CSS Filter Generator
Apply visual filter effects like blur and brightness to elements.
Generate CSS filter code with real-time visual preview. Apply blur, brightness, contrast, grayscale, hue-rotate, invert, saturate, and sepia filters. Copy CSS code instantly.
What is CSS Filter Generator?
CSS Filter Generator is a free online tool that helps you create stunning visual filter effects for images and elements on your website. Whether you're adjusting brightness, adding blur, creating grayscale effects, or applying vintage sepia tones, this tool provides real-time visual preview and generates clean CSS code.
With our filter generator, you can:
- Apply 8 different filters - blur, brightness, contrast, grayscale, hue-rotate, invert, saturate, sepia
- Combine multiple filters for unique effects
- Preview in real-time with visual feedback
- Fine-tune each filter with precise slider controls
- Work seamlessly in both light and dark themes
- Copy instantly with vendor prefixes included
Understanding CSS Filter
The filter property applies graphical effects like blur, brightness adjustments, or color shifts to elements. It's commonly used for images but works on any element.
Filter Syntax
The CSS filter property accepts one or more filter functions:
filter: function(value);Available Filter Functions:
Blur:
filter: blur(5px);
/* Applies Gaussian blur */Brightness:
filter: brightness(150%);
/* 100% = original, >100% = brighter, <100% = darker */Contrast:
filter: contrast(200%);
/* 100% = original, >100% = more contrast, <100% = less contrast */Grayscale:
filter: grayscale(100%);
/* 0% = original, 100% = completely grayscale */Hue Rotate:
filter: hue-rotate(90deg);
/* Rotates hue around color wheel (0-360deg) */Invert:
filter: invert(100%);
/* 0% = original, 100% = completely inverted */Saturate:
filter: saturate(200%);
/* 100% = original, >100% = more saturated, <100% = less saturated */Sepia:
filter: sepia(100%);
/* 0% = original, 100% = completely sepia */Multiple Filters:
filter: brightness(110%) contrast(120%) saturate(130%);
/* Combine multiple filters */Key Features
8 Powerful Filters
- Blur: Create depth of field or soften images (0-20px)
- Brightness: Lighten or darken (0-200%)
- Contrast: Increase or decrease contrast (0-200%)
- Saturate: Boost or reduce color intensity (0-200%)
- Grayscale: Convert to black and white (0-100%)
- Hue Rotate: Shift colors around the color wheel (0-360°)
- Invert: Create negative image effect (0-100%)
- Sepia: Apply vintage sepia tone (0-100%)
Visual Real-Time Preview
See filter effects applied instantly to a sample image.
Precise Control
Each filter has dedicated slider with appropriate range for best results.
Dark Theme Support
Works seamlessly in both light and dark modes.
Vendor Prefixes Included
Generated CSS includes -webkit-filter for maximum compatibility.
How to Use the CSS Filter Generator
Step 1: Adjust Basic Filters
Use the sliders in the Basic Filters section:
- Blur: Add blur effect (0-20px)
- Brightness: Adjust brightness (0-200%)
- Contrast: Modify contrast (0-200%)
- Saturate: Change color saturation (0-200%)
Step 2: Apply Color Filters
Use the sliders in the Color Filters section:
- Grayscale: Convert to black and white (0-100%)
- Hue Rotate: Shift colors (0-360°)
- Invert: Create negative effect (0-100%)
- Sepia: Apply vintage tone (0-100%)
Step 3: Preview in Real-Time
Watch the sample image update instantly as you adjust filters.
Step 4: Copy CSS Code
Click the Copy button to copy the generated CSS code with vendor prefixes.
Step 5: Reset if Needed
Click Reset to return all filters to default values.
