Neumorphism Generator
Create soft, tactile interfaces with subtle shadows that bring depth and dimension to your designs.
What is Neumorphism?
Neumorphism, also called soft UI, is a design trend that creates a soft, extruded plastic look using subtle shadows.
Elements appear to either float above or sink into the background, creating tactile, three-dimensional interfaces.
This style combines elements of skeuomorphism and flat design, resulting in minimalist yet physically realistic appearances that suggest real-world depth and interactivity.
Creating Neumorphic Effects
Master the technique behind soft UI shadows and depth
Dual Shadow Technique
Neumorphism relies on dual shadows—one light and one dark—positioned on opposite sides of an element. The background color must closely match the element color for the effect to work properly.
Light shadows typically appear on the top-left, while dark shadows appear on the bottom-right, mimicking natural lighting conditions. This creates the illusion of elements being pressed into or raised from the surface.
Flat
Raised elements
Concave
Pressed in
Convex
Highly raised
Pressed
Combined effect
Four Distinct Styles
Our generator offers four distinct styles: flat (raised elements), concave (pressed into the surface), convex (extremely raised), and pressed (combination of both). Each style serves different interaction purposes—flat for cards and panels, concave for pressed buttons, and convex for prominent call-to-action elements.
Best Practices for Soft UI
Essential guidelines for creating effective neumorphic designs
Color and Contrast
Successful neumorphism requires careful attention to color and contrast. Use light gray backgrounds (#e0e5ec is classic) rather than pure white or dark colors.
Maintain low contrast between elements and backgrounds—high contrast breaks the illusion. Keep shadow distances moderate (10-20px) and blur substantial (20-40px) for soft, realistic effects.
Size and Scale
Avoid using neumorphism for text or small elements where the shadows might reduce readability. Reserve the effect for larger UI components like cards, buttons, and input fields.
Consider accessibility implications—subtle shadows can be difficult for users with visual impairments to perceive, so ensure interactive elements have additional indicators beyond just neumorphic styling.
When to Use Neumorphism
Neumorphism works best for minimalist applications, dashboards, and design-forward projects where aesthetics are paramount. It excels in creating cohesive, monochromatic interfaces with sophisticated depth.
However, consider combining it with other design patterns—pure neumorphic interfaces can lack visual hierarchy and accessibility. Use it strategically for featured elements while maintaining traditional design patterns for critical functionality.
💡Pro Tip
Use neumorphism for hero sections, featured cards, or primary CTAs while keeping navigation and body content in more traditional styles. This creates visual interest without sacrificing usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about neumorphism and soft UI
What's the difference between neumorphism and skeuomorphism?+
Skeuomorphism mimics real-world objects with detailed textures and gradients, while neumorphism creates subtle, minimalist depth using only shadows. Neumorphism is more abstract and modern, focusing on soft elevation rather than realistic material representation. Both create depth, but neumorphism does so with extreme minimalism.
Why doesn't neumorphism work with dark colors?+
Neumorphism requires sufficient room for both lighter and darker shadows. Dark backgrounds leave little space for darker shadows, while very light backgrounds limit lighter shadows. Mid-range grays provide optimal balance. Dark mode neumorphism is possible but requires careful adjustment—use slightly lighter backgrounds (#2d3748 instead of black) and reverse the shadow positioning.
What are the accessibility concerns with neumorphism?+
Neumorphism's low contrast can create readability issues for users with visual impairments. Interactive elements may not be immediately obvious without clear affordances. Always provide additional visual cues like icons, text labels, or color changes on hover. Ensure sufficient contrast for text and maintain WCAG compliance alongside neumorphic styling.
Can I combine neumorphism with other design styles?+
Absolutely! Many designers use neumorphism selectively within otherwise flat or material design interfaces. This hybrid approach leverages neumorphism's visual appeal for featured elements while maintaining clarity and accessibility elsewhere. Consider using neumorphic effects for hero sections, primary buttons, or cards while keeping standard styling for navigation and content areas.
How do I choose between flat, concave, and convex styles?+
Use flat (raised) for cards, panels, and default states. Choose concave (pressed) for active or toggled buttons to indicate they've been clicked. Convex works well for prominent call-to-action elements you want to emphasize. Pressed style combines effects for toggles or switches. Match the visual metaphor to the interaction—pressed elements should look sunken, while clickable elements should appear raised.
Ready to Create Soft UI Elements?
Use our neumorphism generator above to design tactile interfaces with subtle shadows and depth.