CSS Clip Path Generator: Complex Shapes
Create polygons, circles, and complex clipping masks with a visual CSS clip-path generator.
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Tags: CSS clip path generator, clip-path CSS tool, CSS polygon generator
CSS Clip Path Generator: Complex Shapes crops elements to geometric shapes using pure CSS. It works on any HTML element — sections, images, divs, buttons — and supports smooth animation between shapes. A generator lets you drag vertices to build polygons and copy the coordinate string. --- What is Clip-Path Shape Functions? The most flexible. Each pair of values defines a vertex as coordinates. Clips to a rectangle with optional rounded corners: --- What is Common Layout Patterns? Diagonal Section Divider Angled Header Background Circular Image Mask --- What is Polygon Shape Reference? Building polygons by hand requires knowing the coordinate system. Every point is relative to the element's bounding box — is the top-left corner, is the bottom-right. | Shape | Points | clip-path value |…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSS clip-path?
`clip-path` is a CSS property that hides portions of an element outside a defined clipping region. The visible area can be a circle, ellipse, polygon, or SVG path. Elements outside the clip path are invisible but still occupy space in the layout — they are visually cut, not removed.
How do I create a hexagon with clip-path?
Use `clip-path: polygon(50% 0%, 100% 25%, 100% 75%, 50% 100%, 0% 75%, 0% 25%)`. Each pair of values is an `x% y%` vertex coordinate, listed clockwise. The six points define a regular hexagon within the element's bounding box.
How do I animate clip-path?
Both `transition` and `@keyframes` work with `clip-path` as long as both states use the same `clip-path` function with the same number of points. You can transition between two `polygon()` shapes, between `circle()` sizes, or build entrance/exit effects by transitioning from a zero-size shape to the full shape.
What is the difference between clip-path and mask?
`clip-path` clips using geometric shapes — circles, polygons, SVG paths. `mask` uses image luminance or alpha to determine visibility, allowing gradient fades and image-based masking. `clip-path` is more performant; `mask` is more flexible for complex fades. For sharp geometric cutouts, use `clip-path`.
How do I create a diagonal section in CSS?
Apply `clip-path: polygon(0 0, 100% 0, 100% 90%, 0 100%)` to a section element. This creates a bottom-right-to-left diagonal cut. Adjust the fourth point's Y value (90% in this example) to control the angle of the cut. Pair with a white background below to make the diagonal visible.
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