Free Online CSS Variable Generator Tool
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CSS variable settings
Generate CSS custom properties for colors, spacing, radius, shadows and typography tokens.
Variable tokens
Pick the token groups you want to export and customize the main design values.
Token preview
Live preview
Preview how the generated CSS variables affect real UI components.
Generated CSS
:root · --brand-primary · --brand-space-mdSaved variable sets
Recent and favorite variable sets are saved locally in this browser.
Recent variable sets
Favorite variable sets
What is a CSS Variable Generator?
A CSS Variable Generator is an online tool that helps you create reusable CSS custom properties. Instead of writing variables manually, you can define names, values and groups, preview the generated code and copy clean CSS variables for your project.
CSS variables, also called custom properties, let you store reusable values in your stylesheet. You can use them for colors, spacing, font sizes, border radius values, shadows, gradients, breakpoints and other design tokens.
This CSS Variable Generator runs directly in your browser, making it fast and simple to create CSS custom properties without installing software.
What can you use it for?
You can use this online CSS variable generator to create color palettes, theme variables, spacing systems, design tokens, dark mode values, typography scales, shadow variables, border radius variables and reusable CSS foundations.
For example, you may want to create variables for brand colors, button colors, card radius, section spacing, font sizes, box shadows or a full :root token system for a website.
How to use the CSS Variable Generator
Step 1: Add your variable names
Create variable names for your colors, spacing values, typography, shadows, radius values or other reusable CSS properties.
Step 2: Set the variable values
Enter the value for each CSS variable, such as a hex color, pixel value, rem value, gradient, shadow or custom CSS value.
Step 3: Copy the CSS code
Copy the generated CSS variables and paste them into your stylesheet, component, theme, page builder or frontend project.
CSS variable options
This CSS Variable Generator can help with common custom property tasks such as:
- Generate CSS variables online
- Create CSS custom properties
- Generate
:rootvariables - Create color variables
- Create spacing variables
- Create typography variables
- Create border radius variables
- Create shadow variables
- Create gradient variables
- Create design tokens
- Create theme variables
- Create dark mode variables
- Create reusable CSS values
- Organize CSS token groups
- Generate clean CSS code
- Copy CSS variables instantly
- Use the tool without installing software
The final CSS output may depend on the variable names, values, naming convention and how the generated code is applied in your project.
What are CSS variables?
CSS variables are reusable values defined with custom property names. They usually start with two hyphens and can be reused throughout your CSS with the var() function.
A basic CSS variable looks like this:
:root {
--primary-color: #2563eb;
}You can then use it anywhere in your CSS:
.button {
background: var(--primary-color);
}CSS variables make stylesheets easier to maintain because you can update a value in one place and reuse it across many components.
Basic CSS variable example
A simple set of CSS variables can be defined inside :root.
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
--color-secondary: #ec4899;
--color-text: #111827;
--color-background: #ffffff;
--radius-md: 12px;
--spacing-md: 24px;
}These variables can then be used across buttons, cards, sections, forms and other UI components.
.card {
background: var(--color-background);
color: var(--color-text);
border-radius: var(--radius-md);
padding: var(--spacing-md);
}CSS custom properties syntax
CSS custom properties use a name that starts with --.
--variable-name: value;To use the variable, place it inside the var() function.
property: var(--variable-name);A complete example:
:root {
--button-bg: #2563eb;
--button-text: #ffffff;
}
.button {
background: var(--button-bg);
color: var(--button-text);
}Common CSS variable examples
Color variables
Color variables are useful for brand colors, text colors, backgrounds, borders and UI states.
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
--color-primary-hover: #1d4ed8;
--color-accent: #ec4899;
--color-text: #111827;
--color-muted: #6b7280;
--color-border: #e5e7eb;
--color-background: #ffffff;
}Spacing variables
Spacing variables help keep margins, padding and layout gaps consistent.
