Comparison · both tools are free

CSS Shadow Builder vs Gradient Generator — which one should you use?

Side-by-side comparison of features, use cases, and pricing for two of our most-used tools.

CSS Shadow Builder

Design Tools · 410,000/mo

Gradient Generator

Design Tools · 620,000/mo

Feature	CSS Shadow Builder	Gradient Generator
Category	Design Tools	Design Tools
Free to use	Yes — no signup	Yes — no signup
Runs in browser	Yes	Yes
Standalone tool site	Embedded on UtilityApps	Embedded on UtilityApps
Best for	Build multi-layer CSS box-shadows with inset support, X/Y/blur/spread sliders, live preview, and copy-ready CSS.	Build linear, radial, and conic CSS gradients with unlimited colour stops, angle control, and copy-ready CSS.
Top keyword	css shadow generator	gradient generator
Common ground	—	—
Mobile-friendly	Yes	Yes

When to use each

Both tools are free. The better choice depends on what you're trying to do.

Use CSS Shadow Builder when…

You need css shadow generator specifically.
You're working in the design tools category and want a focused tool.
You want a battle-tested option — CSS Shadow Builder is one of our most-used tools.
You want a quick, embedded version that runs in the same page.

Use Gradient Generator when…

You need gradient generator specifically.
You're working in the design tools category and want a focused tool.
You want a battle-tested option — Gradient Generator is one of our most-used tools.
You want a quick, embedded version that runs in the same page.

Try it now

CSS Shadow Builder

Build multi-layer CSS box-shadows with inset support, X/Y/blur/spread sliders, live preview, and copy-ready CSS.

Try it now

Gradient Generator

Build linear, radial, and conic CSS gradients with unlimited colour stops, angle control, and copy-ready CSS.

Common questions

Questions about this tool

What's the difference between CSS Shadow Builder and Gradient Generator?

CSS Shadow Builder is built for build multi-layer css box-shadows with inset support, x/y/blur/spread sliders, live preview, and copy-ready css. Gradient Generator is built for build linear, radial, and conic css gradients with unlimited colour stops, angle control, and copy-ready css. They share the same UtilityApps quality bar — free, no signup, mobile-friendly — but solve adjacent problems.

Which one should I use?

Use CSS Shadow Builder if your primary need matches its description. Use Gradient Generator if your need matches its description. Both are free, so trying both is also a valid answer.

Are both CSS Shadow Builder and Gradient Generator really free?

Yes. Both tools are free with no signup, no credit card, and no usage caps. We monetize through optional digital products and tasteful display ads, never by gating the tools.

Can I use both at the same time?

Yes. Many users keep both bookmarked. UtilityApps tools are designed to compose — output from one tool is often useful input to another.

Are they private?

Both tools follow the UtilityApps privacy model: most processing happens in your browser, and we never log inputs. See the privacy policy for details.

Feature

CSS Shadow Builder

Gradient Generator