CSS Gradient Generator
Create beautiful CSS gradients with live preview. Pick colors, adjust stops, choose angles, and export to CSS, Tailwind, or PNG.
Color Stops
CSS Output
Preset Gradients
Click any preset to load it into the editor.
What is a CSS Gradient Generator?
A CSS gradient generator is a visual design tool that helps you create smooth color transitions for use as backgrounds, overlays, and decorative elements on web pages. Instead of writing gradient syntax by hand, you can visually pick colors, position color stops, set angles, and instantly see the result. The tool outputs standard CSS code that works in all modern browsers.
Understanding CSS Gradient Types
CSS supports three gradient functions, each producing a different visual pattern:
- Linear Gradient: Colors transition along a straight line at a specified angle. Use
linear-gradient()with an angle (e.g., 90deg) or direction keyword (e.g., to right). Perfect for hero sections, banners, and button backgrounds. - Radial Gradient: Colors radiate outward from a center point in a circular or elliptical shape. Use
radial-gradient()for spotlight effects, glowing elements, and circular UI components. - Conic Gradient: Colors sweep around a center point like a pie chart or color wheel. Use
conic-gradient()for pie charts, progress indicators, and decorative backgrounds.
Working with Color Stops
Color stops are the building blocks of any gradient. Each stop specifies a color and its position along the gradient axis as a percentage. The browser interpolates between adjacent stops to produce smooth transitions. Adding more stops lets you create complex multi-color effects — from simple two-tone fades to vibrant rainbow gradients. You can drag stops to reposition them or click to edit their colors.
Gradient Angles and Directions
For linear gradients, the angle determines the direction of the color transition. An angle of 0deg points upward, 90deg points right, 180deg points down, and 270deg points left. You can also use keyword directions like to top right. This tool provides both a numeric input and a visual angle wheel for precise control over your gradient direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CSS gradient generator?
A CSS gradient generator is a visual tool that lets you create CSS gradients by picking colors, adjusting positions, and choosing gradient types (linear, radial, conic). It outputs ready-to-use CSS code you can paste directly into your stylesheets.
What is the difference between linear, radial, and conic gradients?
A linear gradient transitions colors along a straight line at a specified angle. A radial gradient transitions colors outward from a center point in a circular or elliptical shape. A conic gradient transitions colors around a center point like a color wheel, sweeping through angles.
How do color stops work in CSS gradients?
Color stops define the colors in a gradient and their positions along the gradient line. Each stop has a color value and an optional position (as a percentage). The browser interpolates between stops to create smooth transitions.
Can I use CSS gradients as backgrounds?
Yes, CSS gradients are most commonly used as background images via the background or background-image property. They can also be used anywhere an image is accepted, including border-image, list-style-image, and mask-image.
How do I set the angle of a linear gradient?
Linear gradient angles are set in degrees (e.g., 90deg for left-to-right, 180deg for top-to-bottom) or with direction keywords like 'to right', 'to bottom left'. Use the angle picker in this tool to visually set the direction.
Are CSS gradients supported in all browsers?
Linear and radial gradients are supported in all modern browsers without vendor prefixes. Conic gradients also have broad modern browser support. For older browsers, add a solid color fallback.
Is this gradient generator free to use?
Yes, this CSS gradient generator is completely free. It runs entirely in your browser with no sign-up required. All gradient generation and exports happen client-side — no data is sent to any server.
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