How to Create 3D Text With CSS3

We’ve already seen how the CSS3 text-shadow property can be used to create glowing and blurred text. Today, we’re going to push the property to its limits and enter the realm of 3D:

3D text effect

This is achieved without graphics, plugins, or canvas trickery. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the example page in Firefox, Chrome, Safari or Opera (sorry IE users — you’ll need to wait for version 10).

The depth is created with multiple text-shadows. Each has a zero blur and is increasingly offset from the main text. This graphic shows how the layers are constructed but, in the real example, the colors are similar and the spacing is no more than 1px apart:

3D text effect

A few blurred shadows are then applied to make the 3D effect more realistic. The final CSS:


p.threeD
{
	text-shadow:
		-1px 1px 0 #ddd,
		-2px 2px 0 #c8c8c8,
		-3px 3px 0 #ccc,
		-4px 4px 0 #b8b8b8,
		-4px 4px 0 #bbb,
		0px 1px 1px rgba(0,0,0,.4),
		0px 2px 2px rgba(0,0,0,.3),
		-1px 3px 3px rgba(0,0,0,.2),
		-1px 5px 5px rgba(0,0,0,.1),
		-2px 8px 8px rgba(0,0,0,.1),
		-2px 13px 13px rgba(0,0,0,.1)
		;
}

The demonstration page shows an example and contains the full source code.

OK, so it’s a lovely effect but that’s a lot of CSS code for your weary typing fingers. Building your own styles will also take time and effort. Wouldn’t it be great if we had something to handle the donkey work for us? Stay tuned to SitePoint…

Frequently Asked Questions about CSS3 3D Text

How can I create a 3D text effect using CSS3?

Creating a 3D text effect using CSS3 involves using the transform property. This property allows you to rotate, scale, move, skew, etc., elements. To create a 3D effect, you would need to use the rotateX, rotateY, and rotateZ methods. You can also add a perspective to give the 3D effect more depth. Remember to use the appropriate vendor prefixes for better browser compatibility.

What is the role of the perspective property in CSS3 3D text?

The perspective property in CSS3 is used to determine the distance between the z=0 plane and the user in order to give a 3D-positioned element some perspective. A lower value results in a more pronounced perspective effect than a higher value. It’s like the zoom lens on a camera; the lower the value, the more intense the 3D effect.

Can I animate my 3D text using CSS3?

Yes, you can animate your 3D text using CSS3. This can be achieved using keyframes and animation properties. Keyframes are used to specify the animation’s behavior at each stage, while the animation properties control the entire animation’s configuration.

How can I add a shadow to my 3D text?

You can add a shadow to your 3D text using the text-shadow property in CSS3. This property accepts four values: the horizontal offset, the vertical offset, the blur radius, and the color of the shadow.

Why is my 3D text not displaying correctly in some browsers?

Not all browsers support 3D transformations. For instance, older versions of Internet Explorer (IE9 and below) do not support 3D transformations. Therefore, it’s important to provide a fallback for these browsers or use vendor prefixes for better compatibility.

How can I make my 3D text responsive?

To make your 3D text responsive, you can use media queries. Media queries allow you to apply different styles for different devices or screen sizes. You can adjust the size, position, and even the color of your 3D text based on the device’s screen size.

Can I use gradient colors for my 3D text?

Yes, you can use gradient colors for your 3D text. This can be achieved using the linear-gradient or radial-gradient functions in CSS3. You can specify as many color stops as you like, and the browser will automatically create a smooth transition between the colors.

How can I add a reflection to my 3D text?

Adding a reflection to your 3D text can be achieved using the box-reflect property in CSS3. This property allows you to specify the direction and offset of the reflection, as well as a mask image to control the reflection’s size and position.

Can I use custom fonts for my 3D text?

Yes, you can use custom fonts for your 3D text. This can be achieved using the @font-face rule in CSS3. This rule allows you to specify a custom font file to be downloaded and used on your webpage.

How can I add a hover effect to my 3D text?

You can add a hover effect to your 3D text using the :hover pseudo-class in CSS3. This pseudo-class allows you to specify styles that will be applied when the user hovers over an element. You can change the color, size, position, and even animate the 3D text when it’s hovered over.