Last Update: 14 Nov 2024
If you’re diving deep into CSS, you might have come across two similar-sounding properties: box-shadow
and drop-shadow
. Although they seem to do the same thing—adding shadows—they’re used in different contexts and have unique applications. Let's break down their differences and explore when to use each one.
box-shadow
is a CSS property that lets you add shadow effects to any HTML element's box, including images, divs, buttons, or text containers. This shadow is applied directly to the element's box. This gives you full control over the shadow's color, blur, spread, and offset.
Syntax
box-shadow: offset-x offset-y blur-radius spread-radius color;
Example
.card {
box-shadow: 4px 4px 10px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3);
}
box-shadow
box-shadow
box-shadow
is perfect when you want to add shadows to a basic box, image, or element container, making it appear slightly elevated or giving it a soft glow. It works best with standard HTML elements without complex shapes.
The drop-shadow
function adds a shadow effect to an element's content. It is often used with CSS filter
properties. Unlike box-shadow
, which strictly applies shadows to the box model of an element, drop-shadow
can trace complex shapes like transparent images and SVG elements, giving them more realistic shadows.
Syntax
filter: drop-shadow(offset-x offset-y blur-radius color);
Example
.icon {
filter: drop-shadow(4px 4px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3));
}
drop-shadow
drop-shadow
drop-shadow
is ideal for elements with transparent backgrounds, such as PNG images, icons, or SVGs. If you’re working with irregularly shaped images, drop-shadow
will outline the shape itself rather than applying the shadow to a box around it. This makes it highly useful for creating more organic-looking shadows.
Feature | box-shadow | drop-shadow |
Applied To | Element’s box model | Content of the element |
Ideal For | Regular HTML elements (divs, buttons) | Transparent images, icons, and SVGs |
Syntax | box-shadow: offset-x offset-y blur-radius spread-radius color; | filter: drop-shadow(offset-x offset-y blur-radius color); |
Shape Handling | Limited to box boundaries | Follows content shape, ideal for complex shapes |
box-shadow
to a Cardhtml
<div class="card">
<p>This is a card with a box shadow.</p>
</div>
css
.card {
width: 200px;
padding: 20px;
background: white;
box-shadow: 4px 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
}
Example 2: Using drop-shadow
on an Icon
html
<img src="logo.png" alt="Logo" class="icon" />
css
.icon {
filter: drop-shadow(4px 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3));
}
In this example, drop-shadow
would apply a shadow that follows the contour of the logo, making it look much more natural.
box-shadow
for standard elements and simple rectangular shapes. It’s a versatile property that’s easy to use and perfect for adding depth to your elements.drop-shadow
when working with images, icons, or SVGs with transparent areas. It’s especially useful for complex shapes where a regular box shadow wouldn't look right.Understanding these two properties can help you make more visually engaging designs, giving you control over how shadows interact with both simple and complex shapes.
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