A CSS gradient generator helps you design smooth color transitions for web backgrounds without writing code by hand. Gradients are used throughout modern web design to add depth, visual interest, and brand personality to headers, buttons, cards, and full-page backgrounds. This free tool lets you build linear, radial, and conic gradients visually, customize color stops, and export production-ready CSS or Tailwind classes instantly.
Gradient Preview
Settings
Color Stops
Preset Gradients
CSS Output
background: linear-gradient(90deg, #7c3aed 0%, #a78bfa 50%, #ddd6fe 100%);
How to Use the CSS Gradient Generator
CSS gradients are one of the most versatile tools in modern web design, allowing you to create smooth transitions between colors for backgrounds, overlays, buttons, and decorative elements. Writing gradient syntax by hand can be tedious and error-prone, especially when working with multiple color stops and custom angles. This free CSS gradient generator gives you a visual canvas to experiment with colors and instantly produces the CSS code you need.
Step 1: Choose a Gradient Type
Start by selecting your gradient type from the dropdown. A linear gradient transitions colors along a straight line and is the most common type. A radial gradient radiates outward from a center point, creating a circular or elliptical effect. A conic gradient sweeps colors around a center point, similar to a color wheel or pie chart. Each type produces a different visual effect suited to different design needs.
Step 2: Set the Direction or Angle
For linear gradients, choose a direction from the dropdown (such as "To Right" or "To Bottom Right") or select "Custom Angle" to enter a precise degree value. An angle of 90deg goes left to right, 180deg goes top to bottom, and 45deg goes diagonally. Radial and conic gradients do not use a direction, as they radiate from the center.
Step 3: Customize Color Stops
Each gradient starts with two color stops. Use the color picker or type a hex code to choose colors, and adjust the position slider to control where each color appears along the gradient (0% is the start, 100% is the end). Click Add Stop to add up to five colors for more complex gradients. Click the remove button on any stop to delete it (minimum two stops required). The gradient preview updates in real time as you make changes.
Step 4: Use Presets or Randomize
If you want inspiration, browse the 12 curated preset gradients covering popular styles like Sunset, Ocean, Aurora, and Neon. Click any preset to load it into the editor, then customize it further. You can also click the Random button to generate a completely random gradient and discover unexpected color combinations that work beautifully together.
Step 5: Copy the CSS Code
The CSS output section shows the complete background property with your gradient. Click Copy to copy it to your clipboard and paste it directly into your stylesheet. Toggle the Tailwind CSS switch to see the equivalent Tailwind utility classes instead. The code is production-ready and works in all modern browsers without vendor prefixes.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide: 6 CSS Gradient Techniques That Look Professional.
FAQ
Is this CSS gradient generator free?
Yes, the CSS Gradient Generator is completely free to use with no limits. All gradient calculations and previews run in your browser. There is no account to create and no software to install.
Is my data safe when using this tool?
Absolutely. Everything runs locally in your browser. No gradient data or color values are sent to any server. Your creative work stays entirely on your device.
What types of CSS gradients can I create?
You can create three types of CSS gradients: linear gradients that transition in a straight line at any angle, radial gradients that radiate outward from a center point, and conic gradients that sweep colors around a center point like a pie chart or color wheel.
How do I add more color stops to my gradient?
Click the Add Stop button to add a new color stop. You can have between 2 and 5 color stops. Each stop has a color picker, hex input, and position slider to precisely control where the color appears in the gradient from 0% to 100%.
Can I export gradients for Tailwind CSS?
Yes. Toggle the Tailwind output option to see your gradient as Tailwind CSS utility classes. For linear gradients, this generates classes like bg-gradient-to-r with from, via, and to color utilities that you can paste directly into your HTML.
How do I change the gradient direction or angle?
For linear gradients, use the direction dropdown to choose preset directions like to right or to bottom right, or enter a custom angle in degrees using the angle input. Radial and conic gradients radiate from the center by default.
What are the preset gradients and how do I use them?
The tool includes 12 curated preset gradients covering popular design trends like sunset, ocean, aurora, and more. Click any preset to instantly load its colors, direction, and type into the editor. You can then customize it further to match your design.
How do I copy the CSS code for my gradient?
Click the Copy CSS button below the output code area to copy the complete CSS background property to your clipboard. The code is ready to paste into your stylesheet and includes the gradient function with all color stops and direction.