


How do you apply shadows to boxes and text? (`box-shadow`, `text-shadow`)
Jul 28, 2025 am 12:44 AMTo effectively use CSS shadows, you need to master the correct usage of box-shadow and text-shadow. 1. box-shadow is used for element border shadows. The syntax includes horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur radius, extension radius, color and inset parameters. Multiple shadows can be set to enhance the three-dimensional sense; 2. text-shadow is used for text shadows. The syntax includes horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur radius and color, and also supports multiple shadow effects; 3. When using it, keep the shadows natural, choose rgba color and test the display effect under different backgrounds to avoid excessive use affecting the visual hierarchy.
Adding shadows to boxes and text is a great way to add depth and visual interest to your web design. In CSS, we have two properties specifically for this: box-shadow
for elements like divs or buttons, and text-shadow
for text elements.

Here's how to use them effectively:
How to Use box-shadow
The box-shadow
property lets you add shadow effects around an element's frame. You can control the direction, blur, spread, color, and even apply multiple shadows.

Basic syntax:
box-shadow: [horizontal offset] [vertical offset] [blur radius] [spread radius] [color] [inset];
- Horizontal offset : How far to push the shadow left or right (positive = right, negative = left)
- Vertical offset : How far to push the shadow up or down (positive = down, negative = up)
- Blur radius : The larger the value, the more blurred the shadow becomes
- Spread radius : Expands or contracts the shadow size
- Color : Optional — defaults to black if not set
- Inset : Makes the shadow appears inside the box instead of outside
Example:

.card { box-shadow: 2px 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2); }
This creates a subtle drop shadow that gives the card a lifted appearance.
You can also apply multiple shadows by separating each with a comma:
box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1), 4px 4px 8px rgba(255,0,0,0.3);
How to Use text-shadow
The text-shadow
property adds shadows to text. It's especially useful for making text stand out on complex backgrounds.
Basic syntax:
text-shadow: [horizontal offset] [vertical offset] [blur radius] [color];
- Horizontal and vertical offsets work similarly as in
box-shadow
- Blur radius softens the edge of the shadow
- Color is optional — default is black
Example:
.title { text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5); }
This adds a dark shadow slightly to the bottom-right of the text.
Like box-shadow
, you can apply multiple text shadows:
text-shadow: 1px 1px 2px red, -1px -1px 2px blue;
Tips for Using Shadows Effectively
- Keep it subtle : Too much shadow can distract from content.
- Use rgba colors : This allows semi-transparent shadows which look more natural.
- Test on different backgrounds : Shadows may need tweaking depending on where they're displayed.
- Avoid overuse : Don't apply shadows to every single element — pick key items to highlight.
Also, remember that while shadows enhance visuals, they don't affect layout — the space taken by the shadow doesn't influence surrounding elements.
Shadows are simple but powerful tools in CSS. Whether it's box-shadow
or text-shadow
, knowing how to adjust their values give you more control over your site's visual hierarchy.
Basically that's it.
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