Text Shadow Generator

Text Shadow Generator

CSS text shadow generator online. Create text-shadow effects with live preview. Multiple shadow layers—free text shadow tool.

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Need Inspiration?

Check out our collection of 20+ ready-to-use text effects.

Preview

Hello World
Size: 64
Weight:

CSS Code

text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);

Layers

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Layer 1
2px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)

Properties

Horizontal (X) 2px
Vertical (Y) 2px
Blur Radius 4px
Text Shadow Gallery

Inspiration Gallery

Curated collection of cool text effects

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Soft Drop
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Hard Edge
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Subtle Glow
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Lagging
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Outline

Features

  • Add multiple shadows to text
  • Visual X/Y/Blur controls
  • Color picker with opacity
  • Preview with custom font/text
  • Layer management
  • presets (Neon, 3D, Letterpress)

Common Use Cases

  • Improve text readability on busy backgrounds
  • Create glowing neon text
  • Make 3D or retro style typography
  • Create "letterpress" (engraved) effects
  • Design creative headers

CSS Text Shadow

The text-shadow property adds shadow to text. It accepts a comma-separated list of shadows, each specified by X offset, Y offset, blur radius, and color.

Syntax:

text-shadow: offset-x offset-y blur-radius color;

Unlike box-shadow, text-shadow does NOT have a "spread" value. To make a shadow larger/thicker, you often need to layer multiple shadows.

Examples

Valid - Basic Drop Shadow
2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.5)
Valid - Glowing Neon
0 0 5px #fff, 0 0 10px #fff, 0 0 20px #ff00de
Valid - 3D Text
1px 1px #d1d1d1, 2px 2px #d1d1d1, 3px 3px #d1d1d1

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I create a text outline (stroke)?
While `text-stroke` exists, it has poor support. A common trick is using 4 text-shadows: `1px 1px 0 #000, -1px 1px 0 #000, 1px -1px 0 #000, -1px -1px 0 #000`.
Can I use rgba colors?
Yes, and it's recommended! Using a semi-transparent black (rgba(0,0,0,0.5)) allows the shadow to blend naturally with any background color.
Why is there no spread radius?
The CSS spec for text-shadow doesn't include spread. To simulate spread (thicker shadow), you must stack multiple shadows with slightly different offsets.

💡 Tips

  • For a "letterpress" effect (engraved), use a light shadow on the bottom right and a dark shadow on the top left (or vice versa depending on light source).
  • Don't overdo blur on small text, it reduces readability.