The Fashionable Information For Making CSS Shapes — Smashing Journal
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You’ve got for positive googled “ create [shape_name] with CSS” at the least as soon as in your front-end profession if it’s not one thing you have already got bookmarked. And the variety of articles and demos you can see out there’s limitless.
Good, proper? Copy that code and drop it into the ol’ stylesheet. Ship it!
The issue is that you simply don’t perceive how the copied code works. Certain, it received the job finished, however lots of the most generally used CSS form snippets are sometimes dated and depend on issues like magic numbers to get the shapes good. So, the subsequent time you go into the code needing to make a change to it, it both makes little sense or is rigid to the purpose that you simply want a completely new answer.
So, right here it’s, your one-stop trendy information for create shapes in CSS! We’re going to discover the most typical CSS shapes whereas highlighting completely different CSS methods and methods that you may simply re-purpose for any type of form. The aim is to not learn to create particular shapes however somewhat to grasp the trendy methods that mean you can create any type of form you need.
Desk of Contents
You possibly can soar on to the subject you’re concerned about to search out related shapes or browse the complete list. Take pleasure in!
Why Not SVG?
I get requested this query usually, and my reply is at all times the identical: Use SVG in case you can! I’ve nothing in opposition to SVG. It’s simply one other method for creating shapes utilizing one other syntax with one other set of concerns. If SVG was my experience, then I’d be writing about that as an alternative!
CSS is my discipline of experience, in order that’s the method we’re protecting for drawing shapes with code. Selecting CSS or SVG is usually a matter of selection. There could very properly be a superb motive why SVG is a greater match in your particular wants.
Many occasions, CSS will probably be your finest guess for ornamental issues or while you’re working with a selected factor within the markup that incorporates actual content material to be styled. In the end, although, you will have to contemplate what your venture’s necessities are and resolve whether or not a CSS form is admittedly what you might be on the lookout for.
Your First Useful resource
Earlier than we begin digging into code, please spend a couple of minutes over at my CSS Shape website. You can see many examples of CSS-only shapes. That is an ever-growing assortment that I often keep with new shapes and methods. Bookmark it and use it as a reference as we make our manner by way of this information.
Is it pretty straightforward to switch and tweak the CSS for these shapes?
Sure! The CSS for every form is optimized to be as versatile and environment friendly as potential. The CSS usually targets a single HTML factor to stop you from having to the touch an excessive amount of markup in addition to dropping the factor on the web page. Moreover, I make liberal use of CSS variables that mean you can modify issues simply in your wants.
Most of you don’t have time to know all of the methods and methods to create completely different shapes, so a web-based useful resource with ready-to-use snippets of code is usually a lifesaver!
Clipping Shapes In CSS
The CSS clip-path
property — and its polygon()
perform — is what we generally attain for when creating CSS Shapes. By the creation of widespread CSS shapes, we are going to be taught a number of methods that may enable you create different shapes simply.
Hexagons
Let’s begin with one of many best shapes; the hexagon. We first outline the form’s dimensions, then present the coordinates for the six factors and we’re finished.
.hexagon {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 0.866;
clip-path: polygon(
0% 25%,
0% 75%,
50% 100%,
100% 75%,
100% 25%,
50% 0%);
}
See the Pen [Hexagon shape using clip-path](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/JjVJJbG) by Temani Afif.
Straightforward, proper? However what if I instructed you that there’s a fair simpler option to do it? As an alternative of six factors, we are able to get by with simply 4.
A bit of-known trick with the polygon()
perform is that we’re allowed to set factors which are outdoors the [0% 100%]
vary. In different phrases, we are able to reduce outdoors the factor — which turns into tremendous helpful for this form as properly many others, as we’ll see.

