freeboxshadow.app vs shadows.brumm.af — CSS Shadow Generator Comparison

Both freeboxshadow.app and shadows.brumm.af (Smooth Shadow by Tobias Brumm) are free browser-based tools for generating CSS box shadows. They take different approaches: shadows.brumm.af excels at producing smooth, multi-layered elevation shadows from a single set of controls, while freeboxshadow.app provides granular per-layer editing with presets and inset shadow support. This comparison covers features, workflow differences, and when to pick each tool.

How do these two shadow generators compare?

shadows.brumm.af is a focused tool built around the concept of smooth layered shadows. You set a target shadow distance, blur amount, spread, and the number of layers, and the tool automatically interpolates intermediate values to produce a natural-looking elevation effect. It is minimal, elegant, and very fast for its specific use case.

freeboxshadow.app takes a more hands-on approach. Each shadow layer is independently configurable with its own horizontal offset, vertical offset, blur, spread, color, and opacity values. You can add as many layers as you need, reorder them, toggle inset mode per layer, and choose from built-in presets to jumpstart your design. The result is greater flexibility at the cost of a bit more manual effort.

Feature comparison table

Feature	freeboxshadow.app	shadows.brumm.af
Multiple shadow layers	✓ Independent per-layer control	✓ Auto-interpolated from one input
Inset (inner) shadows	✓ Toggle per layer	✕ Not supported
Shadow presets	✓ Built-in preset library	✕ No presets
Smooth layered shadows	Manual Stack layers yourself	✓ Core feature, automatic
Per-layer color control	✓ Independent colors	Single One color for all layers
Live CSS preview	✓	✓
Copy CSS output	✓ One-click copy	✓ One-click copy
Custom preview background	✓	✕
Dark mode	✓	✓
No sign-up / no tracking	✓	✓
Open source	✕	✓

When should you choose shadows.brumm.af?

Strengths

One-slider smooth layered shadows
Extremely fast for elevation effects
Clean, minimal interface
Open source (GitHub)
Easing curve control for layer distribution

Limitations

No inset shadow support
No per-layer independent editing
Single color for all layers
No preset library
No custom preview background color

shadows.brumm.af is the right choice when you need a quick, polished elevation shadow and don't need per-layer customization. It's particularly effective for material-design-style card shadows and subtle hover effects where smooth distribution across many layers creates a natural look with minimal effort.

When should you choose freeboxshadow.app?

Strengths

Full per-layer control (offset, blur, spread, color)
Inset shadow support on any layer
Built-in presets for common shadow styles
Mix outer and inner shadows freely
Custom preview background
No sign-up, no tracking, no ads

Limitations

No automatic smooth-layer interpolation
More manual work for layered elevation effects
Not open source

freeboxshadow.app is the better fit when you need precise control over every aspect of your shadow, when your design requires inset shadows, or when you want to start from a preset and customize from there. It handles complex multi-shadow compositions where each layer serves a different purpose — for example, a subtle outer shadow combined with an inner glow.

How does the CSS output compare?

Both tools generate standard box-shadow CSS that works in all modern browsers. shadows.brumm.af produces output like:

box-shadow: 0 0.3px 0.4px rgba(0,0,0,0.02), 0 0.9px 1.1px rgba(0,0,0,0.03), 0 2.1px 2.6px rgba(0,0,0,0.04), 0 7px 8.6px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);

freeboxshadow.app gives you the same standard syntax, but because each layer is independent, you might combine different shadow types:

box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08), 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.06), inset 0 1px 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1);

Both outputs are copy-paste ready. freeboxshadow.app provides a one-click copy button; shadows.brumm.af does the same.

The verdict: different tools for different needs

There is no single "better" tool here. shadows.brumm.af is a specialist — if you want smooth, realistic layered shadows with minimal effort, it does that brilliantly. freeboxshadow.app is a generalist — it handles smooth shadows, sharp shadows, inset shadows, glows, and complex multi-layer compositions with full individual layer control and presets. Choose based on your current task.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between freeboxshadow.app and shadows.brumm.af?

shadows.brumm.af (Smooth Shadow) specializes in generating smooth, layered shadows from a single set of inputs — you control the final shadow distance, blur, spread, and the number of layers, and the tool interpolates the rest. freeboxshadow.app gives you individual control over each shadow layer with independent settings for offset, blur, spread, color, and opacity, plus built-in presets and inset shadow support.

Does shadows.brumm.af support inset shadows?

No. shadows.brumm.af focuses exclusively on outer layered shadows. If you need inset (inner) shadows, freeboxshadow.app supports toggling any layer between outer and inset mode.

Which tool is better for smooth, realistic shadows?

shadows.brumm.af is purpose-built for smooth layered shadows and produces excellent results with minimal effort. freeboxshadow.app can achieve similar results by manually stacking layers, and also includes presets for common smooth shadow styles.

Do either of these tools require sign-up or payment?

Both tools are free and require no sign-up. shadows.brumm.af is a free open-source project by Tobias Brumm. freeboxshadow.app is part of the Freesuite collection and runs entirely in your browser with no tracking or ads.

Can I use multiple independent shadow layers in shadows.brumm.af?

shadows.brumm.af generates multiple layers automatically from a single input, but all layers share the same direction and are interpolated — you cannot edit each layer independently. freeboxshadow.app lets you add, remove, reorder, and individually configure each shadow layer.

Which shadow generator should I use for quick prototyping?

For quick, smooth elevation shadows, shadows.brumm.af is extremely fast — one slider produces a polished result. For more control, presets, inset shadows, or when you need to match a specific design system, freeboxshadow.app gives you the flexibility to fine-tune every parameter.

Try freeboxshadow.app now

Generate CSS box shadows with full layer control, presets, and inset support — free, private, no sign-up.

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