CSS Gradient Generator

Build a CSS gradient without writing it by hand

This gradient generator turns visual choices into valid CSS. Choose a linear or radial gradient, select your colours, move each stop to control where transitions happen, and copy the finished background declaration straight into your stylesheet.

For linear gradients, the angle controls the direction of the blend. A value of 0° runs bottom to top, 90° runs left to right, and 180° reverses the vertical direction. Radial gradients spread outward from the centre and do not use an angle.

Three common gradient styles

Two stops are often enough for a clean interface gradient. Additional stops give you more control for richer backgrounds, but too many strong colours can make text harder to read. If the gradient sits behind text or a button, run the finished colours through the contrast checker.

How to make gradients look intentional

1. Start with related colours. Colours that share similar saturation and brightness usually blend more naturally.
2. Move the stops, not just the colours. Positioning a stop at 30% or 70% can change the visual balance more than adding another colour.
3. Use subtle gradients for UI surfaces. Small shifts in lightness often work better than highly saturated rainbow effects.
4. Check readability. A gradient can pass contrast in one area and fail in another, so test the darkest and lightest parts behind important text.

If you need colours before building the gradient, try the random palette generator for inspiration or create a more systematic set with the brand colour palette generator.

CSS gradient generator FAQs