We’re mainly drawing the form of a diamond the place two of the factors are set manner outdoors the bounds of the hexagon we’re making an attempt to make. That is maybe the very first lesson for drawing CSS shapes: Enable your self to assume outdoors the field — or at the least the form’s boundaries.
Look how a lot easier the code already appears:
.hexagon {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: cos(30deg);
clip-path: polygon(
-50% 50%,
50% 100%,
150% 50%,
50% 0
);
}
Did you discover that I up to date the aspect-ratio
property in there? I’m utilizing a trigonometric perform, cos()
, to exchange the magic quantity 0.866
. The precise worth of the ratio is the same as cos(30deg)
(or sin(60deg)
). Apart from, cos(30deg)
is so much simpler to recollect than 0.866
.
Right here’s one thing enjoyable we are able to do: swap the X and Y coordinate values. In different phrases, let’s change the polygon()
coordinates from this sample:
clip-path: polygon(X1 Y1, X2 Y2, ..., Xn Yn)
…to this, the place the Y values come earlier than the X values:
clip-path: polygon(Y1 X1, Y2 X2, ..., Yn Xn)
What we get is a brand new variation of the hexagon:
See the Pen [Another variation of the hexagon shape](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/BaEZrrP) by Temani Afif.
Swapping the X and Y values will make a type of swap between the vertical and horizontal axes, which can assist to get a unique form. Be aware that I’ve additionally up to date the ratio to 1/cos(30deg)
as an alternative of cos(30deg)
. Since we’re switching each axes, the brand new ratio must be equal to its inverse, i.e., R
(or R/1
) turns into 1/R
.
And since our CSS is nothing greater than a single type rule on a single selector, we are able to apply it to greater than a <div>
. For instance, the next demo consists of each variations of the unique hexagon, plus a 3rd instance that units the types on an <img>
factor.
See the Pen [CSS-only hexagon shapes (the modern way)](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/KKEMjxV) by Temani Afif.
There we go, our first form! We’re additionally strolling away with two priceless classes about creating shapes with CSS:
- The
polygon()
perform accepts factors outdoors the[0% 100%]
vary.
This permits us to clip shapes with fewer factors in some instances but additionally opens up prospects for creating extra shapes. - Switching axes is a stable method for creating form variations.
Within the case of a hexagon, swapping the values on the X and Y axes adjustments the hexagon’s course.
Octagons
An octagon is one other geometric form and it is extremely shut in nature to the hexagon. As an alternative of working with six sides, we’re working with eight to get what appears like the form of a standard visitors cease signal.
Let’s take the primary lesson we realized from working with hexagons and clip the factor with coordinates outdoors the form’s boundaries to maintain our clipping environment friendly. Consider it or not, we are able to truly set up all eight octagon sides with solely 4 factors, similar to we used solely 4 factors to ascertain the hexagon’s six sides.

