---
title: Dynamic shadow
tags: visual,intermediate
---

Creates a shadow similar to `box-shadow` but based on the colors of the element itself.

```html
<div class="dynamic-shadow"></div>
```

```css
.dynamic-shadow {
  position: relative;
  width: 10rem;
  height: 10rem;
  background: linear-gradient(75deg, #6d78ff, #00ffb8);
  z-index: 1;
}

.dynamic-shadow:after {
  content: '';
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  position: absolute;
  background: inherit;
  top: 0.5rem;
  filter: blur(0.4rem);
  opacity: 0.7;
  z-index: -1;
}
```

#### Explanation

- `position: relative` on the element establishes a Cartesian positioning context for psuedo-elements.
- `z-index: 1` establishes a new stacking context.
- `:after` defines a pseudo-element.
- `position: absolute` takes the pseudo element out of the flow of the document and positions it in relation to the parent.
- `width: 100%` and `height: 100%` sizes the pseudo-element to fill its parent's dimensions, making it equal in size.
- `background: inherit` causes the pseudo-element to inherit the linear gradient specified on the element.
- `top: 0.5rem` offsets the pseudo-element down slightly from its parent.
- `filter: blur(0.4rem)` will blur the pseudo-element to create the appearance of a shadow underneath.
- `opacity: 0.7` makes the pseudo-element partially transparent.
- `z-index: -1` positions the pseudo-element behind the parent but in front of the background.