Text effect generator with multi-layer shadows and CSS output.
Lower blur = sharper shadow. Zero offset + high blur = glow.
.shadow-glow-text {
color: #1f2937;
text-shadow: 0px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.40);
}text-shadow only:
0px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.40)
text-shadow is a CSS property that adds one or more shadows to text. Each shadow is defined by horizontal offset (x), vertical offset (y), blur radius, and color. Multiple shadows are comma-separated and stack in order (first drawn on top). Unlike box-shadow, which affects the element's box, text-shadow follows the glyph shapes. It is widely supported in all modern browsers.
Syntax: text-shadow: x-offset y-offset blur color;. Positive x shifts right, positive y shifts down. Blur spreads the shadow; 0 gives a hard edge. Color can be hex, rgb, or rgba. Example: text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.3); creates a soft drop shadow. Chain multiple: text-shadow: 1px 1px 0 #000, 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);.
Glow is achieved with zero or minimal x/y offset and a large blur. The shadow color matches or complements the text. Neon glow: text-shadow: 0 0 20px #00f5ff, 0 0 40px #00f5ff;. Layer multiple shadows with increasing blur and decreasing opacity for depth. Pair with CSS Gradient Generator for gradient text and glow. Glow works best on dark backgrounds.
Stack several shadows for richer effects. Order matters: first shadows appear behind. A common pattern: base shadow (subtle offset) + mid shadow (more blur) + outer glow (large blur, low opacity). Use the Typography Scale Generator for consistent font sizes. Multi-layer shadows can increase paint cost; avoid excessive layers on animated or scroll-heavy pages.
Approximate an outline with four shadows at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°: text-shadow: 2px 0 0 #000, -2px 0 0 #000, 0 2px 0 #000, 0 -2px 0 #000;. Use blur 0 for crisp edges. Add diagonal offsets for thicker outlines. -webkit-text-stroke is an alternative but has different rendering. Outline via text-shadow gives more control over thickness and color.
text-shadow follows text glyphs; box-shadow affects the element's bounding box. Use text-shadow for typography effects; use box-shadow for cards, buttons, and containers. The Box Shadow Generator handles element shadows. text-shadow does not support spread (box-shadow does); use multiple layers to simulate.
Using too many layers (5+) can hurt performance. Shadows that blend into the background reduce readability. For body text, keep shadows subtle. Glow on light backgrounds often looks weak; use dark backgrounds. Forgetting fallbacks: old browsers ignore text-shadow, so ensure text is legible without it. Mixing px and em units can cause inconsistent scaling.
text-shadow triggers repaints. Minimize layers on frequently updated content. Ensure contrast between text and background meets WCAG (4.5:1 for normal text). Shadows can reduce perceived contrast; test with users who have low vision. Avoid relying on shadow alone to convey meaning. Reduce motion for users who prefer prefers-reduced-motion.
text-shadow is a CSS property that adds one or more shadows to text. Each shadow is defined by horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur radius, and color. Multiple shadows are comma-separated and stack (first on top).
Use a shadow with zero or small x/y offset and a larger blur, with a bright or matching color. Add multiple layers with the same color and increasing blur for a stronger glow.
Yes. Use several shadows with small blur at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° (e.g. 2px 0, -2px 0, 0 2px, 0 -2px) with the same color to approximate a text outline.
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