I do know that visualizing the form with outdoors factors may be considerably troublesome as a result of we’re virtually turning the idea of clipping on its head. However with some follow, you get used to this psychological mannequin and develop muscle reminiscence for it.
Discover that the CSS is remarkably just like what we used to create a hexagon:
.octagon {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 1;
--o: calc(50% * tan(-22.5deg));
clip-path: polygon(
var(--o) 50%,
50% var(--o),
calc(100% - var(--o)) 50%,
50% calc(100% - var(--o))
);
}
Apart from the small trigonometric method, the construction of the code is equivalent to the final hexagon form — set the form’s dimensions, then clip the factors. And spot how I saved the maths calculation as a CSS variable to keep away from repeating that code.
If math isn’t actually your factor — and that’s completely advantageous! — do not forget that the formulation are merely one a part of the puzzle. There’s no want to return to your highschool geometry textbooks. You possibly can at all times discover the formulation you want for particular shapes in my online collection. Once more, that assortment is your first useful resource for creating CSS shapes!
And, in fact, we are able to apply this form to an <img>
factor as simply as we are able to a <div>
:
See the Pen [CSS-only octagon shapes (the modern way)](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/LYaxqEg) by Temani Afif.
There’s truly extra we are able to do to optimize our code. Think about the next:
.octa {
--w: 200px;
width: var(--w);
aspect-ratio: 1;
margin: calc(var(--w) * tan(22.5deg) / 2);
clip-path: polygon(0 50%, 50% 0, 100% 50%, 50% 100%) margin-box;
}
See the Pen [Octagon shape with margin-box](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/ZEZrLmr) by Temani Afif.
The obvious distinction is that the variable containing the maths perform (--o
) is eliminated, and we have now a brand new one, --w
, for setting the form’s dimensions.
However discover that we’re now setting margin
on the form and declaring a margin-box
key phrase on the finish of the clip-path
. It implies that the reference for the polygon()
is now set to the margin-box
as an alternative of the default border-box
.
In the event you look again at Determine 2, discover that the 4 factors used to attract the octagon are outdoors the form’s boundaries and have the identical distance from these boundaries. As an alternative of accounting for that distance contained in the clip-path
, the up to date code declares it on the margin
property, which makes the values of the coordinates simpler to outline.
That is the CSS we began with:
.octagon {
--o: calc(50% * tan(-22.5deg));
clip-path: polygon(var(--o) 50%, 50% var(--o), calc(100% - var(--o)) 50%, 50% calc(100% - var(--o)));
}
The optimization simplifies the clip-path
even when we have now an additional property:
.octagon {
--w: 200px;
margin: calc(var(--w) * tan(22.5deg) / 2);
clip-path: polygon(0 50%, 50% 0, 100% 50%, 50% 100%) margin-box;
}
All of the --o
variables are faraway from the clip-path
, and the margin
property will get that very same worth. I needed to introduce a brand new variable, --w
, to set the factor’s measurement dimensions as a result of I couldn’t depend on a share worth. On this explicit case, you’ll finish with some margin across the factor, however this trick can actually assist simplify calculations.
In the event you don’t need the additional margin, you may add padding as an alternative and apply the identical quantity of padding as a adverse margin. That’s one other trick to maintain polygons easy in a manner that works properly with photos. Here’s a demo displaying completely different shapes created with the identical clip-path
