CSS Gradient Generator
Build beautiful linear, radial, and conic CSS gradients with a visual multi-stop editor. Adjust colors, angles, and positions — then copy production-ready CSS code instantly. Free online gradient maker.
Gradient Type
Color Stops
CSS Code
Preview Shapes
Current Palette
Click "Use Palette Colors" to apply these as gradient stops.
Understanding CSS Gradients
CSS gradients are images generated by the browser that transition smoothly between two or more colors. Unlike image files, gradients are resolution-independent, infinitely scalable, and add zero file size to your bundle. They're defined using CSS functions: linear-gradient(), radial-gradient(), and conic-gradient().
Linear gradients transition along a straight line at a specified angle. Use them for backgrounds, button effects, text gradients, and decorative borders. Radial gradients emanate from a center point outward — ideal for spotlight effects, glows, and circular UI elements. Conic gradients sweep around a center point like a color wheel — great for pie charts, loading spinners, and artistic effects.
Each gradient can have multiple color stops positioned along the gradient line. Adding more stops creates richer, more complex transitions. Kulr's visual editor lets you drag stops, adjust positions, and see the CSS output in real time — no manual coding required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CSS gradient?
A CSS gradient is a browser-rendered image that creates smooth color transitions. Unlike raster images, gradients are vector-based, scale to any resolution, and are defined purely in code. They're supported in all modern browsers and can be used anywhere a CSS background-image is valid.
What's the difference between linear, radial, and conic gradients?
Linear gradients transition along a straight line at a specified angle (e.g., top to bottom, 45°). Radial gradients radiate outward from a center point in a circular or elliptical shape. Conic gradients sweep colors around a center point, like the hands of a clock — useful for color wheels and pie-chart-style effects.
How many color stops can I use?
CSS has no practical limit on gradient color stops. Most designs use 2-4 stops for clean results. Adding too many stops can create muddy transitions. Use the 'Add Stop' button to experiment, and remove stops that don't contribute to the overall look.
Can I animate CSS gradients?
CSS gradients can't be directly animated with CSS transitions (since they're treated as images, not colors). However, you can animate gradients using CSS @property (registered custom properties), JavaScript, or by transitioning a pseudo-element's opacity. Another common technique is animating the background-position or background-size of an oversized gradient.
Are CSS gradients accessible?
Gradients themselves don't affect accessibility, but text placed over gradients must maintain sufficient contrast. Always check your text-to-background contrast ratio using a tool like Kulr's Contrast Checker. Avoid placing small text over busy multi-stop gradients where contrast varies across the element.