text shadow generator

How to use the text shadow generator

  1. Type your preview text.
  2. Adjust each shadow layer: offset-x, offset-y, blur radius, color.
  3. Click Add layer to stack multiple shadows — useful for 3D text, neon glows, and embossed effects.
  4. Pick from presets: crisp, soft, outline, retro, 3D, neon, long shadow.
  5. Copy the CSS — single declaration with comma-separated shadows.

When to use it

Text shadows add emphasis, legibility, and mood — use them on hero headlines over busy backgrounds, card titles that need to pop, or retro/video-game-style UI. Avoid them in long-form body copy (they hurt readability). For gradient text, use background-clip: text instead — it's a different effect. For 3D/outlined text, stack multiple text-shadows in opposite directions. Alternative: Cuttingedge CSS text-shadow generators exist but rarely offer preset stacks for common styles.

Example

/* Neon glow */
.neon {
  color: #fff;
  text-shadow:
    0 0 5px #fff,
    0 0 10px #ff00de,
    0 0 20px #ff00de,
    0 0 40px #ff00de;
}

/* 3D text */
.threed {
  color: #fbbf24;
  text-shadow:
    1px 1px 0 #f59e0b,
    2px 2px 0 #d97706,
    3px 3px 0 #b45309,
    4px 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
}

/* Readable over image */
.hero-headline {
  color: #fff;
  text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
}

Frequently asked questions

What's a sensible subtle shadow for headings?
0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2) — barely visible, adds just enough separation from the background. Anything more can feel dated.
How do I create an outlined text effect?
Stack four text-shadows, one in each direction: 1px 1px 0 #fff, -1px 1px 0 #fff, 1px -1px 0 #fff, -1px -1px 0 #fff. Or use -webkit-text-stroke for a cleaner outline in supported browsers.
Does text-shadow work on SVG text?
No. Use SVG's <filter> element with feGaussianBlur and feOffset to replicate the effect on SVG text.
Can I animate text-shadow?
Yes — each layer's parameters animate independently. Great for neon pulsing and retro glow effects.
Why does my text look blurry?
Likely because blur radius is too high for the font size. Small type (under 16px) needs minimal blur (0-1px) to stay readable.

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Last updated: 2026-04-23