CSS Gradient Generator
CSS Gradient Generator builds a two-color linear-gradient() value using an angle in degrees. The browser interpolates intermediate colors across the element according to CSS color rules and the rendering environment. The generated declaration is a starting point: text contrast can vary continuously across the gradient, and angles, stops, banding, and fallbacks need real-layout testing.
Runs locally — files stay on your deviceWhat CSS creates a left-to-right red-to-blue gradient?
A common form is linear-gradient(90deg, #ff0000, #0000ff).
A linear gradient interpolates color along an axis
The angle sets gradient direction and the two color stops set its endpoints. Without explicit stop positions, the browser places the first at the start and second at the end.
How it works
Choose two colors and an angle, copy the CSS value, and test it at the actual element size. Verify text against the lightest and darkest regions rather than only at one point.
Key concepts
CSS angle orientation
In CSS gradients, 0deg points upward and 90deg points right.
Contrast varies along the fill
A foreground can pass over one stop and fail over the other or midpoint.
When to use it
- Create a simple two-color background.
- Explore direction and endpoint colors.
- Generate a copyable CSS starting value.
When not to use it
- Do not assume one text color passes contrast everywhere.
- Do not use gradients as the only cue for critical information.
- Do not expect identical appearance across every gamut and display.
Worked examples
Horizontal gradient
- Input
Red, blue, 90deg- Expected output
linear-gradient(90deg, #ff0000, #0000ff)
The transition runs toward the right.
Vertical downward
- Input
White, black, 180deg- Expected output
White at top toward black below
CSS angle direction differs from some design tools.
Same colors
- Input
Green, green, any angle- Expected output
Solid-looking green
There is no visible change between identical stops.
Common mistakes
Assuming 0deg points right
CSS defines 0deg upward. Correction: Use 90deg for left-to-right.
Checking contrast at one endpoint
The gradient contains many intermediate backgrounds. Correction: Test the entire text area and responsive sizes.
Omitting fallback consideration
Print or constrained environments may render differently. Correction: Provide a suitable base background color where needed.
Best practices
- Test at real element dimensions.
- Check all foreground positions and states.
- Use explicit stops when design control requires them.
Related operations and differences
Complementary Color Generator
Choose Complementary Color Generator when you need to find the color opposite on the hue wheel.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
Analogous Color Generator
Choose Analogous Color Generator when you need to generate neighboring harmonious colors.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
Color Shade Generator
Choose Color Shade Generator when you need to create darker shades of a base color.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
Color Tint Generator
Choose Color Tint Generator when you need to create lighter tints of a base color.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
HEX to HSL Converter
Choose HEX to HSL Converter when you need to convert a HEX color to HSL.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
HEX to RGB Converter
Choose HEX to RGB Converter when you need to convert a HEX color to RGB.; use CSS Gradient Generator specifically for gradient.
Limitations and privacy
- Only two colors and one linear angle are generated.
- No radial, conic, multi-stop, dithering, or contrast optimization is included.
- Rendering can vary with color interpolation and display.
Color values are calculated locally in this browser.
Frequently asked questions
What direction is 90deg in CSS?
Toward the right.
Can a gradient have more than two stops?
CSS can, but this generator creates two.
Does the tool guarantee readable text?
No. Contrast varies across the gradient.
Why can gradients show bands?
Limited color depth, compression, display behavior, and subtle transitions can expose banding.