worth.
See the Pen [Different shapes using the same polygon](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/oNOOWqz) by Temani Afif.
Stars
Making a star form is at all times a bit tough, even if you’re snug utilizing clip-path
with the polygon()
perform. Clipping requires very exact values, so we both discover a ready-to-use snippet of CSS or fuss with it ourselves till we get it proper.
And if I have been to ask you what number of factors we have to reduce the form, you would possibly moderately reply that 10 factors are wanted. And you might be technically appropriate. However we are able to do higher utilizing solely 5 factors!

It could sound unattainable to make a star out of solely 5 factors, nevertheless it’s completely potential, and the trick is how the factors inside polygon()
are ordered. If we have been to attract a star with pencil on paper in a single steady line, we’d comply with the next order:

It’s the identical manner we used to attract stars as children — and it matches completely in CSS with polygon()
! That is one other hidden trick about clip-path
with polygon()
, and it results in one other key lesson for drawing CSS shapes: the strains we set up can intersect. Once more, we’re type of turning an idea on its head, even when it’s a sample all of us grew up making by hand.
Right here’s how these 5 factors translate to CSS:
.star {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 1;
clip-path: polygon(50% 0, /* (1) */
calc(50%*(1 + sin(.4turn))) calc(50%*(1 - cos(.4turn))), /* (2) */
calc(50%*(1 - sin(.2turn))) calc(50%*(1 - cos(.2turn))), /* (3) */
calc(50%*(1 + sin(.2turn))) calc(50%*(1 - cos(.2turn))), /* (4) */
calc(50%*(1 - sin(.4turn))) calc(50%*(1 - cos(.4turn))) /* (5) */
);
}
See the Pen [Star shape using clip-path](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/NWmvBeL) by Temani Afif.
I’m utilizing trigonometric features once more for accuracy with out resorting to magic numbers, however even when we calculate the values, the code remains to be higher than the normal 10-point method:
.star {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 1;
clip-path: polygon(50% 0, 79% 90%, 2% 35%, 98% 35%, 21% 90%);
}
Since we have now a symmetrical form, word that the second and fifth factors on the star share the identical Y coordinates. The identical is true for the third and fourth factors. And spot, too, that the X values have the identical distance to the middle (79% - 50% = 50% - 21%
). If we add these up, we see that the sum is the same as 100%
(79% + 21% = 100%
).
That leads us to one more main lesson on drawing CSS shapes: Think about the form’s symmetry as a result of that’s an enormous trace that there could also be duplicated values. This may cut back your effort in calculating/discovering the completely different values.
We already reduce the variety of factors as soon as from 10 to 5. Now, there are solely three factors to recollect — the remaining two may be found out from there, due to symmetry.
50% 0 /* (1) */
79% 90% /* (2) --> (100% - 79%) = 21% 90% /* (5) */
2% 35% /* (3) --> (100% - 2%) = 98% 35% /* (4) */
Return to the hexagon and octagon shapes and search for symmetry. You’ll discover repeated values as properly, and the clip-path
will all of a sudden look simpler to recollect!
Polygons & Starbursts
We’ve already coated stars, hexagons, and octagons, however what if you’re working with an unknown variety of factors or sides? It’s your decision an answer that’s able to adjusting the quantity for no matter state of affairs it’s used for. For this, we are able to take into account extra generic shapes like polygons and starbursts.