:root {
--space-xs: 4px;
--space-sm: 8px;
--space-md: 16px;
--space-lg: 24px;
--space-xl: 40px;
}Border radius variables
Radius variables help keep rounded corners consistent across buttons, cards and containers.
:root {
--radius-sm: 6px;
--radius-md: 12px;
--radius-lg: 24px;
--radius-pill: 999px;
}Typography variables
Typography variables can store font sizes, line heights and font weights.
:root {
--font-size-sm: 0.875rem;
--font-size-base: 1rem;
--font-size-lg: 1.25rem;
--font-size-xl: 2rem;
--line-height-base: 1.6;
}Shadow variables
Shadow variables are useful for cards, buttons, dropdowns and modals.
:root {
--shadow-sm: 0 4px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
--shadow-md: 0 12px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
--shadow-lg: 0 24px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.18);
}What is in CSS?
The :root selector targets the highest-level element in the document. In HTML, this is usually the <html> element.
CSS variables are often placed in :root because it makes them available globally across the stylesheet.
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
}You can then use that variable in any component:
.button {
background: var(--color-primary);
}Using :root is common for global design tokens, theme values and reusable CSS systems.
CSS variables with fallback values
The var() function can include a fallback value. This fallback is used if the variable is missing or invalid.
.button {
background: var(--color-primary, #2563eb);
}In this example, the button uses --color-primary if it exists. If not, it uses #2563eb.
Fallbacks can make your CSS more resilient, especially in reusable components or design systems.
CSS variables for dark mode
CSS variables are very useful for dark mode because you can redefine the same variables under a different selector.
:root {
--color-background: #ffffff;
--color-text: #111827;
--color-card: #f9fafb;
}
.dark {
--color-background: #0f172a;
--color-text: #f8fafc;
--color-card: #1e293b;
}Then your components can use the same variable names:
body {
background: var(--color-background);
color: var(--color-text);
}
.card {
background: var(--color-card);
}This makes theme switching much easier.
CSS variables for buttons
You can use CSS variables to create flexible button styles.
:root {
--button-bg: #2563eb;
--button-bg-hover: #1d4ed8;
--button-text: #ffffff;
--button-radius: 12px;
--button-padding: 12px 24px;
}
.button {
background: var(--button-bg);
color: var(--button-text);
border-radius: var(--button-radius);
padding: var(--button-padding);
}
.button:hover {
background: var(--button-bg-hover);
}This makes it easier to update button styling across the whole project.
CSS variables for cards
Card components can use variables for background, border, radius, spacing and shadow.
:root {
--card-bg: #ffffff;
--card-border: #e5e7eb;
--card-radius: 24px;
--card-padding: 24px;
--card-shadow: 0 16px 40px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
}
.card {
background: var(--card-bg);
border: 1px solid var(--card-border);
border-radius: var(--card-radius);
padding: var(--card-padding);
box-shadow: var(--card-shadow);
}This is useful for design systems, UI kits, landing pages and reusable components.
CSS variables for design tokens
Design tokens are named values that represent design decisions. CSS variables are a practical way to implement design tokens directly in CSS.
Common design tokens include:
- Brand colors
- Text colors
- Background colors
- Spacing values
- Font sizes
- Line heights
- Border radius values
- Shadows
- Gradients
- Z-index values
- Animation durations
- Easing functions
By generating CSS variables for these values, you can make your project more consistent and easier to maintain.
Naming CSS variables
A good naming system makes CSS variables easier to understand and reuse.
Simple naming
:root {
--primary: #2563eb;
--secondary: #ec4899;
}Category-based naming
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
--color-secondary: #ec4899;
--space-md: 16px;
--radius-lg: 24px;
}Component-based naming
:root {
--button-bg: #2563eb;
--button-text: #ffffff;
--button-radius: 12px;
}Category-based naming is often a good balance for websites and design systems.
CSS variables vs Sass variables
CSS variables
CSS variables are native browser features. They can change at runtime, work with themes and can be updated with classes, media queries or JavaScript.
