Gradient Maker
Create beautiful color gradients instantly with ColorKit’s free gradient generator.
Gradient Inspiration
Get inspired by the top gradients on ColorKit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the gradient maker tool?
Pick your colors right on the gradient bar. Drag any stop to move it, click an empty spot on the bar to drop in a new one, and use the Color and Position fields to fine-tune the selected stop. Switch between linear, radial, and conic, set the rotation, then hit Copy CSS. Short on ideas? The magic wand button generates a gradient from any mood or phrase with AI.
What is a gradient generator?
A gradient generator is a browser tool for blending two or more colors into a smooth transition and handing you the CSS to use it. ColorKit’s lets you place as many color stops as you like, control exactly where each one sits, and export the result as CSS, an image, or code.
Can I save my created gradients?
Yes! Once you’ve created a gradient you like, simply click the “Save” button. This allows you to store your favorite gradients for future use or reference in ColorKit.
How do I export my gradient for use in other projects?
You have two routes. Copy CSS grabs the gradient’s CSS in a single click, ready to paste into a stylesheet. The Export button opens more options, including downloading the gradient as a PNG image or copying it as code. Either way it drops straight into a web design, graphic, or app.
Is it possible to create gradients with more than two colors?
Yes. Click anywhere on the gradient bar to add a new color stop, or use the + Add button, up to eight stops in total. Drag each stop along the bar to control exactly where its color sits, and remove the selected one any time with the Remove link.
Where can I find inspiration for gradient combinations?
Use our “Gradient Inspiration” section to find popular gradient combinations created by other users. You can like your favorites and even use them as starting points for your own gradient.
What is the difference between linear, radial, and conic gradients?
A linear gradient blends colors along a straight line set by the rotation angle. A radial gradient blends outward from a center point in a circle. A conic gradient sweeps the colors around a center point like a color wheel. Switch between all three from the Type menu and the preview updates instantly.
How do I change the gradient’s angle or direction?
Set the Rotation field to any angle from 0 to 360 degrees. 90 degrees runs left to right, 180 degrees runs top to bottom, and 45 degrees runs on a diagonal. Rotation applies to linear and conic gradients. Radial gradients spread from the center, so the angle does not affect them.
Can I use these gradients with Tailwind or CSS variables?
Copy CSS gives you a ready-to-paste background rule. If you want the individual colors as design tokens, drop them into the shades generator or palette generator, which export as CSS variables, SCSS, JSON, or a Tailwind config.
Types of CSS gradients
Every gradient here is real CSS, so it scales cleanly and adds zero image weight to your page. There are three kinds worth knowing:
- Linear gradients blend colors along a straight line at the angle you set. They are the go-to for buttons, hero backgrounds, and cards.
- Radial gradients radiate outward from a center point, which makes them great for spotlights, glows, and soft focal areas.
- Conic gradients sweep colors around a center point, the basis for color wheels, pie-style charts, and angular accents.
Tips for designing better gradients
A few habits keep gradients looking smooth and intentional:
- Keep your colors close in hue or brightness for a calm blend, or push them apart for something bold and vibrant.
- Two or three stops usually reads cleaner than a crowd of colors. Add stops only where you want the blend to change direction.
- Watch the midpoint. When two colors sit far apart on the color wheel, the middle can turn a muddy gray. Drop in a richer middle stop to fix it.
- Reuse a gradient as a palette by opening it in the palette generator, or browse the gradient gallery for ready-made combinations.
When you land on a gradient you love, copy the CSS, save it to your ColorKit account, or export it as an image to use anywhere.