The humorous factor is that starbursts are mainly the very same factor as polygons, simply with half the factors that we are able to transfer inward.

I usually advise folks to make use of my on-line mills for shapes like these as a result of the clip-path
coordinates can get tough to put in writing and calculate by hand.
That mentioned, I actually imagine it’s nonetheless an excellent concept to grasp how the coordinates are calculated and the way they have an effect on the general form. I have an entire article on the topic so that you can be taught the nuances of calculating coordinates.
Parallelograms & Trapezoids
One other widespread form we at all times construct is a rectangle form the place we have now one or two slanted sides. They’ve quite a lot of names relying on the ultimate end result (e.g., parallelogram, trapezoid, skewed rectangle, and so forth), however all of them are constructed utilizing the identical CSS method.

First, we begin by making a primary rectangle by linking the 4 nook factors collectively:
clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%)
This code produces nothing as a result of our factor is already a rectangle. Additionally, word that 0
and 100%
are the one values we’re utilizing.
Subsequent, offset some values to get the form you need. Let’s say our offset must be equal to 10px
. If the worth is 0
, we replace it with 10px
, and if it’s 100%
we replace it with calc(100% - 10px)
. So simple as that!
However which worth do I have to replace and when?
Try to see! Open your browser’s developer instruments and replace the values in real-time to see how the form adjustments, and you’ll perceive what factors you have to replace. I’d lie if I instructed you that I write all of the shapes from reminiscence with out making any errors. Normally, I begin with the essential rectangle, and I add or replace factors till I get the form I need. Do that as a small homework train and create the shapes in Determine 11 by your self. You possibly can nonetheless discover all the proper code in my online collection for reference.
If you need extra CSS methods across the clip-path
property, verify my article “CSS Tricks To Master The clip-path
Property” which is an efficient follow-up to this part.
Masking Shapes In CSS
We simply labored with quite a few shapes that required us to determine quite a few factors and clip-path
by plotting their coordinates in a polygon()
. On this part, we are going to cowl round and curvy shapes whereas introducing the opposite property you’ll use probably the most when creating CSS shapes: the masks
property.
Just like the earlier part, we are going to create some shapes whereas highlighting the primary methods you have to know. Don’t neglect that the aim is to not learn to create particular shapes however to be taught the methods that mean you can create any type of form.
Circles & Holes
When speaking in regards to the masks
property, gradients are sure to return up. We will, for instance, “reduce” (however actually “masks”) a round gap out of a component with a radial-gradient
:
masks: radial-gradient(50px, #0000 98%, #000);
Why aren’t we utilizing a easy background
as an alternative? The masks
property permits us extra flexibility, like utilizing any shade we would like and making use of the impact on quite a lot of different parts, comparable to <img>
. If the colour and versatile utility aren’t an enormous deal, then you may definitely attain for the background
property as an alternative of reducing a gap.
Right here’s the masks
engaged on each a <div>
and <img>
:
See the Pen [Hole shape](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/OJGgGve) by Temani Afif.
It’s right here that I’d wish to name out one more lesson for creating shapes in CSS: The colours we use in gradients are fully unimportant when working with masks
.
All we care about is the colour worth’s alpha channel as a result of transparency is what’s masks
-ed out of the factor, establishing the round gap within the heart. The gradient’s opaque colours protect the visibility of the remainder of the factor. That’s why you’ll usually see me utilizing a black shade worth (e.g., #000
) for the seen half and a clear shade (e.g., #0000
) for the invisible half.
Discover the exhausting shade stops within the gradient. A clean transition between colours would result in blurry strains. If we take away that transition and sharply change from one shade to a different, we get clean, sharp edges. However not completely! I favor to maintain a really small transition (98%
as an alternative of 100%
) to keep away from jagged edges.
And with a easy radial-gradient
, we are able to obtain quite a lot of shapes, like reducing a circle from the highest or backside of a component.
See the Pen [Circular cut from the top & bottom](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/MWRvBOL) by Temani Afif.
Let’s change it up and make the reduce from the highest and the underside edges on the similar time:
See the Pen [Circular Cut at top and bottom](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/WNWEKdy) by Temani Afif.
If we give the gradient an express measurement, then it can repeat, leading to one more fancy form, a scooped border:
See the Pen [Scooped edges from top and bottom](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/eYoEjVa) by Temani Afif.
Somewhat than dissecting the code for that final instance, I need you to peek on the CSS and see for your self how the radial-gradient
is configured. You’ll discover that we went from a easy gap to a flowery border ornament by making only some adjustments.
Border Edges
The earlier demo is one instance of many fancy borders we are able to create. We will go wavy, spiked, scalloped, and extra!