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
}Sass variables
Sass variables are processed before the CSS reaches the browser. They are useful during development, but they do not update at runtime unless the stylesheet is recompiled.
$color-primary: #2563eb;Use CSS variables when you need dynamic theming, runtime changes or native custom properties. Use Sass variables when you need preprocessor features during development.
CSS variables vs regular CSS values
Regular CSS values
With regular CSS values, the same value may be repeated many times.
.button {
background: #2563eb;
}
.link {
color: #2563eb;
}CSS variables
With CSS variables, the value can be stored once and reused.
:root {
--color-primary: #2563eb;
}
.button {
background: var(--color-primary);
}
.link {
color: var(--color-primary);
}This makes updates faster and reduces inconsistencies.
Why use a CSS Variable Generator?
A visual CSS Variable Generator helps you create custom properties faster. Instead of manually writing every variable, you can define names and values, organize them into groups and copy clean CSS code when it is ready.
This is useful for designers, developers, students, frontend builders, WordPress users, Elementor users and anyone building reusable website styles.
It can also help you create a consistent design foundation before styling buttons, cards, layouts, forms, navigation, dark mode and responsive components.
CSS variable design tips
Use clear names
Choose variable names that explain what the value is for, such as --color-primary or --space-lg.
Group related variables
Organize variables by category, such as colors, spacing, typography, shadows and radius values.
Avoid overly specific names
A variable like --blue-500 can be more reusable than --homepage-button-blue if the value is used in many places.
Use semantic tokens
Semantic names such as --color-background, --color-text and --color-border are useful for themes and dark mode.
Keep values consistent
CSS variables are most useful when they create consistency across your interface.
Use fallbacks when needed
Fallback values inside var() can make reusable components safer.
Document your system
For larger projects, keep a list of variable names and intended usage so your CSS stays maintainable.
Common CSS variable use cases
For color systems
Create reusable color variables for brand colors, text, backgrounds, borders, accents and states.
For spacing systems
Generate spacing variables for margins, padding, gaps and section layouts.
For typography
Create font size, line height, letter spacing and font weight variables.
For dark mode
Redefine variables under a dark mode selector to switch themes easily.
For design systems
Create reusable design tokens that keep your UI consistent across pages and components.
For cards
Create card background, border, padding, radius and shadow variables.
Related tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this CSS Variable Generator free?
Yes. This CSS Variable Generator is completely free to use.
Do I need to install anything?
No. You can generate CSS variables directly in your browser without installing software.
What are CSS variables?
CSS variables are reusable custom properties that store values you can use throughout your stylesheet.
What is a CSS custom property?
A CSS custom property is a variable-like CSS value that starts with two hyphens, such as --color-primary.
How do I use a CSS variable?
You can use a CSS variable with the var() function, such as color: var(--color-primary);.
What is used for?
:root is commonly used to define global CSS variables that can be accessed throughout the stylesheet.
Can I create color variables?
Yes. You can create reusable color variables for brand colors, text colors, backgrounds, borders and UI states.
Can I create spacing variables?
Yes. You can create spacing variables for margins, padding, gaps and layout spacing.
Can I use CSS variables for dark mode?
Yes. CSS variables are very useful for dark mode because you can redefine the same variable names under a dark theme selector.
Can I copy the generated CSS?
Yes. After creating your variables, you can copy the generated CSS code and use it in your project.
Can I use this with WordPress or Elementor?
Yes. You can copy the generated CSS and use it in WordPress, Elementor, custom CSS fields, blocks, themes or frontend projects.
Are CSS variables the same as Sass variables?
No. CSS variables work natively in the browser and can change at runtime. Sass variables are compiled before the CSS reaches the browser.
Can CSS variables have fallback values?
Yes. The var() function can include a fallback value, such as var(--color-primary, #2563eb).
Are CSS variables good for design systems?
Yes. CSS variables are very useful for design systems because they can store reusable design tokens such as colors, spacing, radius values and shadows.
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