Layered Shadow Generator

Generate smooth, realistic CSS box-shadows by stacking several layers. Far more natural than a single shadow. Copy the CSS.

A single box-shadow looks flat. Stacking several layers, each with a bit more blur and offset and a bit less opacity, mimics how real soft shadows fade, giving a much more natural sense of elevation. More layers and a longer distance read as higher off the page.

Frequently asked questions

Why use a layered shadow instead of one?

Real shadows are not a single hard blur; they fade gradually. Stacking several box-shadow layers with progressively more blur and less opacity recreates that soft falloff, so elements look genuinely raised rather than having a flat grey halo.

How do the controls map to elevation?

Distance and the number of layers together set how high the element feels off the page: more layers and a longer distance read as higher. Strength sets the overall darkness, and the colour lets you tint the shadow to match your background.

Is the output plain CSS?

Yes. It is a single box-shadow property with several comma-separated layers, which you can paste directly onto any element. No images, no libraries.