As soon as once more, it’s all about CSS masks and gradients. Within the following articles, I give you examples and recipes for a lot of completely different prospects:
Remember to make it to the tip of the second article to see how this system can be utilized as decorative background patterns.
See the Pen [CSS only pattern](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/vYddpzK) by Temani Afif.
Rounded Arcs
That is one other occasion the place CSS gradients are the proper match for masks
-ing shapes. You’ve in all probability seen any such form a gazillion occasions as a result of it’s a standard sample for animated loading indications.

This time, we’re going to introduce one other method which is “composition”. It’s an operation we carry out between two gradient layers. We both use mask-composite
to outline it, or we declare the values on the masks
property.
The determine beneath illustrates the gradient configuration and the composition between every layer.

We begin with a radial-gradient
to create a full circle form. Then we use a conic-gradient
to create the form beneath it. Between the 2 gradients, we carry out an “intersect” composition to get the unclosed circle. Then we tack on two extra radial gradients to the masks
to get these good rounded endpoints on the unclosed circle. This time we take into account the default composition, “add”.
Gradients aren’t one thing new as we use them so much with the background
property however “composition” is the brand new idea I need you to bear in mind. It’s a really helpful one which unlocks quite a lot of prospects.
Prepared for the CSS?
.arc {
--b: 40px; /* border thickness */
--a: 240deg; /* development */
--_g:/var(--b) var(--b) radial-gradient(50% 50%,#000 98%,#0000) no-repeat;
masks:
high var(--_g),
calc(50% + 50% * sin(var(--a)))
calc(50% - 50% * cos(var(--a))) var(--_g),
conic-gradient(#000 var(--a), #0000 0) intersect,
radial-gradient(50% 50%, #0000 calc(100% - var(--b)), #000 0 98%, #0000)
}
See the Pen [Progress circle using mask](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/eYoEpom) by Temani Afif.
Even when the code appears a bit advanced at first look, the usage of CSS variables makes issues simpler to regulate. That’s an necessary CSS method I’m utilizing in most of the shapes I have created. A lot of them require advanced formulation and quite a lot of gradients, however ultimately, all it’s important to do is alter a number of variables to manage the form. So, let’s not spend an excessive amount of time explaining the maths expressions. I need to give attention to the methods and methods as a result of the CSS ideas are what’s necessary; keep in mind, you may at all times seize the maths. How CSS makes use of it’s key.
Discover that we are able to obtain the identical end result utilizing completely different gradient combos. It’s bizarre as a result of the syntax appears fully completely different. This snippet accomplishes the identical visible end result.
.arc {
--b: 40px; /* border thickness */
--a: 250deg; /* development */
padding: var(--b);
border-radius: 50%;
--_g: /var(--b) var(--b) radial-gradient(50% 50%, #000 97%, #0000 99%) no-repeat;
masks:
high var(--_g),
calc(50% + 50% * sin(var(--a)))
calc(50% - 50% * cos(var(--a))) var(--_g),
linear-gradient(#0000 0 0) content-box intersect,
conic-gradient(#000 var(--a), #0000 0);
}
I added border-radius
in there to around the factor and added padding
equal to the border’s thickness. Then, in case you verify the gradient used within the masks
, you will note that I’ve modified the radial-gradient
with a linear-gradient
containing a single clear shade that covers the factor’s content-box
.
Certain, there are two extra variables utilizing this method, however I did simplify the general gradient on the similar time. Yet one more legitimate method for a similar impact.
See the Pen [Untitled](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/WNWErpV) by Temani Afif.
Dashed Circles
We will produce extra round shapes with dashed edges utilizing the identical code we simply wrote:
See the Pen [Dashed border](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/KKvjjZN) by Temani Afif.
This time we’re combining two gradients in our masks
. One is a black-to-transparent repeating-conic-gradient
and the opposite is a clear linear-gradient
configured to cowl the factor as much as its content-box
and the mask-composite
property is ready to intersect
.
masks:
linear-gradient(#0000 0 0) content-box intersect,
repeating-conic-gradient( /* ... */ );
If you wish to dig deeper into mask-composite
, I counsel you to learn “Mask Compositing: The Crash Course” by Ana Tudor.
Rounded Tabs
Tabs are an excellent widespread design sample. Every tab is related to a panel of content material the place clicking a tab reveals that panel of content material. Tabs may be rectangular, however we regularly consider them as rounded, the way in which they’re on precise paper file folders.

We may get intelligent and use a pseudo-element for the form that’s positioned behind the set of panels, however that introduces extra complexity and glued values than we must have. As an alternative, we are able to proceed utilizing CSS masks to get the proper form with a minimal quantity of reusable code.

It’s probably not the rounded high edges which are troublesome to drag off, however the backside portion that curves inwards as an alternative of rounding in like the highest. And even then, we already know the key sauce: utilizing CSS masks by combining gradients that reveal simply the components we would like.

We begin by including a border across the factor — excluding the underside edge — and making use of a border-radius
on the top-left and top-right corners.
.tab {
--r: 40px; /* radius measurement */
border: var(--r) stable #0000; /* clear black */
border-bottom: 0;
border-radius: calc(2 * var(--r)) calc(2 * var(--r)) 0 0;
}
Subsequent, we add the primary masks layer. We solely need to present the padding space (i.e., the purple space highlighted in Determine 10).
masks: linear-gradient(#000 0 0) padding-box;
Let’s add two extra gradients, each radial, to indicate these backside curves.
masks:
radial-gradient(100% 100% at 0 0, #0000 98%, #000) 0 100% / var(--r) var(--r),
radial-gradient(100% 100% at 100% 0, #0000 98%, #000) 100% 100% / var(--r) var(--r),
linear-gradient(#000 0 0) padding-box;

