The first two length values set the shadow's horizontal and vertical offset from the original text, positive values shifting it right and down respectively, an optional third length value sets the blur radius, softening the shadow's edges the larger it is, and the final value sets the shadow's color. Multiple shadows can be layered by separating complete shadow definitions with commas, each rendering independently behind the text, which is a common technique for creating a more elaborate glow or multi-layered depth effect beyond what a single shadow alone can achieve.
1Understanding Text-shadow
The first two length values set the shadow's horizontal and vertical offset from the original text, positive values shifting it right and down respectively, an optional third length value sets the blur radius, softening the shadow's edges the larger it is, and the final value sets the shadow's color. Multiple shadows can be layered by separating complete shadow definitions with commas, each rendering independently behind the text, which is a common technique for creating a more elaborate glow or multi-layered depth effect beyond what a single shadow alone can achieve.
Setting the horizontal and vertical offsets both to 0, paired with a nonzero blur radius, creates an even glow effect surrounding the text in every direction, rather than a directional drop-shadow offset to one side.
.hero-title {
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}2Practical Example
Here is a real-world application of Text-shadow showing how it is used in production CSS code.
.glow-text {
color: white;
text-shadow: 0 0 10px #00f0ff;
}3Best Practices
Follow these guidelines when working with Text-shadow:
1. Use a subtle offset and blur, rather than large, harsh values, for a tasteful drop-shadow effect that improves text legibility over a busy or image background without looking heavy-handed
2. Set both offsets to 0 with a blur radius for an even glow effect surrounding the text uniformly, rather than a directional shadow
3. Layer multiple comma-separated text-shadow values for more elaborate effects, like combining a tight, dark shadow for depth with a larger, colored one for glow
Tip: Setting the horizontal and vertical offsets both to 0, paired with a nonzero blur radius, creates an even glow effect surrounding the text in every direction, rather than a directional drop-shadow offset to one side.
.hero-title {
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5);
}