Mesh Gradients in CSS and SVG
Create smooth, multi-point gradient meshes in CSS using multiple radial gradients and CSS backdrop filters.
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Tags: mesh gradient CSS, CSS mesh gradient technique, smooth gradient background CSS
Mesh Gradients in CSS and SVG A mesh gradient distributes color across a 2D surface from multiple points — unlike linear or radial gradients that flow along one axis. CSS doesn't support mesh gradients natively, but several techniques approximate the effect at different fidelity levels. For a gradient builder with linear/radial/conic support, see the CSS Gradient Generator guide. For the full color tools overview, see the Color Tools for Designers and Developers guide. --- Why CSS Doesn't Have True Mesh Gradients? CSS gradient functions each have a single interpolation axis: — a straight line — outward from a center point — rotation around a center point A mesh gradient requires a 2D lattice of control points, each with its own color. The color at any location blends from all nearby…
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mesh gradient?
A mesh gradient is a gradient that has multiple color points distributed across a 2D surface, not just along a line or from a single center. Each color point smoothly blends with surrounding points. True mesh gradients use a lattice of control points with individually assigned colors — a format Figma and Illustrator support natively, but CSS does not.
How do I create a mesh gradient in CSS?
CSS cannot produce a true mesh gradient. The closest approximation uses multiple overlapping radial gradients with `mix-blend-mode` or `background-blend-mode`. Place several radial gradients at different positions on a dark or light base, then use `multiply`, `screen`, or `overlay` blend modes to create the multi-point blending effect.
Can CSS create a true mesh gradient?
No. CSS gradients — linear, radial, and conic — all have a single interpolation axis. A mesh gradient requires a 2D grid of control points, which no CSS gradient function supports. The workarounds (multiple radial gradients, SVG filters, WebGL) approximate the visual effect at varying fidelity and complexity.
How do SVG feBlend filters create mesh gradients?
SVG filter primitives can create smooth multi-point color blending using `feTurbulence` (noise), `feColorMatrix` (hue/saturation adjustment), and `feBlend`/`feComposite` (layer mixing). The result is an organic, flowing color field. This approach is more powerful than layered CSS radial gradients but requires SVG markup and cannot be easily animated.
What tools create mesh gradient backgrounds?
Several tools generate ready-to-use mesh gradient code: Mesher (csshero.org/mesher), Grainy Gradient, and Haikei. Figma supports vector mesh gradients for design files but cannot export them directly to CSS — the design must be translated manually or approximated. For production, CSS multi-radial or SVG filter approaches are the most practical.
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