Right here is how the complete code comes collectively:
.tab {
--r: 40px; /* management the radius */
border: var(--r) stable #0000;
border-bottom: 0;
border-radius: calc(2 * var(--r)) calc(2 * var(--r)) 0 0;
masks:
radial-gradient(100% 100% at 0 0, #0000 98%, #000) 0 100% / var(--r) var(--r),
radial-gradient(100% 100% at 100% 0, #0000 98%, #000) 100% 100% / var(--r) var(--r),
linear-gradient(#000 0 0) padding-box;
mask-repeat: no-repeat;
background: linear-gradient(60deg, #BD5532, #601848) border-box;
}
As normal, all it takes is one variable to manage the form. Let’s zero-in on the border-radius
declaration for a second:
border-radius: calc(2 * var(--r)) calc(2 * var(--r)) 0 0;
Discover that the form’s rounded high edges are equal to 2 occasions the radius (--r
) worth. In the event you’re questioning why we’d like a calculation right here in any respect, it’s as a result of we have now a clear border hanging on the market, and we have to double the radius to account for it. The radius of the blue areas highlighted in Determine 13 is the same as 2 * R
whereas the purple space highlighted in the identical determine is the same as 2 * R - R
, or just R
.
We will truly optimize the code in order that we solely want two gradients — one linear and one radial — as an alternative of three. I’ll drop that into the next demo so that you can choose aside. Can you determine how we have been capable of eradicate one of many gradients?
I’ll throw in two extra variations so that you can examine:
See the Pen [Rounded tab using CSS mask](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/JjVpPmr) by Temani Afif.
I’m usually requested how I do know when my code may be optimized greater than it’s. That’s actually probably the most troublesome a part of every part we’ve coated to this point. I should not have any exhausting guidelines for the way and when to optimize, and it’s not needed to search out the optimum answer, particularly if you’re a newbie. My recommendation is to first discover the trivial and simple answer, even when it requires quite a lot of gradients. Then, with quite a lot of follow, it is possible for you to to search out higher options.
Speaking about follow, right here’s your subsequent little bit of homework: strive creating the shapes illustrated in Determine 15:

These aren’t tabs in any respect however tooltips! We will completely use the very same masking method we used to create the tabs for these shapes. Discover how the curves that go inward are constant in every form, regardless of if they’re positioned on the left, proper, or each.
You possibly can at all times discover the code over at my online collection if you wish to reference it.
Extra CSS Shapes
At this level, we’ve seen the primary methods to create CSS shapes. You’ll depend on masks
and gradients when you’ve got curves and rounded components or clip-path
when there are not any curves. It sounds easy however there’s nonetheless extra to be taught, so I’m going to supply a number of extra widespread shapes so that you can discover.
As an alternative of going into an in depth rationalization of the shapes on this part, I’m going to provide the recipes for make them and the entire substances you have to make it occur. Actually, I’ve written different articles which are instantly associated to every part we’re about to cowl and can hyperlink them up so that you’ve got guides you may reference in your work.
Triangles
A triangle is probably going the primary form that you’ll ever want. They’re utilized in a lot of locations, from play buttons for movies, to ornamental icons in hyperlinks, to lively state indicators, to open/shut toggles in accordions, to… the record goes on.

Making a triangle form is so simple as utilizing a 3-point polygon along with defining the scale:
.triangle {
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 1;
clip-path: polygon(50% 0, 100% 100%, 0 100%);
}
However we are able to get even additional by including extra factors to have border-only variations:
See the Pen [border-only triangle shapes](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/XWGzJpP) by Temani Afif.
Or mix clip-path
and masks
to get rounded nook variations:
See the Pen [Rounded triangles (the modern way)](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/QWovwoW) by Temani Afif.
Please try my article “CSS Shapes: The Triangle” on the Verpex weblog for a full rationalization of methods with many examples and variations.
Hearts
Hearts are one other traditional form that’s been tackled with older CSS techniques however have a greater trendy equal. We will pull this off extra just by combining border-image
and clip-path
:
.coronary heart {
--c: purple;
width: 200px;
aspect-ratio: 1;
border-image: radial-gradient(var(--c) 69%,#0000 70%) 84.5%/50%;
clip-path: polygon(-42% 0,50% 91%, 142% 0);
}
See the Pen [Heart shape using border-image](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/MWPOJpP) by Temani Afif.
Or use mask-border
as an alternative of border-image
to remodel photos into hearts:
See the Pen [CSS only heart images](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/PoRwjPM) by Temani Afif.
The complete rationalization with extra examples is offered in my article “CSS Shapes: The Heart” over on the Verpex weblog.
Ribbons
Ribbons have been all the fashion again when skeuomorphism was the design fad du jour. They’re nonetheless superior in the present day, and I’ve created a big ol’ collection of them with greater than 100 shapes.
There are lots of various kinds of ribbons, as you may think. So, somewhat than element one I’ll give you 4 articles I’ve written detailing the overall method (extra clips!) and quite a lot of enjoyable variations so that you can take into account.
Tooltips & Speech Bubbles
Like ribbons, there are such a lot of methods we are able to design a tooltip or a speech bubble; so many who I have another collection showcasing more than 100 of them. The next two-part collection offers the entire nitty-gritty particulars:
By the tip, you may actually create as many variations as you may think about.
Reducing Corners
Insert your compulsory joke about how we’re supposed to chop corners in life. Nevertheless, after we reduce corners out of squares and rectangles, the result’s a pleasant ornamental form that additionally works as a body for photos.

