Color and UI
Use this guide to create a restrained set of shadows for depth and hierarchy. It is written for practical creative workflows where the final asset needs to be easy to edit, export, document, and hand off.
When This Matters
Build a CSS Box Shadow System is most useful when the same task repeats across multiple files, teammates, platforms, or publishing slots. A small checklist prevents last-minute guessing and keeps the work tied to the right format, size, shortcut, color role, or prompt purpose.
Recommended Workflow
- Define two or three elevation levels, not ten.
- Use blur and opacity more than heavy offsets.
- Preview shadows on the actual surface color.
- Name shadows by role such as card, popover, and focus.
Common Mistakes
- Using strong shadows on every component.
- Mixing colored shadows without a design reason.
- Ignoring dark mode or high contrast modes.
Use the Related Tool
Open Box Shadow Generator to apply this workflow in the browser. The related Fundy tool is free, local-first, and designed to produce a copyable or downloadable result.
Handoff Checklist
- Confirm the final file, shortcut sheet, palette, or prompt matches the intended use.
- Keep a source copy separate from exported delivery files.
- Name the output clearly enough for another person to understand without opening it.
- Link back to the tool or guide when sharing the workflow with a teammate.