About the CSS Text Shadow Generator
The CSS Text Shadow Generator helps you create eye-catching headings. Adjust the horizontal and vertical offset, blur radius and color of the shadow and see the result instantly on editable sample text; click the preview to type your own words.
Presets give you popular effects in one click: a glowing neon sign, stacked 3D extruded letters, a colorful retro double shadow, a crisp outline and a gentle soft shadow. The generated code can include multiple comma-separated shadows, which is how advanced effects are built in CSS.
Text shadow recipes you can copy
/* Subtle lift for headings on photos */
text-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
/* Neon glow: several shadows of the same colour */
text-shadow: 0 0 4px #fff, 0 0 10px #0ff, 0 0 20px #0ff;
/* Hard retro shadow */
text-shadow: 3px 3px 0 #ff3d7f;The four parts of a shadow are horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur and colour. Separate several shadows with commas. The first one is drawn on top.
Readability first
- Text over images: a soft dark shadow is the easiest way to keep white headings readable on a busy photo.
- Body text: avoid shadows on paragraphs. They make small text blurry, especially on phones.
- Neon effects look best on dark backgrounds and in large, bold fonts.
Tip: shadows do not change the size of the text box, so they never push other elements around. If a large glow is cut off, check whether a parent element has overflow: hidden.
How to use the CSS Text Shadow Generator
- Click the preview text to type your own words.
- Adjust offsets, blur, font size and colors.
- Try the Neon, 3D, Retro, Outline or Soft presets.
- Copy the CSS code.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make neon text in CSS?
Stack several text-shadows with zero offset and increasing blur, using white for the inner glow and a bright color for the outer glow. Use the Neon glow preset.
Does text-shadow hurt readability?
Heavy shadows can reduce legibility on body text. Use strong effects for headings and keep shadows subtle on paragraphs.
Can I use multiple shadows?
Yes. Separate each shadow with a comma; they are drawn in order, with the first on top.