We will reduce all of the corners or simply particular ones. We will make round cuts or sharp ones. We will even create a top level view of the general form. Check out my online generator to play with the code, and check out my full article on the topic the place I’m detailing all of the completely different instances.
Part Dividers
Talking of visible transitions between sections, what if each sections have ornamental borders that match collectively like a puzzle?

I hope you see the sample now: generally, we’re clipping a component or masking parts of it. The truth that we are able to type of “carve” into issues this fashion utilizing polygon()
coordinates and gradients opens up so many prospects that might have required intelligent workarounds and super-specific code in years previous.
See my article “How to Create a Section Divider Using CSS” on the freeCodeCamp weblog for a deep dive into the ideas, which we’ve additionally coated right here fairly extensively already in earlier sections.
Floral Shapes
We’ve created circles. We’ve made wave shapes. Let’s mix these two concepts collectively to create floral shapes.

These shapes are fairly cool on their very own. However like a number of of the opposite shapes we’ve coated, this one works extraordinarily properly with photos. In the event you want one thing fancier than the standard field, then masking the perimeters can come off like a custom-framed picture.
Here’s a demo the place I’m utilizing such shapes to create a fancy hover effect:
See the Pen [Fancy Pop Out hover effect!](https://codepen.io/t_afif/pen/qBQzrwq) by Temani Afif.
There’s quite a lot of math concerned with this, particularly trigonometric features. I’ve a two-part collection that will get into the weeds in case you’re concerned about that facet of issues:
As at all times, do not forget that my online collection is your Quantity One useful resource for all issues associated to CSS shapes. The maths has already been labored out in your comfort, however you even have the references you have to perceive the way it works below the hood.
Conclusion
I hope you see CSS Shapes in another way now because of studying this complete information. We coated a number of shapes, however actually, it’s tons of upon tons of of shapes since you see how versatile they’re to configure right into a slew of variations.
On the finish of the day, the entire shapes use some mixture of various CSS ideas comparable to clipping, masking, composition, gradients, CSS variables, and so forth. To not point out a number of hidden methods just like the one associated to the polygon()
perform:
- It accepts factors outdoors the
[0% 100%]
vary. - Switching axes is a stable method for creating form variations.
- The strains we set up can intersect.
It’s not that many issues, proper? We checked out every of those in nice element after which whipped by way of the shapes to exhibit how the ideas come collectively. It’s not a lot about memorizing snippets than it’s totally understanding how CSS works and leveraging its options to provide any variety of issues, like shapes.
Don’t neglect to bookmark my CSS Shape website and use it as a reference in addition to a fast cease to get a selected form you want for a venture. I keep away from re-inventing the wheel in my work, and the web assortment is your wheel for snagging shapes made with pure CSS.
Please additionally use it as inspiration in your personal shape-shifting experiments. And put up a remark in case you consider a form that might be a pleasant addition to the gathering.
References

(gg, yk)
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