CSS Tools/Text Shadow Generator
Text Shadow Generator
Create stunning text shadows with multiple layers and real-time preview
Preview
Sample Text
48px
#1E293B
#F8FAFC
Shadow Layers
Layer 1
#00000040
2px
2px
4px
Presets
CSS Code
Loading...CSS Text Shadow Guide
Learn how to add depth and effects to your text
What is Text Shadow?
The CSS text-shadow property adds shadow effects to text. Like box-shadow, you can apply multiple shadows by separating them with commas. Text shadows are defined by X and Y offsets, blur radius, and color. They're perfect for creating depth, glow effects, and stylized typography.
How to Use This Tool
- Add shadow layers using the Add Layer button
- Adjust X/Y offset to position shadows behind text
- Use blur to soften shadows or create glow effects
- Stack multiple layers for complex effects, then copy CSS
Pro Tips
- Use bright colors with large blur for neon glow effects
- Stack multiple shadows with incrementing offsets for 3D depth
- Subtle shadows (1-2px offset, low opacity) improve readability
Browser Support
Text-shadow is supported in all modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. It has been widely supported since IE10, making it safe for production use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a neon glow effect with text-shadow?
Use a bright color matching your text with a large blur radius and no offset: 'text-shadow: 0 0 10px #ff00ff, 0 0 20px #ff00ff, 0 0 30px #ff00ff'. Layer multiple shadows with increasing blur values for intensity. Set the background dark and text color to match the glow color for best results.
How can I create a 3D or extruded text effect?
Stack multiple shadows with incrementing X and Y offsets: 'text-shadow: 1px 1px #dark, 2px 2px #dark, 3px 3px #dark'. Each layer adds depth. Use progressively darker or lighter shades for realism. No blur creates a sharp 3D effect, while slight blur softens it.
What's the difference between text-shadow and box-shadow?
text-shadow applies shadows to the text characters themselves, following letter shapes. box-shadow applies to the element's rectangular frame. Text-shadow doesn't support 'inset' or 'spread' values - only X offset, Y offset, blur radius, and color. Use text-shadow for typography effects, box-shadow for container depth.
How do I create an outline or stroke effect around text?
Use four shadows at each direction with no blur: 'text-shadow: -1px -1px #000, 1px -1px #000, -1px 1px #000, 1px 1px #000'. For smoother outlines, add diagonal shadows too. Alternatively, use -webkit-text-stroke for true outlines (with limited browser support).
Does text-shadow affect performance?
Text-shadow is generally lightweight and performs well. However, multiple shadows with large blur values on lots of text can impact rendering. For performance-critical animations, avoid animating text-shadow directly - instead, use opacity on overlaid elements or transform on parent containers.