, hard-edged shadow often looks artificial. Real-world shadows are soft and layered: there is ambient occlusion (broad and faint), direct light (tighter and darker), and sometimes a subtle inner shadow to suggest inset affordances. This tool helps you build multi-layer shadows that feel believable. You can add as many layers as you like, adjust offset, blur, spread, color and opacity, and toggle insetto create pressed effects. When you are satisfied, copy the box-shadow string and drop it directly into your CSS or design tokens.

A practical approach is to start broad, then refine. Begin with a low-contrast, large-blur ambient shadow to lift the element from the background. Add a second layer with a smaller blur and a slightly darker color to mimic directional light. If the component is pressable (like a button), consider a faint inner shadow for the pressed state. The goal is restraint: fewer, well-tuned layers almost always look better than many high-contrast layers. This builder encourages that discipline with controls that make incremental tweaks obvious.

Shadows across themes

Shadows need different treatment in light and dark themes. In light UIs, darker drop shadows against light surfaces read clearly with modest opacity. In dark UIs, overly dark shadows muddy the interface. Try reducing the shadow opacity and increasing the blur to keep the effect soft and natural. Consider introducing subtle light shadows (using semi-transparent white) to simulate reflected light in dark themes. You can preview such combinations here and copy separate tokens for each theme if needed.

Live Multi-layer Shadow Builder

Use the interface below to add and reorder layers. Edit color, X/Y offset, blur, and spread, and toggle inset. The preview updates as you go, and the code panel shows the exactbox-shadow value for your layers, ready to paste.

Related exploration tools

Pair shadows with surface treatments to sculpt your UI. The Glassmorphism Generator, Neumorphism CSS Generator, and 3D CSS Transform Generator let you explore the relationship between material, elevation, and motion. For color contexts, try the Responsive Color Scheme Tester to see how shadows read across backgrounds.