Common Use Cases and Examples
Black and White Photography
filter: grayscale(100%) contrast(110%);Use for: Artistic photos, portfolio images
Vintage/Retro Effect
filter: sepia(60%) contrast(90%) brightness(105%);Use for: Nostalgic designs, retro themes
Vibrant Colors
filter: saturate(150%) contrast(110%) brightness(105%);Use for: Product photos, eye-catching images
Soft Focus Effect
filter: blur(2px) brightness(105%);Use for: Background images, dreamy effects
Dark Mode Image Adjustment
filter: brightness(80%) contrast(90%);Use for: Reducing image brightness in dark themes
Hover Effect - Desaturate
.image {
filter: grayscale(0%);
transition: filter 0.3s;
}
.image:hover {
filter: grayscale(100%);
}Use for: Interactive galleries, hover effects
Neon Effect
filter: brightness(150%) saturate(200%) hue-rotate(90deg);Use for: Creative designs, modern aesthetics
Inverted Colors (Dark Mode)
@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
img {
filter: invert(100%) hue-rotate(180deg);
}
}Use for: Auto dark mode for images
Filter Best Practices
1. Combine Filters Wisely
Multiple filters work together. Start subtle and build up:
filter: brightness(105%) contrast(110%) saturate(120%);2. Use Transitions for Smooth Effects
.image {
filter: grayscale(0%);
transition: filter 0.3s ease;
}
.image:hover {
filter: grayscale(100%);
}3. Consider Performance
Filters are GPU-accelerated but can impact performance on many elements. Use sparingly on large images.
4. Test Accessibility
Ensure filtered images maintain sufficient contrast for readability.
5. Responsive Filters
Adjust filters for different screen sizes:
@media (max-width: 768px) {
.image {
filter: brightness(110%); /* Brighter on mobile */
}
}6. Preserve Original Images
Keep original images unchanged. Apply filters via CSS for flexibility.
Browser Compatibility
The filter property is widely supported across all modern browsers:
- Chrome: Version 53 and above - Full support (with prefix from v18)
- Firefox: Version 35 and above - Full support
- Safari: Version 9.1 and above - Full support (with prefix from v6)
- Edge: Version 12 and above - Full support
- Opera: Version 40 and above - Full support (with prefix from v15)
- iOS Safari: Version 9.3 and above - Full support (with prefix from v6)
- Android Browser: Version 4.4 and above - Full support (with prefix from v4.4)
Note: Our generator includes -webkit-filter prefix for older browser versions.
Advanced Filter Techniques
Backdrop Filter
Apply filters to background behind element:
.glass {
backdrop-filter: blur(10px) saturate(180%);
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.3);
}CSS Variables for Dynamic Filters
:root {
--image-brightness: 100%;
--image-contrast: 100%;
}
.image {
filter: brightness(var(--image-brightness)) contrast(var(--image-contrast));
}Animated Filters
@keyframes colorShift {
0% {
filter: hue-rotate(0deg);
}
100% {
filter: hue-rotate(360deg);
}
}
.image {
animation: colorShift 10s linear infinite;
}Filter with Mix-Blend-Mode
Combine filters with blend modes:
.image {
filter: saturate(150%);
mix-blend-mode: multiply;
}Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CSS filter property?
The filter property applies graphical effects like blur, brightness, contrast, and color adjustments to elements, commonly used for images.
Can I use multiple filters together?
Yes! Separate multiple filters with spaces: filter: blur(5px) brightness(110%) contrast(120%);
What's the difference between filter and backdrop-filter?
filter applies to the element itself. backdrop-filter applies to the area behind the element (useful for glassmorphism effects).
Do filters affect performance?
Filters are GPU-accelerated but can impact performance on many elements or large images. Use judiciously.
Can I animate CSS filters?
Yes! Use CSS transitions for hover effects or @keyframes for continuous animations.
What's the best way to create black and white images?
Use filter: grayscale(100%); for complete black and white conversion.
How do I create a blur effect?
Use filter: blur(5px); where the value controls blur intensity.
Can filters be applied to text?
Yes! Filters work on any element, including text, though it's most commonly used for images.
What's the difference between saturate and brightness?
saturate affects color intensity. brightness affects overall lightness/darkness of the image.
How do I create a vintage photo effect?
Combine sepia, contrast, and brightness: filter: sepia(60%) contrast(90%) brightness(105%);
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